Plunge into the exhilarating world of surfing along the stunning shores of Sintra and Cascais, Portugal's premier surfing destinations. Nestled along the captivating coastline of the Lisbon region, Sintra and Cascais offer an unparalleled playground for wave riders of all skill levels. With a diverse array of breaks and swells, these dynamic surf spots cater to both beginners seeking their first wave and seasoned pros craving the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Whether you're gliding along the rolling waves of Praia Grande or tackling the legendary barrels of Guincho Beach, each surf session promises an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. The vibrant surf culture permeates the charming coastal towns, where surf shops, beachfront cafes, and bustling boardwalks exude an infectious energy that ignites the soul of every surfer.
Embark on a thrilling surfing adventure in Sintra and Cascais, where the perfect wave awaits just beyond the horizon. Join the ranks of surf enthusiasts from around the globe and discover why these iconic surf destinations are hailed as a surfer's paradise.
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 encourages 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.
Azenhas do Mar, Portugal.
+351 919 369 183 | sintrasurf@gmail.com | Website
Take your surfing to the next level with a surf class in Cascais, Portugal. Join a small group and head to top surf spots like Guincho or Carcavelos. Learn essential techniques, from paddling to balancing, before catching waves under expert guidance. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this experience offers the chance to surf in one of Europe’s best spots. All equipment, including wetsuits, is provided, ensuring personalised attention in a fun, supportive environment.
(8) | 2 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Are you an intermediate or advanced surfer looking to elevate your skills? This exclusive 5-day surf training, led by renowned Big Wave rider Joana Andrade, offers personalised coaching, breath-holding techniques, and video analysis to boost your surf performance. Inspired by Joana's own routine, the programme enhances your physical, mental, and emotional abilities. Learn to surf different conditions, improve wave reading, gain confidence in wipeouts, and overcome fear, ensuring you progress confidently in all surfing environments.
(1) | 5 Days | ✔ Free Cancellation
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In these personalised surf classes, the instructor's full attention is dedicated to your performance, ensuring rapid improvement in a short time. With exclusive one-on-one guidance, these sessions are perfect for students focused on achieving their surfing goals and refining their skills. Tailored instruction helps reinforce techniques and correct mistakes, offering an intensive learning experience. Ideal for those seeking faster progression, these surf classes provide focused coaching for maximum skill development and efficiency in the water.
(3) | 2 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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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 private and public transport. The swell and consistent beach break attracts surfers and body-boarders all year round. Occasionally, 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, you will not only be rewarded with a magnificent view but be surprised at the seemly gravity-defying dinosaurs. Sixty-six 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 Europe's largest oceanic swimming pools, which is part of the Hotel das Arribas complex. There are two pools, a 100-metre pool and a children's pool. Both are opened to the public in Spring and permit access to the hotel's amenities. The swimming pools make a safer bathing option for younger family members. 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 communal attributes of surfing areas. This recognition has elevated Ericeira into the same ranks as the Gold Coast; Australia, and Santa Cruz; California. Ericeira now hosts world championships. Not all the beaches here are for professional surfers. There is 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, one of the best spots for learning to surf. The beach is beautiful, has a sandy bottom, and offers 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 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. It 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. Praia dos Coxos is definitely the beach for the pros. No longboards allowed! | 39° 00' 16.1" N | 09° 25' 31.6" W
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