Portugal, with its wild coastline, sun-drenched beaches, and diverse outdoor environments, is a country of unparalleled beauty. From 1985 to 1995, I was fortunate enough to call this enchanting place home, and my time there left me with memories that continue to shape my sense of freedom and connection to nature. Among the many stunning locations in Portugal, Praia de Guincho stood out as my favorite, not just for its raw beauty, but for the sense of adventure and tranquility it offered. Incoming winds have created a series of sand dunes along its 750-metre shoreline and a thriving beach ecosystem.
Praia de Guincho: The “Cry of the Seagull”
Nestled just west of Cascais, Praia de Guincho is a beach where nature reigns supreme. Its name, which translates as “Cry of the Seagull,” perfectly captures the wild and untamed atmosphere of the area. As a professional pianist and composer I composed and have performed many, many times, my solo piano piece, “Guincho – Cry of the Seagull”. The powerful surf, driven by the Atlantic’s winds, continuously shapes its shores. It’s a place where the ocean’s energy meets land with both beauty and intensity. Guincho was my retreat—a place to witness nature’s strength and to feel at peace amid the chaos of the crashing waves. My sons and I spent whole days there, stretching into the late evening, not concerned about time or the thought of the next day. We lived in the moment and enjoyed all that nature had to offer.
The beach is a haven for surfers and bodyboarders, with waves that are both challenging and exhilarating. The power of the surf often kept the uninitiated at a respectful distance, but for those who dared, it was pure joy. The offshore winds create perfect barrels that tempt experienced surfers, while the natural beauty of the setting makes it equally appealing to those who prefer to sunbathe, walk the shoreline, or simply sit in quiet contemplation.
Nights on the Beach: Cooking with Nature
One of my fondest memories of Guincho involves cooking on the beach at night, a ritual that brought together the simplicity of life by the sea and the beauty of self-sufficiency. Using pine cones collected from nearby forests as fuel, we would set up small fires right on the sand. There was something magical about watching the flames flicker against the backdrop of the Atlantic, with the sound of the waves as our soundtrack.
Catching fish during the day added a primal satisfaction to our meals. The bounty of the sea, fresh from the line, cooked on an open fire was perfection. We would pair the fish with salads bought from smallholders along the roadside—often humble family farmers who sold their fresh produce directly to passersby. The ingredients were simple but delicious, enhanced by the crispness of the local air and the day’s sunshine. It was beach life at its most organic and free, where the line between day and night blurred in the rhythm of the tide.
The Clean Air and Glorious Sunshine
Portugal, especially along the coast, is blessed with some of the cleanest air I’ve ever experienced. The Atlantic breeze carried with it the scent of salt, pine, and seaweed, a mix that always made me feel rejuvenated. Days spent at Guincho were soaked in sunshine—long, golden hours beneath a clear sky. Yet, the importance of sun protection was always present. The Portuguese sun, particularly in the summer months, can be intense, and taking care of your skin was essential. Sunscreen, hats, and the occasional retreat to the shade were necessary companions to fully enjoying the beach life.
Freedom in the Outdoors: Surfing, Fishing, and More
What made Portugal truly special was not just its beaches, but the variety of outdoor activities that awaited just beyond the sand. Fishing was not just a pastime but a way of connecting with the local environment. Casting a line from the rocky shores or taking a small boat into the shallows felt like a dance with the ocean, a ritual that brought you closer to the land and sea.
Beyond the waves, the mountainous terrain inland provided excellent opportunities for mountain biking. Trails cut through lush forests and rolling hills, offering views of the coastline that seemed to stretch forever. The freedom of biking through such landscapes was unmatched, with each turn of the wheel uncovering new vistas of untouched beauty.
For those inclined toward relaxation, Portugal’s golf courses were among the finest, offering a different way to appreciate the outdoors. Courses like Penha Longa or Oitavos Dunes, close to Guincho, blend the natural contours of the land with the game’s quiet intensity. Whether on the bike, with a fishing rod, or on the greens, there was a palpable sense of ease that pervaded all outdoor activities in Portugal—a result of the country’s unhurried pace and harmonious relationship with nature.
My Portuguese garden
I hugely enjoyed the time spent at my home in Portugal beside a small lake with water lilies growing abundantly. I always chose to use rattan furniture to relax in as I love the appearance and feel of rattan. It seems to blend in so perfectly with the nature that surrounds it. It is also a relatively inexpensive solution for garden furniture.
Rattan furniture was a perfect addition to my personal garden space in Portugal, where the Mediterranean climate provided the ideal setting for outdoor living. Its lightweight, natural look complemented the lush greenery of gardens, while offering a comfortable, stylish place to relax and enjoy the sun. It can be placed on a shaded patio or under a pergola, as rattan furniture adds a touch of rustic elegance and blends beautifully with nature. Given the warm, dry summers that I experienced, I considered buying synthetic rattan furniture, which is weather-resistant and is especially practical for lasting durability without sacrificing the charm of natural rattan. However, that is down to personal taste and cost and ultimately I chose natural rattan.
A Sense of Freedom
Living in Portugal from 1985 to 1995 was more than an adventure; it was a lesson in how to live freely. Praia de Guincho, with its rugged beauty, clean air, and endless sunshine, was a place that fostered an unshakeable sense of peace. Whether riding the waves, cooking over an open flame, or simply lying on the warm sand, I found an ease and a rhythm that could only be born from living so close to the natural world.
Beach life in Portugal is more than just a day by the water—it’s an experience that redefines what it means to be free. The sun, sea, and sand combine to create a lifestyle that is as fulfilling as it is simple. For those fortunate enough to experience it, there is an undeniable draw to return, to breathe in the ocean air, feel the sand underfoot, and to once again embrace the beautiful ease of Portugal’s outdoor life. If you ever have the opportunity, visit Portugal. And visit Praia do Guincho. You may fall in love with it and stay forever!