Guincho Sul
Lisbon, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Guincho Sul is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 5.75 km from Cascais. The Blue Flag award recognizes its water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety measures. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when crowds…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Guincho Sul
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Guincho Sul?
Guincho Sul is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 5.75 km from Cascais. The Blue Flag award recognizes its water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety measures. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors. The Foundation for Environmental Education awards the Blue Flag status annually, making it a solid choice for families and swimmers.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Lisbon, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Guincho Sul faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Guincho Sul is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 16.8°C in July.
How crowded does Guincho Sul get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Guincho Sul sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Guincho Sul open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Guincho Sul
Is Guincho Sul safe to swim?Guincho Sul is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Guincho Sul?Peak water temperature at Guincho Sul reaches around 16.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.4°C.
What is the beach like at Guincho Sul?Guincho Sul on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Guincho Sul have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Guincho Sul meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Guincho Sul sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Blue Flag Beaches Portugal , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Guincho Sul
How do I get to Guincho Sul by car?Guincho Sul is approximately 5.75 km from Cascais. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Guincho Sul?The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), approximately 231.3 km away.
Can I get to Guincho Sul by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Cascais. The nearest recorded bus stop is 64 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Guincho Sul?Guincho Sul lists Cascais as the nearest railway station, 5.75 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Guincho Sul
Open the map or get directions to the Guincho Sul pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 2.7 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 64 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.7218°N, 9.4786°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Guincho Sul FAQ
Is Guincho Sul suitable for children?
Guincho Sul has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Guincho Sul free to access?
Access to Guincho Sul is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Lisbon, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Guincho Sul?
The best time to visit Guincho Sul is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 16.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Guincho Sul?
Guincho Sul is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Guincho Sul?
Guincho Sul is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 5.75 km from Cascais. The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), 231.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
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Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
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Explore PortugalWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Guincho Sul
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.