Surfing Lisbon Best Beaches & Surf Camps
Last updated on October 29, 2025 at 21:20:13
Right, quick version: Best surfing in Lisbon happens at Carcavelos (closest to city, perfect for beginners), Costa da Caparica (massive beach, loads of space), and Guincho (bigger waves, more serious). Summer months (May-October) have smaller waves and warmer water. Lessons cost €40-50, board hire €15-20 per day. You’ll fall off loads. Normal.
So. Surfing. Never thought I’d write about this but after a year in Lisbon you can’t avoid it. Everyone surfs here. Or at least everyone talks about surfing while drinking coffee and looking vaguely athletic.
I don’t surf. Let’s be clear. Tried once, spent most of it face-down in saltwater. But Lena’s been asking about lessons, and I’ve watched enough people at these beaches to work out which spots work for beginners.
The Surfing Lisbon Spots That Won’t Destroy You
1. Carcavelos – The Obvious Choice
Where: 15 minutes from Lisbon city centre by train
Best for: Beginners, first-timers, people who want facilities nearby
The situation: Consistent waves, surf schools everywhere, gets absolutely rammed
Carcavelos is where everyone starts surfing in Lisbon. It’s the closest proper surf beach to the city, you can get there on the train from Cais do Sodré for about €3, and there must be about fifteen surf schools lining the beach.
The waves here are pretty reliable – beach break, multiple peaks, suitable for all levels. Which means it’s also properly crowded in summer. I’m talking packed. You’re basically sharing your wave with about twelve other people.
But for learning? Perfect. Sandy bottom so when you inevitably wipe out you’re not hitting rocks. Lifeguards actually pay attention. Loads of schools offering lessons – most charge €40-50 for a group session including board and wetsuit.
What you need to know:
- Train from Cais do Sodré station (€2.50 each way)
- Busiest on summer weekends – go early or weekdays
- Surf schools include Feel Free Surf School and Angels Surf School
- Showers and toilets actually exist
- Cafés nearby if you need a pastéis de nata after failing repeatedly
2. Costa da Caparica – When You Want Space
Where: 30 minutes south of Lisbon
Best for: Beginners to intermediate, escaping crowds
Why bother: Massive beach, multiple surf zones, way less mad than Carcavelos
Same Costa da Caparica from the beach clubs post. Turns out it’s also brilliant for surfing because the coastline goes on forever – about 15km.
Different sections work for different levels. Fonte da Telha has smaller waves for beginners. Cova do Vapor is more intermediate. Northern beaches near town are family-friendly with surf schools.
Getting there:
- Bus 161 from Praça de Espanha (40 mins, €3-5)
- Or Uber/drive (25 minutes, parking free further south)
- Multiple beach zones means you can find quieter spots
3. Guincho – For When You’re Feeling Confident
Where: Near Cascais, 40 minutes from Lisbon
Best for: Intermediate surfers, wind sports, dramatic scenery
Reality check: Bigger waves, windy as hell, stunning beach
Guincho is that gorgeous 1km beach everyone photographs. It’s also properly windy which makes it brilliant for kitesurfing and slightly terrifying for beginner surfers.
The waves here are bigger than Carcavelos. Not massive, but enough that you should probably have some clue what you’re doing before paddling out. Low to medium tide is supposedly best for learners but honestly if you’re just starting maybe stick to Carcavelos first.
That said – beautiful beach. Backed by Sintra mountains. Bar do Guincho does excellent grilled fish if you need lunch after admitting defeat to the Atlantic.
4. São Pedro do Estoril – The Chill Option
Where: Between Cascais and Lisbon
Vibe: Mellow, less crowded, point break
For who: Beginners wanting a quieter scene
Smaller beach, fewer people, nice wave when conditions are right. This is where you go when Carcavelos looks like a car park and you can’t be arsed with the crowds.
Not as consistent as the bigger beaches but when it works it’s lovely. More of a local spot, less touristy. Train access from Lisbon makes it easy.
5. Praia Grande (Sintra) – The Day Trip Option
Where: Sintra coast, 45 minutes from Lisbon
What’s there: Powerful beach break, dramatic cliffs
Level: Intermediate to advanced mostly
More of a proper surf trip than a quick lesson. Waves at Praia Grande are powerful – popular with bodyboarders and serious surfers. Backed by impressive cliffs. Summer has manageable conditions for intermediates but I wouldn’t recommend it for your first surf.
When to Actually Go Surfing Lisbon
| Season | Wave Size | Water Temp | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| May-October | Smaller, consistent | 18-20°C (warmish) | Beginners, learning, not freezing |
| November-April | Bigger, powerful | 14-16°C (Baltic) | Intermediate/advanced, thick wetsuits |
What It Actually Costs
Surf lessons: €40-50 for group session (2-3 hours, includes board and wetsuit)
Board rental: €15-20 per day
Wetsuit rental: €10-15 per day
Private lesson: €60-80
Most beginners do 2-3 lessons before attempting solo. So budget around €150 to get started properly. Or just rent gear and accept you’ll spend the first day drinking seawater and questioning your choices.
Practical Stuff Nobody Tells You
Wetsuits are not optional. Even in summer. The Atlantic’s cold. You’ll be grateful for the neoprene.
Go early. Morning sessions have cleaner waves and fewer people. By afternoon it’s choppy and crowded.
You will look ridiculous. Everyone does at first. The locals were all terrible once too. Get over it.
Sunscreen your face. You’re staring at water which reflects sun. I’ve seen some impressive goggle tans.
Don’t paddle out where the good surfers are. Stay to the side till you know what you’re doing. They will not be patient with you.
The Honest Truth About Surfing Lisbon
Surfing in Lisbon is brilliant if you’re into that sort of thing. Easy access from city, decent waves year-round, loads of schools for beginners. Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica are genuinely good spots to learn.
Will you look cool? Probably not. Will you spend time underwater? Definitely. Will Lena insist we book lessons now? Absolutely.
But there’s something about watching people out there – completely focused, catching a wave, actually standing up for five seconds before falling off. Looks like fun. Exhausting, humbling fun.
Might give it another go actually.
Your turn. Anyone actually surfed these spots? Am I wrong about any of them? Got tips for first lessons? Or stories about spectacularly failing at surfing in Lisbon? Drop a comment below. Genuinely want to know if this is doable or if I’m setting myself up for disaster.
FAQ Surfing lisbon
Is Lisbon good for surfing?
Yes! Lisbon is excellent for surfing, with consistent waves and many great spots nearby for all skill levels.
Where to surf near Lisbon for beginners?
Costa da Caparica is the best beginner spot. It has soft, sandy beaches and lots of surf schools offering easy lessons.
Is there good surfing in Portugal?
Absolutely! Portugal is considered one of the best surfing destinations globally, offering fantastic waves year-round for everyone.
