Cascais & Estoril · Portugal
Surfing Praia das Maçãs
A beach break in Cascais & Estoril, Portugal, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-4 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd2/5
The wave
A small swell option on the Sintra coast north of Lisbon, rideable from low to mid tide when the bigger west-facing beaches are maxed out. Praia das Maçãs breaks over sand in manageable, approachable peaks, a useful lower-swell alternative on this stretch.
Sintra's misty, forested hills back the coast here, giving it a distinctly different feel from the urban beaches closer to Lisbon. Try it on a small swell for the friendliest conditions, and pair it with a Sintra day trip.
38.79, -9.47 · Small swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Praia das Maçãs
Praia das Maçãs is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small swell. 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 Praia das Maçãs
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia Grande | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 1 km |
| Guincho | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 6 km |
| Santo Amaro | Cascais & Estoril | Left | Advanced / Pro | 9 km |
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 11 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 12 km |
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 13 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 →
Praia das Maçãs: common questions
When is the best time to surf Praia das Maçãs?
Praia das Maçãs works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small swell.
Is Praia das Maçãs good for beginners?
Yes. Praia das Maçãs suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Praia das Maçãs?
Praia das Maçãs is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Praia das Maçãs?
Praia das Maçãs is in Cascais & Estoril, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.79, -9.47). The nearest wave we cover is Praia Grande, about 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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