Guincho Norte
Lisbon, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Guincho Norte is a beach on Lisbon's coast that holds the Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter than the peak summer months…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Guincho Norte
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Guincho Norte?
Guincho Norte is a beach on Lisbon's coast that holds the Blue Flag award, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The best time to visit is May, June, or September, when crowds are lighter than the peak summer months of July and August.
Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, so families and swimmers can rely on consistent standards year-round.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Lisbon, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Guincho Norte 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 | 16°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 15°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 16°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jul | 19°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 20°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 20°C | Low |
| Nov | 15°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 17°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Guincho Norte?
The best time to visit Guincho Norte is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 19.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.8°C in July.
How crowded does Guincho Norte get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Guincho Norte sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Guincho Norte 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 Norte
Is Guincho Norte safe to swim?
Guincho Norte is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Guincho Norte?
Peak water temperature at Guincho Norte reaches around 19.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12°C.
What is the beach like at Guincho Norte?
Guincho Norte on the Lisbon coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Guincho Norte sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Guincho Norte
How do I get to Guincho Norte by car?
Guincho Norte is approximately 5.98 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 Norte?
The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), approximately 29.9 km away.
Can I get to Guincho Norte 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 311 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Guincho Norte?
Guincho Norte lists Cascais as the nearest railway station, 5.9 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Guincho Norte
Open the map or get directions to the Guincho Norte 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)
On the beach
Facilities at Guincho Norte
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 164 m away, no parking fee
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – November |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 2.2 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 311 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 38.7308°N, 9.4741°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Guincho Norte FAQ
Is Guincho Norte suitable for children?
Guincho Norte has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Guincho Norte free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Guincho Norte. Check with the beach operator before you travel. 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 Norte?
The best time to visit Guincho Norte 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 19.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Guincho Norte?
Guincho Norte 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 Norte?
Guincho Norte is located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is approximately 5.98 km from Cascais. The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 29.9 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
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.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What 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 Norte
- 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.