Cascais & Estoril · Portugal
Surfing Carcavelos
A beach break in Cascais & Estoril, Portugal, for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate / Advanced
- Size1-6 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd5/5
The wave
Carcavelos is Lisbon's main surf beach, about 25 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré. It's a wide sandy bay that picks up most swells, from knee-high to overhead.
There are softer banks for beginners and faster peaks for experienced surfers along the beach. Surf schools work here every day and it's always busy, but the bay is wide enough to spread people out. After heavy rain the water near the river mouth gets polluted, so give it a day or two.
38.6789, -9.3339 · Any swell direction · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Carcavelos
Carcavelos is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Any swell direction. This is how the year looks across Lisbon Coast:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter |
| April to May | Good | Reliable swell, warming water, fewer crowds |
| June to August | Quiet | Smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Carcavelos
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 4 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 km |
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 7 km |
| Costa da Caparica | Costa da Caparica | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 km |
| Santo Amaro | Cascais & Estoril | Left | Advanced / Pro | 10 km |
| Guincho | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 14 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Cascais & Estoril
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Cascais & Estoril surf guide →
A week here costs from about $315 with flights from Europe, or around $920 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Carcavelos: common questions
When is the best time to surf Carcavelos?
Carcavelos works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Any swell direction.
Is Carcavelos good for beginners?
Yes. Carcavelos suits beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Carcavelos?
Carcavelos is usually packed: 5 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Carcavelos?
Carcavelos is in Cascais & Estoril, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.6789, -9.3339). The nearest wave we cover is São Pedro do Estoril, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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