Costa da Caparica · Portugal
Surfing Fonte da Telha
A beach break in Costa da Caparica, Portugal, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-5 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd2/5
The wave
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 · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Fonte da Telha
Fonte da Telha is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: W-NW 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 Fonte da Telha
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa da Caparica | Costa da Caparica | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 8 km |
| Carcavelos | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 15 km |
| São Pedro do Estoril | Cascais & Estoril | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 19 km |
| Bica | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 21 km |
| Bolina | Cascais & Estoril | Right Point | Intermediate | 22 km |
| Santo Amaro | Cascais & Estoril | Left | Advanced / Pro | 25 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Costa da Caparica
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa da Caparica surf guide →
A week here costs from about $315 with flights from Europe, or around $920 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Fonte da Telha: common questions
When is the best time to surf Fonte da Telha?
Fonte da Telha works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: W-NW swell.
Is Fonte da Telha good for beginners?
Yes. Fonte da Telha suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Fonte da Telha?
Fonte da Telha is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Fonte da Telha?
Fonte da Telha is in Costa da Caparica, in the Lisbon Coast region of Portugal (38.585, -9.205). The nearest wave we cover is Costa da Caparica, about 8 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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