Praia do Meco
A wild beach north of Cape Espichel, with powerful peaks and tricky currents.
Meco is a wild, very exposed beach between Lagoa de Albufeira and Cape Espichel. With a good swell a powerful wedge forms close to the shore, and on good days the wave has plenty of power.
The currents are tricky: it's not a beginner beach when the swell is up.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
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 shortboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Praia do Meco
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 AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
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
Few people.
Surfing style
Powerful beach break.
Hazards
Tricky rip currents.
Map
Shapers near Praia do Meco
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Almada
The southern end of Costa da Caparica, below fossil cliffs: fewer people and more nature.
Almada
Kilometres of beach across the bridge: peaks between groynes and lots of surf schools.
Cascais
Lisbon's surf beach, 20 minutes by train: schools, bars and barrels in big swell.
Cascais
A rock right on the Cascais line that only works in big swell.
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.