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Praia da Poça Surf Spot Details: Your Complete Surf Guide & Travel Planner

Praia da Poça, located in São João do Estoril, is the most famous break in the area. It is both a reef and beach break, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for experienced surfers.

With higher tides, the wave breaks over a rocky ledge, producing both powerful lefts and rights with barrel sections. The right typically offers a faster and more dynamic ride.

When the tide gets lower, the break shifts onto the sandier part of the beach, still providing both lefts and rights in front of the restaurant. Be prepared to share the lineup with some of Portugal’s best surfers, as Poça is a highly regarded local spot.

The other two breaks in the São João do Estoril area are called Bolina and Praia da Azarujinha.

Please note that the best time to surf this stretch of coast is October to March. In the summer, there are usually no waves!

Plan your surf trip to Praia da Poça and experience the thrill of riding this iconic Portuguese wave.Check out our Lisbon Surf Trip Guide for all the details!

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Surf Spot Details

Facilities

Car Park
WC
Shower
Restaurant

Surf Level

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Pro

Wave Direction

Left and right

Tide

Mid

Swell

West

Wind

North

Bottom

Sand with rocks, Reef

Season

October to March

Consistency

Localism

Crowd

Average Water Temperature

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

Surf Forecast

Location & Directions

Praia da Poça is located in Cascais, a charming coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Easily accessible from the town center, this beach offers a challenging and rewarding surfing experience, especially for experienced surfers.

For detailed directions to Praia da Poça, 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.

Praia da Poça, located in Cascais, offers a relaxed surf experience with small, fun waves that are perfect for beginners and longboarders. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a mellow session, having the right surf gear will make all the difference.

Best Surfboards for Praia da Poça

  • 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 Praia da Poça

The water in Cascais remains cool year-round, so wearing the right wetsuit is key for an enjoyable surf session.

  • 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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