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Carcavelos Surf School

At Carcavelos Surf School, you can learn the art of surfing on one of Portugal’s most gorgeous beaches with our surf school in Carcavelos today! Book now!

Cascais Lisbon Portugal

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Cascais Surf School

Join Surf Cascais for the ultimate surf camp experience in Portugal. Stay in our surf villa, learn at our surf school, and enjoy world-class waves near Lisbon.

Cascais Lisbon Portugal

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Lisbon Soul Surf Camp

Lisbon Soul Surf Camp is a surf camp in Cascais, Portugal. With a 4.8★ Google rating from 107 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.

Cascais Portugal

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Lisbon Surf Camp

Lisbon Surf Camp: Passionate surfers from Portugal and the rest of the world that fell in love with the Portuguese Coast Line

Cascais Lisbon Portugal

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Moby Dick Lodge

Moby Dick Lodge is a surf camp in Cascais, Portugal. With a 4.5★ Google rating from 138 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.

Cascais Portugal

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Nice Way Cascais Hostel & Surf Camp

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Cascais, Nice Way Cascais Hostel & Surf Camp offers an inviting escape for surfers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Located just a short stroll from the Atlantic Ocean, the camp provides easy access to a variety of surf spots suitable for all levels, from gentle beginner waves to more challenging breaks for experienced surfers. The vibrant local surf culture, combined with the camp’s warm, community-oriented atmosphere, creates an ideal environment for making new friends and honing your skills in a supportive setting. Guests can expect a blend of daily surf lessons, guided trips, and flexible free surf sessions, all led by experienced instructors dedicated to helping you improve and enjoy the surf. Off the water, the camp’s comfortable accommodations and lively communal spaces foster a relaxed, friendly vibe—perfect for unwinding after a day on the waves. Whether you're catching your first surf or refining your technique, Nice Way Cascais Hostel & Surf Camp promises an authentic Portuguese surf experience, rich in local flavor and surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.

Cascais Lisbon Portugal

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The Salty Surf & Yoga

The Salty Surf & Yoga is a surf camp in Cascais, Portugal. With a 4.4★ Google rating from 170 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.

Cascais Portugal

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Surf Camps in Cascais

Discover the vibrant surf scene of Cascais, a charming coastal town near Lisbon. With a variety of waves for all skill levels, from gentle beginner breaks to powerful point breaks, Cascais is the perfect destination for your next surf adventure.

The Surf Scene in Cascais

Cascais is a premier surf destination in Portugal, conveniently located just a short train ride from Lisbon. This charming coastal town offers a vibrant surf culture that attracts both locals and travelers alike. With a variety of surf spots catering to different skill levels, from beginner-friendly beaches to challenging point breaks, Cascais has something for every surfer. The town itself is a lively hub with a great selection of cafes, restaurants, and surf shops, making it an ideal base for a surf trip.

Wave Types and Breaks

Cascais boasts a diverse range of waves thanks to its unique coastline, which features both south and west-facing beaches. This means you can find good surf in various swell and wind conditions.

Praia do Guincho: This is one of the most consistent surf spots in the area, known for its powerful waves that work best with a north-westerly swell. It's a great spot for intermediate to advanced surfers, but can also be suitable for beginners in the summer months when the waves are smaller.
Carcavelos: A popular and often crowded beach break that offers some of the best waves on the Estoril coast. It features a wedgy left-hand point break and a hollow right-hander, making it a playground for experienced surfers. The middle of the bay has gentler waves suitable for learners.
São Pedro do Estoril: A quality beach break that is less crowded than Carcavelos. It works well on a strong westerly swell and offers fun, albeit sometimes wobbly, rides for all levels.

Best Time to Surf

The best time to surf in Cascais depends on your skill level.

Summer (June-August): This is the ideal time for beginners. The waves are smaller and more forgiving, and the water is warmer. However, the beaches can be crowded.
Autumn (September-November): This is considered the peak surf season in Cascais. The Atlantic swells are more consistent, the water is still warm, and the crowds have thinned out. This is a great time for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Winter (December-February): The waves are at their biggest and most powerful during the winter months, making it a great time for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Spring (March-May): Spring is a transitional period with a mix of conditions. It starts with bigger swells and ends with smaller, more manageable waves.

Skill Levels

Cascais is a fantastic destination for surfers of all skill levels. There are numerous surf schools and camps that cater to beginners, offering lessons and equipment rental. Intermediate surfers will find plenty of fun waves to ride, while advanced surfers can test their skills on the more challenging breaks.

What Makes Cascais Unique?

What makes Cascais so special is the combination of world-class surfing with a rich cultural experience. You can spend your morning catching waves and your afternoon exploring the historic town, enjoying delicious Portuguese food, or simply relaxing on the beach. Its proximity to Lisbon also makes it an easily accessible surf destination.

The best time to surf in Cascais depends on your skill level. For beginners, the summer months (June to August) offer smaller, more manageable waves, perfect for learning. Intermediate and advanced surfers will find the best conditions during the autumn (September to November) when the Atlantic swells are more consistent, creating bigger and more powerful waves. Winter (December to March) brings the biggest swells, but also more challenging conditions, so it's best for experienced surfers. Spring (April and May) is a great all-round season with good waves for all levels and fewer crowds than in summer.

Cascais is a great surf destination for all skill levels. There are numerous surf schools and camps that cater to beginners, with lessons often held at Carcavelos beach, which offers gentle, rolling waves. Intermediate surfers can enjoy the reef breaks at São Pedro do Estoril, while advanced surfers can challenge themselves with the powerful waves at Guincho beach or the hollow barrels at Carcavelos on a bigger swell. For more options, check out the surf spots in Ericeira, a world-renowned surf reserve just a short drive away.

The water temperature in Cascais varies throughout the year. In the summer, it can reach up to 22°C (72°F), so a 2mm spring suit or even boardshorts and a rashguard are often sufficient. In the autumn and spring, the water is cooler, around 16-19°C (61-66°F), so a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is recommended. During the winter, the water temperature drops to its lowest, around 14-16°C (57-61°F), so a 4/3mm or even a 5/4mm wetsuit with booties is necessary to stay warm.

Besides your surf gear, you should pack a variety of clothing for your trip to Cascais. In the summer, bring light clothes, swimwear, and a light jacket for the evenings. For the cooler months, pack warmer clothes, including a rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun can be strong year-round. It's also a good idea to bring some comfortable shoes for exploring the town and its surroundings. For a more detailed packing list, check out our ultimate surf trip packing guide.

Cascais is a charming fishing town with a rich history and a vibrant culture. You'll find a great selection of restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. Be sure to try the local specialty, 'peixe na brasa' (grilled fish), and enjoy a glass of 'vinho verde' (green wine). The town has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the locals are generally welcoming to tourists. In the evenings, you can enjoy a stroll through the picturesque streets, have a drink at one of the many bars, or try your luck at the famous Casino Estoril.

The cost of a surf trip to Cascais can vary depending on your budget and travel style. A bed in a hostel dorm can cost around €20-€30 per night, while a private room in a guesthouse or hotel can range from €50 to €150. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around €10-€15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will be around €40-€60. Surf lessons typically cost around €40-€50 for a two-hour session, and you can rent a surfboard and wetsuit for around €20-€30 per day. For a more all-inclusive option, consider booking a surf camp in Portugal.

Cascais is a relatively safe surf destination, but it's always important to be aware of the local conditions and take necessary precautions. The main hazards to be aware of are the crowds, especially at popular spots like Carcavelos, and the occasional strong currents and rips. It's always a good idea to surf with a buddy and to check the surf forecast before you go out. If you're a beginner, it's highly recommended to take a lesson from a certified surf instructor who can teach you about ocean safety and local conditions.

Besides surfing, there are plenty of other things to see and do in and around Cascais. You can visit the historic center of Cascais, with its charming streets and traditional houses, or explore the beautiful coastline with its stunning cliffs and sandy beaches. A short train ride will take you to the vibrant city of Lisbon, where you can explore its historic neighborhoods, visit its many museums and monuments, and enjoy its lively nightlife. Another must-see is the enchanting town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its fairytale palaces and lush forests.