5 best surf spots around Lisbon (perfect if you want to learn to surf)

Lisbon has become known as one of the best surf cities in Europe, and for good reason. Within half an hour's drive from the city center, you'll find a handful of spots suitable for almost every level. Whether you want to catch your very first wave or you're ready to push a bit further, these are the five spots I recommend most.

1. Costa da Caparica

The classic, and for good reason. Costa da Caparica is a long, wide sandy beach bay just across the Tagus river, about 20-30 minutes from Lisbon. There are dozens of surf schools based here, the waves are generally soft and predictable, and there's always a calmer stretch of beach for beginners. This is also exactly where we run our own surf & yoga retreats: it's the ideal place to (re)learn surfing without getting overwhelmed right away.

Best for: beginners and advancing beginners Tip: go before 9am, the water is calmer and there's less wind.

2. Fonte da Telha

Just south of Caparica, and far less crowded. Fonte da Telha has a slightly rawer feel, fewer surf schools, and therefore fewer people in the water. The waves are comparable to Caparica, but you'll have more space to practice without constantly navigating around others.

Best for: beginners who want a calmer surf, or more advanced surfers who want to freesurf Tip: bring your own food and drinks, beach bars are scarcer here than in Caparica.

3. Carcavelos

Closer to Lisbon itself (about 20 minutes by train from Cais do Sodré), and popular with both tourists and locals squeezing in a session after work. The beach is wide and the waves are usually a bit more powerful than in Caparica, making it a good next step once you've got the basics down.

Best for: beginners who are a step further along, or anyone short on time who wants to stay close to the city Tip: it can get busy here in summer, so go early or late in the day.

4. Ericeira

A bit further to drive (around 45 minutes from Lisbon), but worth it. Ericeira is an officially designated "World Surfing Reserve" with a string of different breaks close together, ranging from soft beach breaks to punchier point breaks. That means you can genuinely grow here: as a beginner you surf at São Lourenço or Ribeira d'Ilhas, and as you improve there are plenty of more challenging options nearby.

Best for: everyone, from beginner to advanced, thanks to the variety Tip: pair your surf session with a walk through the picturesque village itself, it's worth the day trip.

5. Praia Grande

Near Sintra, so a bit further out (about an hour's drive), but with a stunning, dramatic setting between the cliffs. The waves here can be more inconsistent in strength, so check the forecast beforehand. Still a great choice if you're already planning a day in Sintra and want to combine it with one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the region.

Best for: advancing beginners to advanced surfers, and anyone already making the trip to Sintra Tip: aim for a photogenic session, few spots are as beautiful as this one at sunset.

Want to learn to surf here without the hassle?

If this list has you curious about surfing near Lisbon but you don't feel like sorting out surf schools, figuring out logistics, or booking accommodation yourself, that's exactly what I organize. My surf & yoga retreats take place in Costa da Caparica and Fonte da Telha, made for women who want to (re)learn surfing in a relaxed setting, with yoga, good food, and a group of like-minded women alongside you.

Can't wait to host you in the beautifull Portugal! big hugs, Roos