Summary
Cascais is one of Portugal’s most iconic coastal towns, located just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Known for its beautiful beaches, charming town center, and vibrant surf scene, Cascais is a favorite among both tourists and surfers alike.
With a variety of surf spots catering to all skill levels, from mellow beach breaks to more challenging waves, Cascais is an ideal destination for a surf trip that combines great waves, culture, and nightlife.
When to go
The best time to surf Cascais, near Lisbon in Portugal is from September to December when swells start getting more consistent and sizable. For beginners, the summer months will offer good, small waves and allow them to gently make their way into surfing.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | 11°C 52°F | 14°C 57°F | 18°C 64°F | 22°C 72°F | 20°C 68°F | 13°C 55°F |
| Water temperature | 15°C 59°F | 15°C 59°F | 17°C 63°F | 19°C 66°F | 19°C 66°F | 16°C 61°F |
| Crowd | Few people | Few people | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 95% | 95% | 75% | 60% | 85% | 95% |
| Swell height | 10 ft | 9 ft | 7 ft | 5 ft | 7 ft | 10 ft |
Surf Camps in Cascais
Find the perfect Surf Camp in Cascais, starting at US$199
- 2 yoga sessions
- 6 two-hour surf lessons
- Surfing materials like board and wetsuit
- Video or photo coaching in the middle of the week
- Transport to the beach with the best waves around
- Daily delicious buffet breakfast
- 7 nights’ accommodation
Best Surf Hotels in Cascais, Portugal
Best Value: Eurostars Cascais and Casa Vela Guest House
High-end: Intercontinental Cascais-Estoril and The Albatroz Hotel
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Cascais!
Surf Spots near Cascais
Praia do Guincho
One of Portugal’s most famous beach breaks. Praia do Guincho is known for its powerful waves, exposure to Atlantic swells, and beautiful natural setting. It’s great for all skill levels, but conditions can get challenging when the swell is up.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : E
Sao Pedro
A semi-exposed point break offering longer right-handers. Works best on mid to high tide with SW swells. Less crowded than Carcavelos and a good alternative when conditions line up.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Sand and rocks
- Best tide : Mid to high
- Skill level : Intermediate and Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : N
Carcavelos
Often considered one of Portugal’s best urban beach breaks, Carcavelos is popular for its fast, punchy waves and great accessibility. The sandbars here create fun peaks with both lefts and rights.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : N
Getting there
Cascais is just 30 to 40 minutes by car or train from Lisbon. It’s one of the easiest surf destinations to access in Portugal.
Transportation options:
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By train: The Linha de Cascais train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station takes about 40 minutes and drops you in the town center.
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By car: A 30-minute drive along the scenic A5 highway.
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By taxi or rideshare: ~€30–€40 from Lisbon Airport.
Safety/things to know
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Crowds: Popular surf spots like Carcavelos and Guincho can get crowded, especially on weekends and during summer.
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Localism: Exists at some breaks like Carcavelos — always respect the lineup and local surfers.
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Water temperature: Ranges from 15°C to 20°C (3/2mm wetsuit most of the year, 4/3mm in winter).
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Wind: Offshore winds typically come from the east — keep this in mind when checking forecasts.