Praia Grande
Sintra's big beach, with the famous, very powerful «pool right».
Praia Grande has several peaks depending on the banks and tide: a left on the left side of the beach, a central A-frame and, on the right, the famous pool right, very powerful and barrelling at low tide.
It's one of Europe's benchmark bodyboarding beaches and has hosted many contests.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Low for barrels |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
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 or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Praia Grande
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
The pool right is a very local, contested peak. Start on the other peaks and respect priority.
Surfing style
Powerful beach break with barrels.
Hazards
Powerful shore break and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Praia Grande
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Sintra
A village beach in Sintra, at the end of the old tram line.
Sintra
A beach below the Sintra cliffs, with sand and rock peaks.
Cascais
A spectacular beach between dunes and the Sintra hills, famous for its wind.
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.