When they land in Portugal, the surfers head for the mythical spots of Ericeira, Péniche, Nazaré. They tend to avoid the capital city because of the masses of tourists on the beaches, the intensity of road traffic, simply because the cost of living is very expensive, especially for accommodation.
They then miss the opportunity of an incredible travel experience !
Lisbon is a jewel of Europe, an exotic city where Art, great History and a myriad of cultures blend together to create atypical cultural characteristics. In Lisbon you can almost surf all year round (April to November is the best period) because the winter is mild and the air during the summer is not stifling. Within easy reach by train or on the other side of the river Tagus, there is always a beach near Lisbon where it is good to surf the wave :
On the southern shore, the Caparica coast offers magnificent beaches for 30 km. Some spots are not very crowded, even very peaceful.
On the Lisbon side, the beaches between Estoril and Carcavelos are protected from the north-west winds and are very pleasant. This very busy coast offers a landscape of coves, sandy beaches and reefs suitable for surfing for those who know how to scout.
Important point : beware of localism, it is quite widespread in Portugal. Cases of hostility are reported. If you are beginners, it is better to take surfing lessons with local instructors. Take a look below.
From Cais do Sodre station you have a train that takes you directly to the different spots between Estoril and Bélem.
The surf spots on the Costa da Caparica are a little more difficult to access, so we recommend a car rental for more convenience (beware of theft).
Click to check the surf forecast in Lisbon (good from 3 stars upwards).
It is the best known surfing beach in the Lisbon area as it is also the closest to the capital. Overlooked by the Sao Julião fortress, the beach is a popular weekend spot for Lisbonians, and more generally for expats and tourists. At sunset, it is nice to have a drink from the many lively beach bars.
Carcavelos offers waves all year round. The best times are when we have a swell coming from the southwest and an onshore wind. It is a perfect spot for all levels and is reminiscent of the waves of Hossegor (fast and hollow). You can see it for yourself with the webcam of Carcavelos.
Surf lesson in Carcavelos
Duration of the surfing session with instructor
Beach
Return transfers from Lisbon
Wetsuit and equipment included
Lesson schedule
Food & beverage ?
Extra fun optional
€ 35
per person
2h
Carcavelos
optional
Morning or afternoon
Not included
Return by private sailboat from Carcavelos to Bélem (Lisbon) for 460 € (max 12 people, otherwise it's a catamaran and it's more expensive). On board : open bar & optional food
Situated between Cascais & Sintra, 45 minutes drive from Lisbon, Guincho is one of the best beaches in the region. With a length of 1 km, Guincho is a pleasant and soft spot during the summer, rough and striking during the other seasons. If you get the right swell, you can have straight waves. As it is a very windy spot, you will share the beach in the evening with the kite-surfers.
During the summer, Guincho is at its best because the best swells are there. Some surf schools are present for lessons and equipment. Finally, don’t hesitate to enjoy the sunset while sipping a good imperial at the Bar do Guincho. In the meantime, you can take a look at it via the webcam on the beach.
Click to check the surf forecast in Guincho (good from 3 stars upwards).
Surf lesson in Guincho
Duration of the surfing session with instructor
Beach
Return transfers from Lisbon
Wetsuit and equipment included
Lesson schedule
Food & beverage ?
Extra fun optional
€ 35
per person
2h
Cresmina (Guincho)
optional
Morning or afternoon
Not included
Lunch after the surf lesson
Costa da Caparica is a 30 km long beach with several piers, starting from the Tagus estuary. The beach enjoys a swell all year round with an onshore wind coming from the east. Costa da Caparica offers waves that break either to the right or to the left. So you have different options on these 30 km. The best waves are to the north because there the sand accumulates on the piers. The webcam of Costa da Caparica proves it.
A little further on you will find Lagoa de Albufeira. Located 20 km from Costa da Caparica, this lagoon is a wide strip of sand very exposed to swells and therefore we have waves all year round. Straight waves that can reach up to 3 metres in height. It is also the best spot for kite-surfing.
If you like huge beaches with several types of waves, Albufeira is perfect. The place is beautiful and it’s simply a paradise to relax between two surfing sessions.
Click to check the surf forecast in Costa da Caparica (good from 3 stars upwards).
Surf lesson in Caparica
Duration of the surfing session with instructor
Beach
Return transfers from Lisbon
Wetsuit and equipment included
Lesson schedule
Food & beverage ?
€ 30
per person
2h
Caparica (red dragon beach)
optional
Morning or afternoon
Not included
Booking request free of charge. Do you have a question? If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to consult our FAQ, as well as our general terms and conditions of sale.
To be the first on the waves, nothing beats a surf van to ride the best spots in Lisbon. Wild camping is illegal in Portugal and of course you can be fined. But it is a very common practice, especially among surfers. It gives you adrenaline and above all a great experience of life. All in all, this is what you are looking for when you decide to travel to Portugal. A not insignificant detail : in addition to the surf van rental, we also offer you the rental of a board/bodyboard/paddle and a surf wetsuit. From €50 per night only !
Praia da Poça : located 20 km from Lisbon and accessible by train, Poça is a reef spot known for its large southwest swells. The wave here is heavy and it is best to go there at mid-tide. Nicknamed the Portuguese mini « Teahupoo », Poca beach is for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Sao Pedro : this is a point break which offers good waves, even excellent when the conditions are right. The locals go there when the swells come from the south-west but surfing is also possible with swells from the north-west. It is very relaxing to come and surf in Sao Pedro and when the tide is rising, the surf session can last a long time. Not to be neglected : Sao Pedro offers waves for beginners.
The other spot near Sao Pedro: Bafureira. The best waves on the Estoril side ! Bafureira is a large reef beach that works almost all year round. The best time to surf in Bafureira is during mid tide when you have straight waves. If the right conditions are there, you won’t be disappointed by this spot.
For a video preview of these beaches, nothing beats Inna’s video clip shot in 2013 🙂 !
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