The Best Surf Spots Near Lisbon, Portugal
Staying in Lisbon city or in the metropolitan area of Lisbon (Portugal) is a great place to stay if you are a surfer. Not only do you have everything a big city has to offer, but you are also surrounded by great diverse surf breaks suited for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are amazing surf spots close by and you will find plenty of surf around Lisbon.
Generally speaking, Portugal gets more powerful swells during winter and more gentle swells during summer, so the surfing conditions in winter are usually better for advanced surfers, and summer is better for beginner surfers.
In terms of water temperature, the water in Portugal is always cold. In winter, it is colder than summer, so I use a 5/4mm and in summer a 4/3mm, but most people use a 4/3mm all year round. You can also get by with a 3/2mm or a short wetsuit in the warmer days of summer.
Here are some of the surf spots near Lisbon:
Costa da Caparica
Getting there: Google Maps link
Costa da Caparica is one of the most popular surfing spots near Lisbon, Portugal. Stretching for kilometers along the coast, this area offers a mix of sandbar breaks and jetties (click here if you want to learn more about wave types). It’s known for its consistency, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: East to Northeast
Best Swell: West to Southwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter (Dec–Feb): Powerful waves (1.5m–3m), 14-16°C water. Best for intermediates and advanced surfers. A 4/3mm wetsuit is recommended, although I usually use a 5/4.
Spring (Mar–May): More moderate swells (1m–2m), 16-18°C water. Great for all levels.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Smaller waves (0.5m–1.5m), 18-21°C water. Ideal for beginners. A 3/2mm wetsuit or shorty is enough, although I usually use a full wetsuit.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): This is one of the best seasons here, with consistent swells and warm water.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There is no shortage of restaurants and places to eat around here. If you want some delicious toasts, head out to A H O Y Surf & Snacks, for Mexican food, try Huracan. Since Costa da Caparica is a fishing town, there are also plenty of places to eat fresh fish. If you need extra recommendations, send us a message.
Surf Schools & Rentals: Our own surf school, Breakthrough Surf School, offers top-quality lessons and rentals
Accommodation: There is plenty of accommodation here ranging from hotels to guesthouses and hostels. We are running our Surf Camp from April 17th-21st. Join here.
Other Amenities: Beachfront cafés and restaurants, parking, public showers at the beach, supermarkets, surf stores, 30km of sandy beach stretch, and everything else you need.
Surf Level
Beginner to Advanced – Sandbar breaks provide beginner-friendly waves, while jetties help form sandbanks that offer steeper peaks for more experienced surfers. Winter brings more powerful swells, better for advanced surfers, and summer is better for beginners.
Fonte da Telha
Getting there: Google Maps link
A stunning stretch of beach south of Costa da Caparica, Praia da Fonte da Telha offers consistent Sandbar breaks and fewer crowds compared to other spots.
It's the spot to surf when it's too big to surf in Costa da Caparica.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: East to Northeast
Best Swell: West to Southwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Similar to Costa da Caparica, with good conditions year-round. Smaller in summer and bigger in winter.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There are plenty of restaurants for all tastes.
Surf Schools & Rentals: Available locally.
Accommodation: There are some hostels at the beach.
Surf Level
Beginner to advanced – Some areas have stronger currents. The waves here are smaller than those at Costa da Caparica, so it's a spot many people go to when it's too big to surf in Caparica.
Carcavelos
Getting there: Google Maps link
Praia de Carcavelos is just 20 minutes from Lisbon and offers a mix of fast beach breaks and plenty of barrels in winter. It’s one of the most popular urban surf spots near the city.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: North and Northeast
Best Swell: West to Southwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Big and hollow waves, 14-16°C water.
Spring: Fun and playful waves, 16-18°C water.
Summer: Great for beginners, 18-21°C water.
Autumn: Consistent surf, 16-18°C water.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: Carcavelos beach offers a wide variety of ocean-facing restaurants and cafés. From pizzas to fish restaurants, you will find something you enjoy.
Surf Schools & Rentals: Multiple options on the beach.
Other Amenities: Parking, showers, surf shops, some accommodation, and the Nova School of Business and Economics university campus.
Surf Level
Beginner to Advanced – Conditions vary depending on the swell and season. Winter favours advanced surfers, and summer is better for beginners.
Praia de São Pedro do Estoril
Getting there: Google Maps Link
A fun right going reef break with long rides, Praia de São Pedro do Estoril is ideal for surfers who enjoy cleaner, more mechanical waves. It’s a favorite among longboarders and intermediate surfers looking to improve.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: North to Northeast
Best Swell: Southwest to West
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Stronger waves, fewer crowds, 14-16°C water.
Spring: Playful conditions, 16-18°C water.
Summer: Smaller waves, good for longboarding, 18-21°C water.
Autumn: Consistent surf.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There are caffés/restaurants at the beach
Surf Schools & Rentals: Local surf schools available on-site.
Surf Level
Intermediate to Advanced – The reef bottom requires experience.
Santo Amaro
Getting there: Google Maps Link
Santo Amaro break is a sheltered right-going reef break located in Oeiras to the right of the Santo Amaro beach. It's kind of a novelty wave since it's more or less hidden on the right side of the beach. It usually needs big powerful swells to break, but when it does, it's an amazing right-going wave.
It used to be longer until the jettie at the end of the wave was built. Sufers asked the city to reduce the length of the jetty so as to not make the wave be completely destroyed by it, and the city made the jetty shorter.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: North to Northeast
Best Swell: Southwest or big West swells
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Winter brings some of the best swells for this spot, 14-16°C water.
Spring: Small waves, 16-18°C water.
Summer: Flat or Small waves, 18-21°C water.
Autumn: Small waves.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There are none at the spot, but you can find them across the road behind the spot.
Surf Schools & Rentals: None at this spot.
Other Amenities: Beachside promenade, parking.
Surf Level
Advanced – The reef bottom requires experience.
Praia do Guincho
Getting there: Google Maps Link
Guincho is a beach break and is famous for its strong winds and powerful waves, making it a hotspot for experienced surfers and kitesurfers. The beach is exposed to the Atlantic, ensuring consistent swells but sometimes challenging conditions. Since it is so exposed, it can be a swell magned, so, during flat spells in summer, this can be a place to search for waves.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: Southeast to East
Best Swell: Northwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Heavy waves, 13-16°C water.
Spring: Good waves, but wind picks up, 16-18°C water.
Summer: Windy, smaller waves, 18-21°C water.
Autumn: Best time to surf here.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There are some fine dining restaurants around as well as Bar do Guincho, a beach bar/restaurant by the beach.
Surf Schools & Rentals: Surf rentals are available at the beach.
Other Amenities: Parking.
Surf Level
Beginner to Advanced – Same as other surf spots in Portugal, summer brings mellower waves, and winter brings more powerful waves. In any case, it may have strong currents and shifting peaks.
Praia da Adraga
Getting there: Google Maps Link
Praia da Adraga is one of the most picturesque surf spots near Lisbon. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and golden sand, this beach break provides a breathtaking backdrop for a surf session. The waves here tend to be powerful, making it an excellent choice for more experienced surfers looking for a challenge. It is less crowded than some of the more mainstream spots, offering a more peaceful experience.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: East to Northeast
Best Swell: Northwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Heavy and powerful waves, ideal for advanced surfers.
Spring & Autumn: Consistent, strong waves with fewer crowds.
Summer: Smaller waves, but still punchy, great for intermediate surfers.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: "Restaurante da Adraga," known for fresh seafood with a view.
Other Amenities: Limited surf rentals, so bring your own gear.
Surf Level
Intermediate to Advanced – Strong currents and fast-breaking waves.
Praia Grande (Sintra)
Getting there: Google Maps Link
Praia Grande is a well-known surf destination in the Sintra region. It’s one of the most consistent surf spots near Lisbon, thanks to its exposure to powerful Atlantic swells. This beach break can produce heavy waves, making it an exciting but challenging spot. It is also a summer spot as it receives lots of swell. The water in Sintra can be a bit chillier than in other places.
Surf Break Type
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Best Wind: East
Best Swell: Northwest
Seasonal Conditions & Water Temperature
Winter: Big, heavy waves with strong currents, 13-15°C water. Best for experienced surfers.
Spring: More manageable swells, good for intermediates.
Summer: Smaller but still punchy waves, 17-19°C water.
Autumn: Excellent conditions with fewer crowds.
Amenities & Surf Services
Restaurants: There are several restaurants and caffés, ranging from tosta mista to amazing seafood, all with great beach views.
Surf Schools & Rentals: Several options on the beach.
Other Amenities: Parking, showers, surf shops, and accommodation.
Surf Level
Beginner to Advanced – Powerful waves and strong currents can be challenging during winter. Mellow waves during summer. Same as Guincho, this place can be a swell magnet so when it's flat everywhere this can be a great option.
We have talked about some of the spots around Lisbon, but there are many more. If you are coming to Portugal and want to know where to surf, you can book surf guiding sessions with us.
Plan Your Surf Trip to Portugal
If you are planning to visit Lisbon and Portugal, then check out our surf trip packing list and our guide on packing your surfboard for air travel.
Need local expertise? Our surf guiding service has you covered.
For those wanting to learn how to surf, book a surf lesson with Breakthrough Surf School in Costa da Caparica or join our 5-day surf camp in Caparica and come learn how to surf with us!
As always:
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