Surfing Lisbon: 7 Best Surf Spots Close to Town

Reed Chapman

Copywriter

Chasing the surf in Lisbon is an exceptional experience, no matter your skill level.

Surfing in Lisbon is a dream come true for many. Whether it’s the gentle waves during summer season or massive winter swells, we know nothing can stop the obsessed from tracking down the best waves during their surf holiday – and what better city to base yourself than Lisbon?


With Lisbon’s surfing hotspots all around there is no shortage of options for wave hounds. Capturing the North Atlantic’s swells with winds coming from the north and west, Lisbon’s mild climate and coast creates the ideal conditions for regular and thrilling surfing.


For those who wish to be closer to the action, campervan hire in Lisbon offers fully-equipped surf wagons with ample room for your own board (surf board rental is also available). In no time you will be bombing around the beautiful coast of Lisbon with this handy guide as you discover the best surf spots around Lisbon.


So, grab a board, grab a van and let’s explore.

Carcavelos beach is widely known to have consistent waves almost all year round.

1. Carcavelos - Lisbon’s Most Popular Surf Spot


Surfing in Lisbon wouldn’t be the same without Carcavelos. A short 10-minute drive from the city centre, Carcavelos beach is widely known to have consistent waves almost all year round. Surfers love to gather here due to easy access and numerous surf schools.


The waves here can be quite high, especially during winter months. The wind direction comes from the north, and Carcavelos provides both lefts and rights. Once you’re done you’ll have plenty of options for cafés or restaurants to chill out in – or better yet, rinse off using the campervan shower and brew yourself up a nice coffee on the hobs.


Skill level: All levels

Praia da Poça is known for its large and heavy waves and is a prime spot for all you expert surfers looking for a challenge. 

2. Praia da Poça - Experts Only


Now let’s really see how skilled (or brave) you are. Just 20km west of Lisbon you will find the reef break of Praia da Poça. Known for its large and heavy waves this is a prime spot for all you expert surfers looking for a challenge. Mid-tide is usually the best time to unstrap your board from your van and take it out on the waves to experience the large south westerly swells coming in with the north winds.


Pro tip: The best time for a Lisbon surfing excursion is from October to March. The weather might be cooler, but you’ll have your handy camper nearby ready to heat you up. Easy access, and plenty of parking make it even sweeter.


While you may not find many large waves during summer (a general rule for surf spots around Lisbon), the calmer conditions are ideal for beginners. If you’re just starting out, read Top 10 Beaches to Learn to Surf in Portugal.


Skill level: Expert

Praia Grande is situated just north of Sintra with plenty of room on its large sandy beach.

3. Praia Grande - Consistent Year-Round Swells


If Poça got your adrenalin pumping, then why not try another spot renowned for its larger waves. Praia Grande is situated just north of Sintra with plenty of room on its large sandy beach. A very exposed beach which makes it sensitive to wind, this stretch of coast picks up many swells. At its best it creates impressive tubes perfect for professional surfers and the swells are generally consistent all year round.


Ideal conditions are usually an easterly or south easterly wind creating north to southwest swells. The great draw of Praia Grande is that despite its large waves it can provide smaller variations around waist height – so all you blossoming surfers may even find some waves to start testing yourselves. Praia Grande also offers a few restaurants but not such a wide variety as other more touristy spots – but that shouldn’t stop you cooking up something delicious on your camper’s hobs.


Skill level: Intermediate to Expert

Praia do Guincho is well-known for its windy conditions and large barrelling waves.

4. Praia do Guincho - Plenty of Large Barrels 


Still not impressed? Then let’s give you a real challenge and take you to the most westerly point of continental Europe. Praia do Guincho is well-known for its windy conditions and large barrelling waves. Out of the summer season when the swells get even larger this is a prime spot for seasoned surfers looking for a challenge.


The east to south-easterly winds create north-westerly to south-westerly swells, with waves reaching double overhead. Check out the left-hander on the south side of the beach and an a-frame further towards the middle. In the summer certain waves can be calmer for any intermediates looking for a slightly easier surf.


The beach provides two sets of beach cafes and restaurants with plenty of parking but can attract lots of locals and tourists, especially in the summer.


Pro tip: If you find it too crowded why not head to the smaller bay just south of Guincho called Praia da Cresmina.


Skill level: Intermediate to Expert

Costa da Caparica is a popular beach just across the bay from Lisbon and divided by jetties.

5. Costa Da Caparica - Nice and Easy


If all that is sounding a little too daunting, then Costa da Caparica might just be the Lisbon surfing haven you’re looking for. This popular beach is just across the bay from Lisbon and divided by jetties. Each area is suitable for different levels, so beginners and experts all flock to this great surf spot.


The beach stretches for 30km, with low tide lefts around the Cova do Vapor area, while much smaller waves can be found at Fonte da Telha. You will have more control in the centre as the jetties will give you a lot more defined peaks; but be prepared for crowded waves. Being this popular it won’t be short of bars and restaurants either.


Skill level: Beginner to Expert

20km south of Lisbon is an eye-catching stretch of beach known as Lagoa de Albufeira that offers a wide-ranging variety of waves.

6. Lagoa de Albufeira - Off the Beaten Path


If it’s solitude you’re after, then head 20km south of Lisbon to this eye-catching stretch of beach. Lagoa de Albufeira offers a wide-ranging variety of waves along with plenty of beach to kick back and relax. Your camper has plenty of room for boards and beach gear so why not make it a fun-filled beach day while you’re at it.


This is an exposed beach with many swells that can reach 3 metres throughout all seasons. The best wind direction comes from the east and its best swell direction is west southwest. The beach break also offers both left and right waves which can reach lengths of 50 metres. 


With restaurants aplenty and a number of campsites, this beach is a great stop off point on your journey.


Skill level: Intermediate to Expert

World Surf Reserve Ericeira is just a short 40 minute drive from Lisbon.

7. Ericeira - World Surf Reserve Approved


Anywhere with a World Surf Reserve label is a must-visit surfing spot in our book. So why not head across to Ericeira. A short 40 minute drive from Lisbon. This laid back beach town offers a number of surf spots suited to different experience levels, and great surf schools.


If you’re just starting, then Foz do Lizandro is one of the best places to go. As one of the southern Ericeira beaches, it offers great breaks from low to mid-tide.


If you want big barrels then get to Coxos. Waves here are at their best with low to mid-tide, eastern winds and a south or west swell. Just make sure you’re fully prepared for some expert waves.


Ericeira is built for surfing with many surfboard rental places around if you’re travelling light. Add to that plenty of food options and you have a surfing spot catered to all.


Skill level: Beginner to Expert

Surfing Lisbon is an exceptional experience, no matter your skill level.

Final thoughts on Surfing in Lisbon


Surfing Lisbon is an exceptional experience, no matter your skill level. Whether it’s summer or winter, you will have no trouble discovering the perfect surf spots due to Lisbon’s prime location and easy beach access.


If you chose to hire a campervan in Lisbon, equipped with your temporary home on wheels, you can quickly and easily move from one spot to the next. Stay cosy, well-fed, and enjoy your Lisbon surfing excursion.