The best place to bodysurf near Lisbon is the coast just south and west of the city, where consistent beach waves break over sand. Our home beach is Praia da Sereia in Costa da Caparica, about 25 minutes from Lisbon, and it is the gentlest place to start. Carcavelos, Guincho, Ericeira and the Sintra coast each add something for different conditions and levels.
Praia da Sereia, Costa da Caparica
This is our home beach and the best place for a first wave. The bottom is sand, the waves are consistent and forgiving, and there is space to learn without crowds. It is about 25 minutes from Lisbon by car, with parking nearby. If you are new to the ocean, this is where to begin.
Carcavelos
The closest proper beach break to central Lisbon, easy to reach by train. Carcavelos picks up plenty of swell and works for beginners on smaller days and stronger riders when it builds. A good option if you are staying in the city and do not want to travel far.
Guincho
Near Cascais, more exposed and often windy, with stronger, more powerful waves. Guincho suits days when you want more energy in the water and are already comfortable. The setting, framed by the Sintra hills, is one of the most beautiful on the coast.
Ericeira
A World Surfing Reserve about 45 minutes north of Lisbon, with a whole stretch of beaches and a range of waves from mellow to serious. There is almost always somewhere working in Ericeira, which makes it worth the drive when the closer beaches are flat or blown out.
The Sintra coast
The beaches along the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, such as Praia Grande and Praia das Macas, are quieter and set against dramatic cliffs. Conditions vary, but on the right day they offer space and clean waves away from the busier spots.
Which beach is best for beginners?
Praia da Sereia in Costa da Caparica. The sandy bottom, the gentle waves and the room to learn make it the safest and least intimidating place to catch your first wave near Lisbon. It is where we teach most of our lessons, including children from age 3.
When is the best time of year to bodysurf near Lisbon?
You can bodysurf here all year with a wetsuit. Late spring through early autumn brings warmer water and calmer mornings, which is ideal for learning. Outside the busy summer, the beaches are quieter and the waves are often better, so do not rule out the shoulder seasons.
How do you get started?
The simplest way is a lesson at Praia da Sereia, where the fins, handboard and wetsuit are provided and an instructor reads the conditions for you. We also run sessions at Carcavelos, Guincho, Ericeira and Sintra, with a small transport fee.
New to the sport? Read what bodysurfing is or how it compares to surfing and bodyboarding. When you are ready, book a lesson and we will find you a wave.
