Surfing in Lisbon: Catch Waves in Portugal’s Capital — Euroglimpse
Wanna start surfing or add Lisbon to your “surfed” destinations?
Did you know Portugal (mainland) has never had a shark attack on a surfer? That’s true! With over 150 kilometers of coastline south of Lisbon, it’s becoming a top spot for surfers. Many surfers visit this lively city each year for surfing in Lisbon. They find a perfect mix of cultural heritage and the sea’s call — which I also found and keep finding every year. Looking for the best surf spots in Lisbon or want to take surf lessons? It’s going to be fun yet confusing because of all the options you have.
Check this out, too: Top Things to do in Lisbon: Explore Portugal’s Gem
Lisbon’s surf beaches mix urban charm with natural beauty. You’ll find everything from busy Carcavelos to Costa da Caparica’s endless waves. These beaches have waves for all skill levels, thanks to Lisbon’s spot on the North Atlantic swell path.
Lisbon is great for surfing all year. Summer waves are gentle and perfect for beginners. Spring and autumn bring bigger waves for those looking for a challenge. Even in winter, experienced surfers can find powerful waves in Lisbon’s mild climate.
But it’s not just about the surfing. It’s about diving into Lisbon’s vibrant culture, where the ocean meets city life. The surfing culture in Lisbon is alive in its streets, eateries, and nightlife.
Lisbon: A Surfer’s Paradise
Lisbon’s coastline is a dream for surf lovers. Its unique geography means waves are perfect for surfing all year. With over 1,800 kilometers of Atlantic coast, Portugal has many surf spots around Lisbon. Lisbon also merges culture with surfing, creating an experience that will stick with you for a long time. Imagine surfing in the morning and enjoying the city’s sights and food at night. This blend of activities makes Lisbon more than a surf location. It’s a life-embracing experience, celebrating the joy of surfing.
Atlantic Rhythms: Waves for Every Skill Level
Finding the right surf spot and knowing how to choose a surf spot in Lisbon is very important. It’s as important as the board you ride or your wetsuit. That’s why surfing in Lisbon is great. There are beaches and waves for all skill levels. For example, Carcavelos Beach is close to the city and has consistent waves. It’s great for both new and experienced surfers. Many surf camps take their beginners here to start surfing the waves in Lisbon.
Another one, Guincho Beach, is a bit further away but offers big swells for advanced surfers. It’s a challenge but very rewarding.
The surf season in Lisbon goes on all year because of the city’s location. Costa da Caparica is near Lisbon and has great waves for all surfers. It has 10km of beautiful beaches, so there’s always a spot to surf. For a special experience, try Praia da Ursa near Cabo da Roca. It’s a bit of a hike, but the beaches and waves are amazing. It’s a place that makes surfing unforgettable.
Top Surf Spots in Lisbon
The first time I surfed was in Ericeira, an hour away small town, but I stayed in Lisbon overnight before going to Ericeira. I remember the surf billboards all around my hostel. People love surfing in Lisbon. The city has over 50km of beautiful coastline, making it a top spot for surfers in Europe. Here are some of the top surf spots in Lisbon.
Carcavelos: The Urban Surfer’s Haven
Carcavelos Beach Lisbon is at the heart of the surf scene here. It’s famous among Portuguese surfers. The waves are consistent, offering challenges for both beginners and pros. Plus, there’s lots of sand space to chill after surfing.
Carcavelos is just 15 minutes from downtown. It’s great for all surfers with its sandy-bottom waves. You can catch a train for about 2€ and hit the waves quickly. The Carcavelos Surf Fest every year shows off Lisbon’s lively surf scene.
Costa da Caparica: Endless Beach Breaks
Costa da Caparica is where people go for steady waves. It’s a 20-minute drive across the bay, offering 30km of beach with surf all year. The town by the water adds to its appeal, making it a favorite spot for surfers.
Guincho and Cresmina: Majestic Barreling Waves
The Atlantic’s power shines at Guincho Surf Spot and Cresmina Surf Spot. These places attract experienced surfers. They have strong winds and big waves for a thrilling ride. These beaches are for those seeking a challenge and are advanced level. It’s a 30-minute drive from Lisbon and has a 1km stretch of coastline. On windy days, kitesurfers take over the beach. Always respect the ocean’s power here!
Estoril: Gentle Waves for Beginners
Estoril is perfect for beginners. Its waves are easy to learn. The Estoril coast also has Bafureira, which is a good reef break all year. Bafureira and Estoril surf spots are known for their fun waves. They provide a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Intermediate surfers love these spots to improve their skills.
Surfing in Lisbon: A Year-Round Adventure
Surfing in Lisbon never ceases to bore you because it’s always an adventure. The surf season here never ends, thanks to the mild climate and steady Atlantic swells. From big winter waves to fun summer breaks, there’s always something for every surfer.
Winter brings big swells that are perfect for experienced surfers. I’ve caught some epic waves at Guincho during this season. Spring brings calmer seas with northerly winds, drawing more surfers to the beaches. Summer offers smaller but steady waves, perfect for early morning sessions when surfing is best.
Surfing in Lisbon in the Fall is a very good time for surfing in Lisbon. The crowds are smaller, the water is warm, and the waves are not so small. Intermediate surfers enjoy these waves the most, but beginners can get better at surfing them, too.
Lisbon’s Surf Culture: More Than Just a Sport
Surfing in Lisbon is a big part of the city’s life. It’s not just about surfing. Its community welcomes everyone. The city’s history and surfing’s growth since the 1950s have made it a surf paradise. The mix of the great community, beaches, attractions, and the surf makes it a complete surf culture city.
Community and Camaraderie in the Waves
The city has events like the Carcavelos Surf Fest. These events gather the surfing culture and its people together. It’s also a great way to get to know people, learn about the culture in more detail, and share experiences. This collective spirit puts a big plus on Lisbon as a top surfing spot. Of course, this is only applicable if you are in the surfing culture and not just surfing for fun.
Geographical Blessings: Why Lisbon is Perfect for Surfing
Lisbon’s geography is a dream for surfers. It is right where the North Atlantic’s big swells hit. This makes surfing perfect here all the time. The coastline curves gently, and it helps to create just the right waves throughout the year.
The Lisbon Canyon helps to boost these waves. These geographical shapes and advantages make the beaches, waves, and surfing experience way better. Lisbon also has beaches facing different directions. So, no matter where the wind is coming, there’s always a good spot for surfing. That is also why you can surf in Lisbon throughout the year. The conditions of the beaches are just perfect.
It’s not just Lisbon, but the whole of Portugal is a great geographical place for surfing. It has a huge 1794km coastline with over 300 surf spots for all skill levels. It even holds the record for the biggest wave ever surfed, an 80ft wall in Nazaré. With over 300 sunny days a year, Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest places. Lisbon is one of the ideal places to surf.
Surf Camps and Schools: Learning to Ride Lisbon’s Waves
All around Portugal, the concept of surf camps is quite famous. You can find a surf camp in almost all towns where surfing is possible. Lisbon is no exception to this. In fact, because it’s a capital, it’s got a lot of options. All levels of surfers can participate in these surf camps or take lessons from surf schools in Lisbon.
Affordable Lessons and Packages
Portugal and Lisbon are known for their affordability in most scenarios. Surf camps in Lisbon also have deals for every budget. From November to February, 6-day packages start at 389€. In the peak season, from May to September, prices range from 639€ to 749€. These packages often include lodging, lessons, and gear, making them a great deal for surf lovers. Some of the surf camps can also include accommodation and breakfast.
Surf Camps for All Levels
Surf camps in Lisbon or surf lessons in Lisbon are not just for beginners. It’s for everyone, whether intermediate, beginner or even a pro. You can get something out of it. Many camps offer structured lessons, including warm-ups, dry-land practice, and in-water coaching. There are options like Costa da Caparica’s 7-night package for €549 or Carcavelos’ offer at €695.
Check out what the camps offer, is it only the lessons or does it also include accommodation, breakfast, and other stuff? Some include lunch, too.
Beyond the Surf: Exploring Lisbon’s Coastal Delights
Surfing in Lisbon is not just surfing. It’s funny to write this now, but it’s true. You have to mix surfing with things beyond the surf that Lisbon offers. After all, you have to do something after your surfing lessons, right? Mostly eating, though.
Post-Surf Culinary Adventures
One thing about surfing is that you get hungry. A lot. Portugal offers the best of the best to end that craving. The LX Factory, under the 25 de Abril Bridge, is an amazing local food place. Try Pastel de Nata and their local seafood. Each will be as fun as surfing.
Coastal Towns and Day Trips
Lisbon surf guides suggest visiting coastal towns to enhance the surfing experience. I agree with that. Mostly because towns like Ericeira are also amazing for surfing. Ericeira is a World Surf Reserve, and it was once a fishing village. It’s Europe’s only World Surf Reserve. It has chill vibes and nice restaurants. You can take a surfing lesson in the morning, chill in the afternoon, and be back in Lisbon by evening.
Conclusion
For anyone traveling to Lisbon and looking for things to do, surfing in Lisbon will be somewhere up the list. Doesn’t matter if you’ve surfed before or not — it’s really fun and easy thanks to Lisbon’s great surfing spots. To top it all off, the surf beaches in Lisbon are like a piece of heaven, perfect for all levels and tastes, and have great views.
You can come to surf in Lisbon throughout the year. That means that you can plan your holiday whenever you want and then try surfing while you are here. After surfing, you can take your time eating local foods or taking day trips from Lisbon to surrounding surf towns.
There is a lot of stuff to do in Lisbon’s surfing culture. You can make a trip just to surf in Lisbon, and you will still have a great time.
FAQ
What are the best surf spots in Lisbon?
Top surf spots in Lisbon include Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica, Guincho, Estoril, Bafureira, and Praia Grande. Each spot has unique waves for different skill levels.
When is the best time to surf in Lisbon?
Lisbon is great for surfing all year because of its mild climate. Winter is best for skilled surfers with big swells. Summer is perfect for beginners with smaller waves. Spring and Fall offer calmer seas and fewer crowds.
Can beginners learn to surf in Lisbon?
Yes! Lisbon has surf camps and schools with instructors who love to teach. They offer lessons and packages for beginners. Places like Estoril and parts of Costa da Caparica have waves that are easy to learn on.
What makes Lisbon a great surfing destination?
Lisbon is in a prime spot to catch the North Atlantic’s big swells, making it a thrilling place to surf all year. Its coastline has different beaches and features, such as the Lisbon Canyon. This creates perfect surf conditions for all skill levels.
Originally published at https://euroglimpse.com on August 19, 2024.
