The waves which have continually battered and shaped this dramatic coastline for millennia provide excellent and consistent conditions for some of the best surfing in Europe. The two resorts of Praia das Macas and Praia Grande offer great facilities for visiting wave jockeys, whereas dozens of smaller coves and other smaller beaches offer a more secluded experience. The reliably strong currents and beach waves found here make the Cascais-Sintra coast the location of choice for national and international surf and bodyboard championships. Coupled with the close proximity to Lisbon, the surrounding beauty of the UNESCO Natural Parque of Sintra - Cascais and the charming town of Sintra a short distance away, all make this area the perfect location for a surfing holiday.
A pleasant wide stretch of sand with plenty of amenities and facilities for water sports. Praia das Maçãs is named after the river Rio das Maçãs (also the Rio de Colares) that empties into the sea at the southern end of the beach. Maçã means apple. On its course to the sea, the river flows through several orchards. Throughout autumn, apples come floating downstream and deposit on the beach. The small town of Praia das Maçãs has developed into a pleasant resort with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars, craft shops and a choice of accommodation. The Sintra old tram terminates here during the summer months which delights its passengers as it chugs along the 45-minute route through the picturesque countryside of the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais.
The beach at Maças is narrow and offers consistent surf conditions.
There's a beach break with rocks on both sides and sand in the middle. The sand part is suitable for all levels. Since the bay is small Praia das Maças can feel crowded during peak season.
Praia das Maçãs
Sintra Surf School
Sintra Surf School is a dedicated company combining travelling, surfing, and bodyboarding. Sintra Surf encourage you to try out both wave crafts and let YOU decide which one you enjoy the most. Their staff are highly qualified surf/bodyboard coaches and lifeguard training so you will be in the safest and most experienced hands at all times.
Azenhas do Mar, Portugal.
+351 919 369 183 | sintrasurf@gmail.com | Website
Start your surfing adventure with a pick-up from the pre-arranged meeting point in Lisbon. From here, you will take a short, scenic drive to either Carcavelos or Caparica, whichever has the best surf conditions on the day! Once you arrive at your destination, have a short meet and greet with your surfing instructors. Your professional instructors will give you a 2-hour surfing lesson - perfect for anyone just starting out!
You will be given all the appropriate equipment you need to enjoy your surfing experience. Lessons will be tailored for all levels of surfing experience from complete newcomer to experienced surfer. Enjoy the benefit of small groups meaning you will have plenty of time to spend with your instructor to learn everything you need.
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Head to the Costa da Caparica, where the Tejo River flows into the sea. A place of unique natural heritage, the fossil cliffs of Caparica are listed as a Protected Landscape. Book this five-hour programme and treat your body and mind to a special day on the Portuguese coast. Your day begins with a surfing experience that includes two hours of lessons at this popular spot with a certified instructor. A wetsuit and complete surfing equipment are provided, along with video footage so you can check out your technique and make any adjustments as needed.
Before continuing the programme with the one-hour beach yoga workshop, you’ll have some free time for personal activities at the beach. During the yoga activity, a certified instructor will guide you so you can experience deep relaxation through simple movements and repetitions.
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Learn the sport of the moment with fully passionate, experienced and certified instructors. The Lisbon area is a true surf arena, with all the natural ingredients to provide you with a stunning experience no matter your age or surfing level. If you really want to learn or improve your surf skills, the surf school will offer you lessons for all levels and ages, from beginners to advanced. Everything you may need for your perfect surf holiday will be included such as the surfing equipment and amazing surf conditions to improve and develop your skills.
This Two hour surf lessons will take place in Guincho, Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica, according to the best and safer conditions for you.
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The Moby Dick Surfschool is committed to providing the best surfing experience. Their certified instructors are patient and carefully plan all the lessons to ensure that they are suited for your individual level. All the action takes place on the most beautiful beaches, in a relaxed environment and in close contact with nature.
Have you always wanted to be a surfer but you never really had the chance to learn? The Moby Dick Surfschool believes you could become an independent surfer in just a week! Join their one-week intensive programme; you will eat and breathe surf from sunrise to sunset.
1 Rua do Cabo, Malveira da Serra, Cascais, Portugal. | 38° 45' 19.6"N | 09° 26' 44.8"W
+351 918 403 558 | mobydicksurfschool@gmail.com | Website
Salty Souls is Surf School certified by the Portuguese Tourism association and by the Portuguese surf federation. Salty Souls love Surfing and have many years of experience riding the waves and teaching others how to surf. Salty Souls love sharing their experience with new people and endeavours to make sure that everybody has access to this fantastic sport in a fun and safe way. Their super team is composed of experienced surfers qualified as Surf instructors by the Portuguese Surfing Federation.
Praia Grande
+351 913 516 264 | saltysoulspt@gmail.com | Website
As you probably can guess from the name, Praia Grande is the largest beach in the area. A vast swathe of pristine golden sands awaits you. The beach is popular with locals since it's easily reached by both private and public transport. The swell and consistent beach break attract surfers and bodyboarders all year round. On occasions, Praia Grande hosts national and international surfing championships. The magnificent slate cliffs on the southern end are an impressive backdrop to the view and create natural windbreaks. If you climb the steps to the top, not only will you be treated to a magnificent view, but be surprised at seemly gravity-defying dinosaurs. A total of 66 footprints dating back 170 million years are imprinted almost vertically ascending the cliff. Since the time Megalosaurus and Iguanodons walked here, tectonic forces have uplifted and tilted the land sideways.
The beach is well equipped for families offering plenty of facilities such as cafes, bars, toilets, showers and ample parking. When the tide is out, Praia Grande joins its little brother Praia Pequena (Little beach). In between the two beaches lies one of Europes largest oceanic swimming pools, which is part of the Hotel das Arribas complex. There are two pools, the 100-metre pool and a children's pool. Both are opened to the public in Spring and allows access to the hotel's amenities. The swimming pools make a safer bathing option for the younger family members than the Atlantic waves. The facility is constantly patrolled by lifeguards. Pricing varies according to the season.
Praia Grande
Ericeira Surfing
Ericeira was awarded the title of Europe's first and only World Surf Reserve in February 2011, a preservation programme whose sole aim is to protect key environmental, cultural, economic and community attributes of surfing areas. This recognition has elevated Ericeira into the same ranks of the Gold Coast, Australia and Santa Cruz, California and hosts world championships. Not all the beaches here are for professional surfers, there are a diversity of waves and conditions to suit all levels of competence and types of boards. Some of the best Ericeira surf camp options are right on the beach so you never have far to go for a surf. Ericeira is only 40 minutes drive from Lisbon centre and 30 minutes from the airport. You can get a bus from the centre of Lisbon which takes about an hour. [ More About ► ] Nearby, there are twelve beaches suitable for surfing with rental shops and surf schools at hand.
If you're a beginner head straight to Foz do Lizandro south of Ericeira which is one of the best spots for learning how to surf. The beach is beautiful, has a sandy bottom, and offers some pretty great breaks from low to mid-tide. | 38° 49' 29.2" N | 09° 28' 11.8" W
São Julião enjoys the best swells in Ericeira. As with Foz do Lizandro, São Julião is ideal for learner surfers. The best waves are found between low and mid-tide. The beach has a sandy bottom and is free of rocky obstacles. | 38° 55' 55.1" N | 09° 25' 12.0" W
South or Ericeira Praia do Sul is another great beginner beach break.
It's a beautiful long beach with a nice sandy bottom and both left and right peaks. Praia do Sul is one of the more popular beaches in the area enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. | 38° 57' 20.7" N | 09° 24' 58.3" W
For the more adventurous there is the world-class Praia dos Coxos which is tube city and can be absolutely wild when the water really gets going. The breaks here are fast and furious. The wave changes according to swell direction, period and wind direction, but is always fun. This is definately the beach for the pros. No longboards allowed! | 39° 00' 16.1" N | 09° 25' 31.6" W
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