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Costa da Caparica Surf Spot Details: Your Complete Surf Guide & Travel Planner

Costa da Caparica, located just south of Lisbon, is a true surfer’s paradise, offering 30 kilometers of beach breaks suited for all skill levels. From the hollow lefts of Cova do Vapor to the mellow waves of Fonte da Telha, this stretch of coastline provides a variety of surf conditions.

The most consistent and well-defined peaks are found near the town center, in an area known as Praia do CDS, where jetties help shape the waves. However, this also makes it one of the busiest spots. For those willing to explore further south, there are plenty of less crowded peaks waiting to be discovered.

Costa da Caparica delivers surfable waves year-round and at all tides, making it one of the most reliable surf destinations close to Lisbon. It sits between the powerful swells of Ericeira’s west coast and the more sheltered conditions of Estoril’s south coast, offering a balanced mix of waves for different preferences.

Plan your surf trip to Costa da Caparica and enjoy one of the best surfing destinations near Lisbon! Check out our Lisbon Surf Trip Guide for all the details!

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Surf Spot Details

Facilities

Car Park
WC
Shower
Restaurant
Bar
Surf Shop
Surf School

Surf Level

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Pro

Wave Direction

Left and right

Tide

Mid to Hight

Swell

West

Wind

East

Bottom

Sand

Season

All year

Consistency

Localism

Crowd

Average Water Temperature

Summer: 20.3°C
Autumn: 19.3°C
Winter: 15.9°C
Spring: 16.5°C

Surf Forecast

Live Webcam 24/7

Costa da Caparica

Location & Directions

Praia da Costa da Caparica is one of the most accessible surf destinations near Lisbon, located just across the Tagus River. With its long stretch of sandy coastline, it offers multiple beach breaks and a lively surf scene, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Getting to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon is easy. By car, take the 25 de Abril Bridge and follow the A2 and IC20 highways, which lead directly to the beach. There are plenty of parking areas near the main surf spots. If you prefer public transport, you can take a ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then a bus to Costa da Caparica.

For detailed directions to Praia da Costa da Caparica, check out the Location & Directions section. on our Lisbon Surf Trip Guide. Once in Lisbon, use the embedded Google Maps tool to easily navigate to this hidden gem.

Costa da Caparica is one of the most famous surf destinations in Portugal, known for its long sandy beaches and consistent beach breaks. Just a short drive from Lisbon, it offers waves for all levels, from mellow peaks for beginners to punchy barrels on bigger swells. With multiple surf spots along the coastline, having the right surf gear is key to making the most of your session.

Best Surfboards for Costa da Caparica

  • For Beginners: A softboard or longboard is ideal for stability and easy paddling.
  • For Intermediates: A funboard or performance shortboard is great for progressing in medium-sized waves.
  • For More Advanced Surfers: A high-performance shortboard is perfect when the waves pick up.

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Wetsuits – Stay Comfortable and Protected at Costa da Caparica

Water temperatures in Costa da Caparica fluctuate throughout the year, so selecting the right wetsuit thickness is important for comfort and performance.

  • Autumn & Spring (16-20°C): 3/2mm wetsuit for flexibility and comfort.
  • Winter (12-16°C): 4/3mm wetsuit to keep warm in chilly waters.

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Essential Surf Accessories

  • Leash: Strong, durable leashes are critical for holding onto your board in strong currents.
  • Wax & Traction Pads: Extra grip is essential for big wave surfing.
  • Board Bags & Covers: Protect your board from damage while traveling.

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Want to Learn More About the Best Surf Gear?

Check our Complete Surf Gear Guide for expert recommendations and tips on choosing the right equipment.

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