11 Best Beaches in Cascais, Portugal: 2026 Guide

1. Praia do Guincho: The Wild Child

If Cascais has a rebellious teenager, it’s Guincho. Located just north of the town center, Guincho is not here to hold your hand. It is a vast, wind-whipped expanse of golden sand backed by towering, rust-colored dunes and the looming presence of the Sintra mountains. This is not a beach for a quiet swim; the currents here are strong, the waves are high, and the wind whips your hair into a frenzy the moment you step out of the car park.

But that is precisely the magic of it. Guincho is dramatic. It is where you come to feel small against the forces of nature. It is the premier destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers in Portugal. Watching them dance across the whitecaps, silhouetted against the setting sun, is a spectator sport in itself.

There is a specific ritual I love here. I park the car, walk past the dunes, and head straight for the Restaurante Farol das Guincho. It sits perched on the rocks, a former lighthouse keeper's house transformed into a seafood temple. The windows look right out over the water. I order the percebes (goose barnacles)—twisted, alien-looking things that taste of the purest sea—and a bottle of crisp Vinho Verde. It is expensive, yes, but the view justifies the bill. Afterward, I walk the beach, collecting smooth, sea-worn stones, watching the divers brave the churning water. Guincho is wild, untamed, and utterly unforgettable.

2. Praia da Rainha (The Queen’s Beach): The Hidden Jewel

There is a moment of confusion for many first-time visitors to Cascais. They walk along the marina, past the statue of the "Sentinela do Mar," and turn the corner expecting to see a massive stretch of sand. Instead, tucked into a rocky cove, almost hidden from view, lies Praia da Rainha. It is tiny. It is intimate. And it is, arguably, the most charming beach in Portugal.

The history here is palpable. This was the private beach of Queen Amelia, wife of King Carlos I, who summered in the Cascais Citadel. She wanted a beach that was sheltered from the wind and prying eyes, and she found it here.

Today, it is public, but it still feels exclusive. You have to want to find it. The sand is soft, the water is remarkably calm due to the breakwater, making it a surprisingly good spot for families with small children who want to avoid the big Atlantic waves. But its primary demographic is the romantic couple and the solo traveler seeking a quiet sun trap. I like to go there early in the morning, before the town fully wakes up, bringing a book and a coffee. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

3. Praia de Carcavelos: The Grand Dame

Carcavelos is the beach that connects everything. It sits at the western edge of the Cascais bay, a massive, sweeping crescent of sand that feels like the town’s grand living room. If Guincho is the wild rebel and Rainha the shy introvert, Carcavelos is the life of the party.

The vibe here is electric. On a summer weekend in 2026, the promenade will be packed with families, joggers, and dog walkers. The beach itself is divided into sections: the open sea for swimmers, the area near the fort for surfers (it’s a great spot for beginners), and the western edge for the windier days.

But the true anchor of Carcavelos is the Forte de São Julião da Barra. There is a restaurant inside the fort called O Forte, with a terrace that overlooks the beach. It’s one of my favorite places for lunch. I order the grilled sea bass, which arrives glistening with olive oil and herbs, and watch the container ships drift slowly toward Lisbon. It’s a meal that tastes of history and the sea. Carcavelos also has a practical side—it’s one of the easiest beaches to reach from Lisbon by train.

4. Praia da Raposeira: The Family Sanctuary

Just north of the main Cascais bay, tucked away below the road that winds up towards Guincho, lies Praia da Raposeira. It is a beach that often gets overlooked by the rushing traffic heading to the bigger names, which is exactly why it remains a favorite for locals.

"Raposeira" translates to "foxglove," but in this context, it’s a clearing for people. It is a long, narrow strip of sand protected by a rocky breakwater that creates a natural swimming pool. The water here is often warmer and significantly calmer than at Carcavelos or Guincho.

I have a distinct memory of a July afternoon here a few years ago. I had been hiking the trails of Sintra all morning and was covered in sweat and dust. I scrambled down the access path and plunged into the water at Raposeira. The coolness was instant relief. Around me, three generations of a Portuguese family were sharing a massive picnic. It’s a beach of soft sounds—the chatter of Portuguese, the rhythmic washing of small waves, the laughter of children. It’s not glamorous, but it is pure, unadulterated family bliss.

5. Praia do Tamariz: The Social Hub

You cannot talk about Cascais beaches without mentioning Tamariz. It is arguably the most famous beach in the area, sitting right at the end of the main promenade, just past the train station. It is defined by the iconic arches of the Hotel Baía and the row of restaurants that sit directly on the sand.

Tamariz is where you go to see and be seen. It is a social scene. On a hot Saturday in 2026, the sand will be a mosaic of colorful towels, sunglasses, and bodies glistening with oil. The water is calm, enclosed by a breakwater that makes it safe for swimming.

My relationship with Tamariz is one of love and tolerance. I love the convenience. I love that I can rent a sunbed and umbrella, walk ten steps to a kiosk, and order a bucket of chilled white wine and prawns. However, I usually save Tamariz for the late afternoon. Around 5:00 PM, as the day-trippers start to head back to Lisbon, a golden light settles over the bay. I grab a table at NoSoloÁgua, the trendy beach club at the western end. It’s a bit pricey, but the DJ is usually excellent, and the vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed.

6. Praia da Poça: The Surfer’s Rhythm

Just south of Guincho, separated by a rocky outcrop, lies Praia da Poça. It is a smaller, more sheltered cousin to the wind-battered giant above it. The name "Poça" means "puddle," which refers to the rock pools that form at low tide, but it’s also a nickname for the consistent surf break here.

This is a beach for those who want to learn or practice surfing without the heavy winds of Guincho. The waves are rolling and forgiving, at least on smaller days. The vibe is strictly surf-centric. You won’t see many sunbathers here; this is a beach of waxed boards, wetsuits, and wet hair.

I remember watching a group of teenagers here, no older than fifteen, who had clearly been coming here for years. They moved with a confidence that bordered on arrogance. There is a distinct lack of pretense at Poça. It’s gritty and real. If you are looking to take a lesson, several instructors set up shop here in the summer. It’s a great place to learn because the sand bottom is forgiving.

7. Praia de Santa Marta: The Nautical View

Located right beneath the Santa Marta Lighthouse (the one you see on all the postcards) and the Convent of the Capuchos, this beach is a strip of sand that feels like it’s guarding the entrance to the marina. It’s technically a small cove rather than a full beach, but it offers a spectacular view of the "Boca do Inferno" (Hell’s Mouth) cliffs in the distance and the comings and goings of the Cascais marina.

The water is generally calm, making it a good spot for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). In 2026, I expect the SUP scene here to be even more popular. It’s a fantastic way to see the coastline from a different perspective, paddling past the lighthouse and looking back at the colorful houses of Cascais.

The highlight here, however, is the Lighthouse Bar. It’s a small bar located on the rocks near the beach (technically part of the Lighthouse complex). It has limited hours and is often closed in the winter, but in the summer, it is a golden ticket. Grabbing a cold drink here as the sun goes down, watching the boats bob in the harbor, is one of the simple pleasures of Cascais.

8. Praia da Bafureira: The Local Secret

If you keep walking the coastal path north from Guincho, you eventually come to Praia da Bafureira. It is even smaller and less known than Poça. It’s a beach that requires a bit of effort to reach, involving a walk down a dirt track, which naturally filters out the casual crowd.

Bafureira is a slice of wild paradise. It is completely surrounded by cliffs, giving it the feeling of a hidden cove from a pirate movie. The sand is dark and coarse. The waves crash with a roar. It is not a swimming beach for the faint of heart; the undertow can be fierce.

But for the intrepid traveler, it is a sanctuary. I’ve spent whole afternoons here with just a handful of other people, reading and listening to the ocean. Because it faces west, the sunsets here are spectacular. The sun sinks directly into the Atlantic, painting the cliffs in fiery hues. It’s a place to disconnect. There are no services here—no toilets, no bars, no rentals. You bring everything you need and you take your trash with you. It is raw, beautiful Portugal.

9. Praia do Guincho (Praia da Rainha Annex): The Naturist Spot

Confusingly, there is a small cove at the very southern tip of the Guincho area that is sometimes referred to as "Praia da Rainha" or "Praia do Guincho (Rainha)." It is distinct from the main Queen's Beach in the town center. This is a tiny, protected inlet that sits directly below the famous windsurfing kites. It is usually reserved for naturists. It’s a quiet, respectful spot where the dunes provide natural shelter. If you are looking for a clothing-optional experience near Cascais, this is the place. It retains the wild beauty of Guincho but offers a bit more privacy.

10. Praia da Adraga: The Culinary Road Trip

I’m cheating slightly here by including Adraga, as it’s a 15-minute drive north of Cascais town, but no guide to the region’s beaches is complete without it. It is the rugged endpoint of the Cascais coastline. The drive there along the EN-9 road is breathtaking, winding through pine forests and emerging onto dramatic cliffs.

Adraga is a massive, imposing beach of dark sand and grey water. It feels like the edge of the world. It is wild, windy, and often shrouded in a mist that burns off by noon. It is a favorite of the "hardcore" swimmers and the locals who live in the Sintra hills.

But the real reason to go to Adraga is for lunch at Restaurante O Pescador. It sits right on the sand. The food here is legendary. We’re talking about arguably the best seafood in the entire Lisbon region. The "Açorda de Marisco" (seafood bread stew) is life-changing. The clams are sweet and briny. I drive to Adraga specifically for this meal, then walk it off on the beach, watching the waves explode against the rocks. It’s a perfect day trip.

11. Praia da Ribeira (Cascais): The Heart of the Village

Finally, we return to the center. Praia da Ribeira is the beach that sits right in the lap of the village. It is a small, semi-circular beach backed by the fortress walls and the fishermen's houses. It is the spiritual home of Cascais.

This is where the fishing boats are pulled up on the sand (or rather, the small pebbles). It is where the fishermen mend their nets in the morning. It is where the tourists sit on the wall eating ice cream. It is chaotic, loud, and utterly charming.

The water here is very calm, protected by the marina breakwater. It’s great for a quick dip to cool off while exploring the town. The vibe is festive. In the summer evenings, it’s common to see impromptu live music or families playing football on the sand. I love to start my days here. I’ll grab a coffee at one of the kiosks on the promenade, watch the fishermen unload their catch, and plan my route for the day. It grounds you.