Portugal surf guide
Surfing Costa da Caparica
Lisbon's long beach-town escape across the river
- Spots2
- LevelsBeginner, Intermediate
- Best seasonOct-Apr
- RegionLisbon Coast
The waves at Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica
- Beach Break
- Beginner / Intermediate
- 1-6 ft
- Year-round
- Crowd 4/5
A long, open beach directly across the river from Lisbon, and the city's classic weekend surf escape. Caparica's main strip breaks over sand in punchy, well-shaped peaks that handle a good range of swell without ever getting as heavy as the exposed spots up the coast at Guincho.
The beach runs for miles, giving plenty of room to spread the crowd, and the banks shift enough through the season that there's usually a decent peak somewhere along the strip even when it's inconsistent elsewhere. It's the default learn-to-surf zone for the whole Lisbon area, with schools and board rentals lining the boardwalk behind the sand.
Come at low-to-mid tide on a small-to-moderate swell for the friendliest conditions. Expect a busy, sociable beach scene on weekends, especially in summer when half of Lisbon crosses the bridge to escape the city heat.
38.6489, -9.2333 · W-NW swell, low-mid tide
Fonte da Telha
- Beach Break
- Beginner / Intermediate
- 1-5 ft
- Year-round
- Crowd 2/5
The quiet end of Caparica's long beach, reached by driving or riding the summer beach train down past the crowds. Fonte da Telha keeps the same open, sandy character as the main strip but with a fraction of the people, backed by pine-covered dunes instead of beach bars and apartment blocks.
The wave itself is similar in style to Caparica's main peaks, punchy beach-break sections over shifting sand, but the relative emptiness means more waves per surfer and an easier time finding your own peak. It's a favourite with locals wanting to avoid the summer crowds without driving far.
Come at low-to-mid tide on a small-to-moderate swell, same as the rest of Caparica's beaches. There are fewer facilities out here, so bring water and sunscreen, and treat it as the peaceful alternative when the main strip is packed.
38.585, -9.205 · W-NW swell
Where to stay near Costa da Caparica
- Caparica Surf Camp — Surf Camp: Classic beginner-friendly surf camp right on the main beach strip, popular with first-time visitors to Portugal.
- Fonte da Telha guesthouse — Guesthouse: A quieter stretch of beach a short drive south, fewer crowds and a slower pace.
Beyond the surf
- Costa da Caparica boardwalk: A wooden walkway running behind miles of open beach, backed by pine cliffs and beach bars.
Best time to surf Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica works best around Oct-Apr. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Portugal.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: hippos that surf in Gabon, waves under smoking volcanoes in Kamchatka, one weird break in a weird place every week. No spam, always free.