Costa da Caparica
Kilometres of beach across the bridge: peaks between groynes and lots of surf schools.
Costa da Caparica is a beach more than 20 km long south of the Tagus, about 20 minutes from Lisbon over the 25 de Abril bridge. In the northern part, between São João and the CDS beach, rock groynes fix the sandbanks and form peaks for every level.
There are lots of surf schools and beach bars; further south the beach is wilder.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A minimalibu or funboard for learning; a shortboard on good days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Costa da Caparica
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 18 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Lots of Lisbon surfers and one report of localism at the best peaks. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Beach break between groynes.
Hazards
Currents by the groynes and rocks.
Events at Costa da Caparica
- Caparica Surf Fest · 31 Mar – 4 Apr 2026 Finished
Map
Shapers near Costa da Caparica
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Cascais
Lisbon's surf beach, 20 minutes by train: schools, bars and barrels in big swell.
Almada
The southern end of Costa da Caparica, below fossil cliffs: fewer people and more nature.
Cascais
A rock right on the Cascais line that only works in big swell.
Cascais
The Cascais-line reef right that holds the most size.
All spots in the Lisbon area →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.