Surfing in Costa da Caparica: Complete Guide to Lisbon’s 24km Surf Coast

Looking for consistent surf breaks just minutes from Lisbon? Costa da Caparica delivers 30 kilometers of sandy beaches with surf spots for every level, from mellow beginner-friendly beach breaks to powerful barrels that challenge advanced surfers. Located just 20 minutes south of Lisbon across the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, this surfer’s paradise offers year-round waves, uncrowded peaks, and the perfect blend of Atlantic power and accessibility. Whether you’re catching your first wave or chasing the perfect barrel, Costa da Caparica has a break with your name on it.

I’ve spent countless mornings paddling out along this coastline, and here’s what makes it special: unlike Carcavelos (which gets packed) or Ericeira (which requires a longer drive), Costa da Caparica gives you variety, space, and reliable surf without the hassle. This guide covers everything you need to know about surfing this incredible stretch of Portuguese coastline.

Why Costa da Caparica Is a Surfer’s Paradise

Costa da Caparica isn’t just one surf spot. It’s an entire 30-kilometer coastline packed with different breaks, sandbars, and wave types. Think of it as nature’s surf park, where you can drive south along the beach road and find everything from gentle rollers perfect for learning to heavy slabs that demand respect.

What makes this place unique:

• 365 days of surf: Consistent year-round swells mean you’ll find rideable waves every single day
• Uncrowded peaks: With breaks every 50 meters, you can always find space even when other Lisbon spots are packed
• All skill levels: True beginner waves to advanced barrels, all within one coastline
• Close to Lisbon: 20-30 minutes from the city center, making it perfect for dawn patrol or afternoon sessions
• Less affected by wind: More sheltered than Ericeira, with offshore conditions more frequent

The coastline faces west and southwest, picking up Atlantic swells with remarkable consistency. The series of groyne breakwaters (especially in the northern section) helps shape defined peaks and create sandbars that hold their form throughout the season.

Getting to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon

By Car (Fastest Option – 20-30 Minutes)

Driving gives you the freedom to explore different breaks along the 30km coastline.

Route: Take the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge (heading south on A2 highway), then follow IC20 signs to Costa da Caparica. The bridge has no toll heading south, only when returning north to Lisbon (approximately €2).

Parking: Free and paid parking is available along the beachfront. Arrive early (before 10 AM) in summer for the best spots near popular breaks.

By Public Transport (Budget-Friendly)

Option 1: Direct Bus 3710

• Departs from Areeiro Plaza (green metro line) in Lisbon
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes, depending on time of day
• Duration: 55 minutes
• Cost: €2.60 single journey
• Ends at Praça Padre Manuel Bernardes in Costa da Caparica center

Option 2: Ferry + Bus (Scenic Route)

• Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (10 minutes, €1.50)
• Board bus 3011 or 3022 from Cacilhas to Costa da Caparica (35-45 minutes, €2-3)
• Bonus: Beautiful views of the Lisbon skyline from the ferry

By Organized Tour (Hassle-Free)

If you want expert surf instruction combined with zero transportation stress, organized surf tours pick you up in Lisbon, provide all equipment, take you to the best breaks for your level, and return you to the city. More on this option later.

Costa da Caparica Surf Spots: North to South

The coastline divides into distinct sections, each with its own character. Here’s your break-by-break guide:

Cova do Vapor (Advanced Surfers Only)

Location: Northern tip of Costa da Caparica, tucked between two jetties

Wave Type: Heavy, hollow wedges and fast barrels

Best For: Advanced surfers and bodyboarders who like powerful, shallow waves

The Deal: This is Costa da Caparica’s most challenging break. Low-tide lefts wrap around the southern jetty when conditions align, offering some of Portugal’s best beach break barrels. Fast, heavy, overhead, and shallow. The northern side produces punchy rights. Extremely popular with locals when working, so expect crowds and competitive vibes.

When to Surf: Winter swells, low tide, east winds

Skill Level Required: Advanced to expert

Praia do CDS (7 Jetties – Most Consistent)

Location: Town center, marked by seven groyne breakwaters

Wave Type: Well-defined peaks, both lefts and rights

Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers seeking consistent, quality waves

The Deal: The heart of Costa da Caparica surf culture. These seven jetties create sandbars that shape defined peaks with good form. This is where competitions happen because the waves are reliable and performance-oriented. Expect rippable walls, occasional barrels, and the most crowded lineup on the coast (though still way less packed than Carcavelos).

Conditions: Works at all tides, best with west or northwest swell, offshore in east winds

Skill Level Required: Intermediate to advanced

São João da Caparica (Longboard-Friendly)

Location: Just south of the town center, with less groyne interruption

Wave Type: Softer, longer walls ideal for logging

Best For: Longboarders and intermediates wanting cruisy waves

The Deal: One of the few stretches without heavy groyne structures. When west swell angles in from north or south, the waves peel like a point break, offering long rides perfect for cutbacks and nose riding. Smaller days make this a heaven for classic longboard surfing. Tourist-heavy beach but surf-friendly atmosphere.

Conditions: Best with angled west swell, mid to high tide

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly on small days, intermediate on bigger swells

Praia da Rainha (The Explorer’s Paradise)

Location: Further south, backed by natural pine forests

Wave Type: Varies dramatically every 50 meters; mix of punchy and mellow

Best For: All levels, depending on specific sandbar choice

The Deal: This is where you escape the crowds. Multiple breaks along natural coastline with shifting sandbars create constantly changing conditions. You can find steep, powerful waves in some sections and gentle longboard rollers just 100 meters away. No jetties mean stronger sideways currents and more wind effect, but also means space and variety.

Exploration Tip: Drive or walk south along the beach road and look for the sandbar formation that matches your skill level. This area rewards adventurous surfers willing to scout.

Conditions: Works at both low and high tide, most swell directions provide surf

Skill Level Required: All levels (choose your spot carefully)

Fonte da Telha (Beginner Central)

Location: Southern section of coastline

Wave Type: Smaller, gentler waves with less power

Best For: True beginners and surf schools

The Deal: When the rest of Costa da Caparica is big and gnarly, Fonte da Telha stays manageable. This is where surf schools bring first-timers because the waves are forgiving and the beach is wide. Less consistent than northern breaks but perfect for learning fundamentals. Summer surf camps congregate here.

Conditions: Works best in summer, smaller swells

Skill Level Required: Beginner to early intermediate

Praia das Bicas (Big Wave Spot)

Location: Far southern tip near Cabo Espichel

Wave Type: Heavy A-frames over rock reef (rare for this coast)

Best For: Experienced big wave riders

The Deal: The only proper reef break on Costa da Caparica. When massive winter storms hit, this spot can handle 8-10 foot faces and produces frothing A-frames resembling Hossegor during competition season. Local crew only, very heavy, and requires solid big wave skills. Not for the faint-hearted.

Conditions: Big winter swells, experienced surfers only

Skill Level Required: Expert big wave riders

Best Surf Seasons in Costa da Caparica

Season	Wave Conditions	Water Temp	Wetsuit	Best For
Spring (Mar-May)	Consistent, clean, 3-6 feet	15-17°C	4/3mm	All levels, fewer crowds
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Smaller, 2-4 feet, inconsistent	18-20°C	3/2mm	Beginners, longboarders
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	Excellent, 4-8 feet, very consistent	17-19°C	3/2mm or 4/3mm	Intermediate/advanced
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Powerful, 6-12 feet, big swells	14-16°C	4/3mm or 5/4mm	Advanced surfers

Peak surf months: September to November (best balance of swell, weather, and water temperature)

Best for beginners: June to August (smaller, gentler waves)

Biggest waves: December to February (for experienced surfers only)

What Board to Bring

Beginners: Softboard (8-9 feet) or longboard (9+ feet) for stability and easy paddling

Intermediate: Funboard (7-8 feet) or fish (6-7 feet) for versatility

Advanced: Performance shortboard (5’10”-6’4″) for the defined peaks at CDS

Big wave days: Step-up board (6’6″-7’2″) or gun for Bicas and Cova do Vapor

Longboard sessions: Classic log (9-10 feet) for São João on mellow days

Most surf shops in Costa da Caparica rent boards if you don’t want to travel with your own. Expect €10-20 per day, depending on board type.

Surf Safety & Local Etiquette

Respect the Locals: Like all Portuguese surf spots, Costa da Caparica has a core local crew, especially at Cova do Vapor and Praia do CDS. Don’t drop in, wait your turn, and show respect. Most locals are friendly if you follow basic surf etiquette.

Know Your Limits: The waves here can get powerful, especially in winter. If it looks too big, it probably is. Better to watch and learn than get in over your head.

Rip Currents: Especially strong at Praia da Rainha, where there are no jetties. If caught in a rip, don’t panic; paddle parallel to shore until free, then angle back in.

Sandbars Shift: Especially after storms, the sandbars change. What worked last week might be completely different today. Scout before paddling out.

Peak Crowds: CDS and Cova do Vapor get crowded from 10 AM to 2 PM on weekends. Early morning or late afternoon sessions offer more space.

Learn to Surf Costa da Caparica with Sea & See Tours

If you’re new to surfing or want expert guidance on the best breaks for your level, joining a surf lesson or tour transforms the experience from stressful to stoke-filled.

Sea & See Tours offers professional surf experiences at Costa da Caparica led by champion surfer Luís Perloiro, who brings over 10 years of surfing excellence, including former national champion status. Here’s what makes our surf experiences special:

Surfing + Arrábida Wine Tasting Full Day Tour

The Ultimate Portuguese Day: Combine morning surf at Costa da Caparica with afternoon wine tasting at a picturesque Arrábida vineyard.

What’s Included:

• Professional surf lesson with champion surfer Luís Perloiro
• All surf equipment provided (wetsuit, board, instruction)
• Suitable for complete beginners through experienced surfers
• Afternoon private wine tasting at Arrábida vineyards
• Stunning coastal and vineyard scenery
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transport throughout
• Lunch included
• Small group experience (maximum 8 people)

Why This Tour Works:

Morning surf sessions are when Costa da Caparica waves are cleanest (offshore winds, fewer crowds). After your session, you transition from Atlantic waves to vineyard relaxation, exploring Portugal’s incredible wine culture in the beautiful Arrábida region. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.

Luís adapts instruction to your skill level. Never surfed before? He’ll have you standing up on your first session. Already surf but want to improve? He’ll take you to the breaks that match your progression goals and provide technique coaching.

Price: €130 per person
Duration: 9 hours (full day adventure)
Meeting Point: Hard Rock Café, Lisbon

Visit: Check it out

Why Choose Professional Surf Instruction

You’ll progress faster: Proper technique from day one prevents bad habits and accelerates learning
Safety first: Expert eyes watching means you surf appropriate breaks for your level
Local knowledge: Luís knows exactly which breaks work on any given day and tide
Equipment provided: No need to rent or transport boards and wetsuits
Zero logistics stress: Pickup from Lisbon, transport to the best breaks, all coordination handled

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Costa da Caparica delivers what every surfer wants: consistent waves, variety, and accessibility, just 20 minutes from Lisbon. This 30-kilometer coastline offers year-round surf for all levels, from gentle beginner breaks to hollow barrels for advanced surfers, without the crowds you’ll find at other Portuguese surf spots.

After your session, you’re minutes from Lisbon’s culture and nightlife, or you can stay beachside and soak up the laid-back Portuguese surf vibe.

Ready to surf with expert guidance? Join champion surfer Luís Perloiro for a professional lesson combined with Arrábida wine tasting: Get Started Today

See you in the lineup.