Cascais & Estoril · Portugal
Surfing Praia Grande
A beach break in Cascais & Estoril, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-7 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd3/5
The wave
The regular contest beach on the Sintra coast, thanks to its barrelling beach break and shelter from the frequent north winds that plague more exposed spots nearby. Praia Grande holds real quality and consistency for this stretch north of Lisbon.
Aggressive crowds can build fast here on a good day, so check further north at Praia Pequena if it's too busy. Keep it for a clean swell with N wind for the best, most sheltered conditions on this part of the coast.
38.78, -9.47 · Clean swell, N wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Praia Grande
Praia Grande is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Clean swell, N wind. 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 Grande
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 1 km |
| Guincho | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 5 km |
| Santo Amaro | Cascais & Estoril | Left | Advanced / Pro | 8 km |
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 10 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 11 km |
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 12 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 Grande: common questions
When is the best time to surf Praia Grande?
Praia Grande works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: Clean swell, N wind.
Is Praia Grande good for beginners?
No. Praia Grande is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Praia das Maçãs in Cascais & Estoril, about 1 km away.
How crowded is Praia Grande?
Praia Grande is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Praia Grande?
Praia Grande is in Cascais & Estoril, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.78, -9.47). The nearest wave we cover is Praia das Maçãs, about 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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