Cresmina Dune

Cresmina Dune (Duna da Cresmina) is a protected stretch of coastal sand near Cascais, on the western edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It covers about 66 hectares and forms part of the larger Guincho-Oitavos dune system, one of the most recognisable natural landscapes on the Portuguese coast west of Lisbon.

What is the Cresmina Dune?

The dune is a living, moving landscape. Prevailing northwest winds lift sand from the Guincho and Cresmina beaches and push it inland across the flat, rocky terrain of Cabo Raso, a largely uninhabited area. The grains keep travelling until they return to the sea around 5 km further south, near Guia. Few dune systems behave this way, which is why the site is often used to explain how sand circulates along a coastline.

Why is the dune so fragile?

The ridges are shaped by constant wind, which makes the whole system unstable. At the same time the dune ridges act as a natural barrier that helps shield the land behind them from rising sea levels. In the past the area suffered from trampling, horse riding and off-road vehicles, which damaged the vegetation that holds the sand in place.

How is it protected today?

The dune is managed as an area of integral reserve, the strictest level of protection. Recovery works included raised wooden walkways with observation platforms. Visitors walk above the sand instead of across it, which lets the native plants regrow. On 6 October 2018 a forest fire in the park damaged the northern part of the walkway, and it was repaired quickly afterwards.

What can you do here?

• Walk the boardwalks. The elevated paths lead through the dune and offer views of the sand, the vegetation and the Atlantic. Stay on the walkways; this is the one rule that matters most for the site.
• Visit the Duna da Cresmina visitor centre. It is the starting point for the walkway and has a permanent exhibition about the dune, its wildlife and its restoration. A cafeteria is on site, and bicycles and segways can be rented there.
• Join a guided walk. The Cascais environment team organises free guided walks for visitors over 10 years old, with a focus on protecting the dune vegetation.
• Hike a longer route. Komoot lists a moderate loop of about 11.6 km between Guincho Beach and Abano Beach that starts from the dune system.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Cresmina Dune? About 66 hectares.

Where is it? Near Cascais, between the Guincho and Cresmina beaches, at the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Can I walk on the sand? No. Visitors use the raised walkways so the vegetation can recover and the dune stays stable.

Is there a visitor centre? Yes. The Duna da Cresmina visitor centre has an exhibition and is the starting point for the walkway.

Is it suitable for a short trip? Yes. The boardwalk can be walked in a relaxed visit, and it combines well with a stop at nearby Guincho beach or a longer coastal hike.

Practical notes

The dune sits in an exposed Atlantic position, so wind is a constant. Bring a windproof layer, sunglasses and water, as there is little shade along the walkway. The light is especially good in the late afternoon, when the sand and the sea take on warmer tones.