Cascais & Estoril · Portugal
Surfing Santo Amaro
A left in Cascais & Estoril, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeLeft
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size3-10 ft
- Best monthsOct-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
A rare, powerful lefthander close to Lisbon that fires with huge swells and numerous rights nearby, giving experienced surfers a real challenge on the bigger winter days. Santo Amaro breaks with genuine intensity when the Atlantic delivers, though the wave is not always classed among the area's top rankers.
Water quality can suffer here after rain, given its position near the city, so check conditions before committing. Look for a big, clean swell for the best version of this powerful, occasionally overlooked Lisbon-area wave.
38.72, -9.43 · Big swell only · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Santo Amaro
Santo Amaro is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Big swell only. 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 Santo Amaro
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 3 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Guincho | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| Praia Grande | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 8 km |
| Praia das Maçãs | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 9 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 →
Santo Amaro: common questions
When is the best time to surf Santo Amaro?
Santo Amaro works best from October to March. Ideal conditions: Big swell only.
Is Santo Amaro good for beginners?
No. Santo Amaro is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is São Pedro do Estoril in Cascais & Estoril, about 5 km away.
How crowded is Santo Amaro?
Santo Amaro is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Santo Amaro?
Santo Amaro is in Cascais & Estoril, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.72, -9.43). The nearest wave we cover is Bolina, about 3 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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