A Complete Guide to Surfing Cascais in Portugal (2026)
This is my complete guide to surfing Cascais in Portugal.
Cascais was one of my favourite stops on my month-long surf trip around Portugal last summer.
I spent five days there with Surf Cascais, and by that point I’d already done a week in Ericeira and a week in Peniche. So I was starting to feel a bit more comfortable in the water, but still very much figuring things out.
Cascais felt like a good place to be at that stage.
The surf isn’t intimidating, but it’s not boring either. There are a few different beaches all within a short drive, so you’re not stuck in one place. Some days were small and easy, other days had a bit more push, and you just go wherever works best.
But what I liked most was everything around it.
Cascais is a charming little coastal town. You can surf in the morning, grab a coffee somewhere by the water, wander around, maybe go out for dinner in the evening. It feels like a place you’d actually want to spend time even without surfing.
And it’s so easy too.
You’re close to Lisbon, so you’ve always got the option to go into the city, and getting there from the airport is really straightforward.
Looking back, it’s probably where everything started to click for me.
So in this guide, I’m going to break down exactly how surfing in Cascais works. Where to go, when to surf, where to stay, and how I’d approach it if I went back again.
Is Cascais Good for Surfing?
Yes, but not in a “one perfect wave” kind of way.
Cascais works because you’ve got options.
When I was there, we didn’t surf the same spot every day. Some days we were at Carcavelos, other days further along the coast, depending on what the conditions were doing. If it was too big in one place, you’d just move. If it was too small somewhere else, same thing.
That flexibility is what makes it such a good place to surf.
I would say it’s especially good if you’re a beginner or early intermediate.
That said, it’s not the most consistent surf destination in Portugal.
If your only goal is chasing perfect waves every day, somewhere like Peniche or Ericeira probably make more sense. But if you want a mix of decent surf, a nice place to stay, and a chance to do some sightseeing as part of your trip, Cascais works really well.
How to Get to Cascais
Getting to Cascais is really straightforward.
If you’re flying in, you’ll land at Lisbon Airport, and from there it’s about 30–40 minutes to Cascais. If you’re staying with a surf camp, they’ll usually organise a transfer for you, which is the easiest option, especially if you’ve got luggage or a board.
If not, you can just grab an Uber or Bolt straight from the airport. It’s relatively affordable and saves you having to think about connections.
Public transport is also very doable. You can make your way into Lisbon (Cais do Sodré station) and take the train to Cascais, which runs regularly and takes about 30–40 minutes. It’s an easy journey and follows the coastline the whole way.
Another option is renting a car.
This gives you the most flexibility, especially if you’re planning to surf every day and want to move a lot between spots.
When is the Best Time to Surf Cascais?
You can surf in Cascais year-round, but when you go will shape your trip:
- If you’re learning, summer is the best. Smaller, softer waves, warmer water, and generally more forgiving conditions. It does get busy though.
- Autumn is the sweet spot. More consistent swell, fewer crowds, and still warm enough that it’s comfortable. A really good time to be there if you’re starting to progress.
- Winter is bigger and more powerful. Still surfable, but you need to be a bit more experienced to do it.
- Spring is a bit of a mix. Some good days, some quieter periods, and fewer crowds overall.
I was there in early August, and it was perfect for where I was at, transitioning from whitewash to green waves.
The Best Surf Spots in Cascais
These are the main surf spots around Cascais you’ll want to know about.
Carcavelos
This is the main one, and where most people end up at some point.
It’s one of the most consistent beaches in the area and works in a wide range of conditions, which is why there are so many surf schools here. The wave is a beach break, so it’s fairly forgiving when it’s small, but it can get surprisingly good when there’s a bit more swell.
When I was there, this was the go-to on a lot of days. Especially when conditions were a bit mixed elsewhere, Carcavelos usually had something surfable.
If you’re a beginner, this is where you’ll feel most comfortable.
Guincho
Guincho is much more exposed to the Atlantic, which means more swell, more power, and usually more wind. It’s a big, open beach, and it can feel pretty intense if you’re not used to it.
On the right day, it’s incredible. Clean lines, proper waves, and a really beautiful setting. On the wrong day, it can just feel like hard work.
I only surfed here once when I was in Cascais. It’s not somewhere you go every day, but it’s definitely one to have on your radar as you progress.
São Pedro do Estoril
This one is slightly more technical.
It’s a reef break, so it’s not as forgiving as the beach breaks at Carcavelos or Caparica. When it’s working, it can produce really nice, clean waves, but it’s not the kind of place you want to start out as a beginner. It’s more of a step up spot.
If you’re starting to feel more confident and want to try something a bit different, it’s worth checking out. Otherwise, there are easier options nearby.
Where to Stay in Cascais
In Cascais, you’ve basically got two options. You can stay at a surf camp where everything is organised for you, or base yourself in a hostel or apartment and do things more independently.
Surf Camps in Cascais
There are a few good surf camps options in Cascais.
I stayed with Surf Cascais on their 5-day package, based at their Surf Villa in Murches.
Despite the name, it’s not in the centre of Cascais. It’s about a 10-minute drive out, so you’re not really popping into town on a whim, but to be honest, I didn’t mind. The villa’s a nice place to be, and the team drive you around to surf spots every day anyway, so it kind of takes care of itself.
The main thing here is the surfing.
Each day, they check the conditions and take you to the best spot. Sometimes that’s Carcavelos, other days it’s Guincho or somewhere more sheltered. You’re not stuck at one beach trying to make it work, you’re always surfing somewhere that suits your level.
You get six lessons across three days, all equipment included, and the groups are small enough that you actually get proper feedback. There’s also video coaching during the week, which is genuinely useful when you’re trying to improve.
That setup made a big difference for me.
At that point in my trip, I was starting to move onto green waves, and being in the right place each day meant I could actually progress rather than just getting through sessions.
And then there’s the vibe.
The whole place has a really relaxed, positive energy. It’s social without being chaotic, and you end up getting to know people pretty quickly without trying.
There are a couple of other good options nearby too. Salty Surf & Yoga in Cascais is one I’ve stayed with in Ericeira and Peniche and would happily book again. It’s a bit more wellness-focused, but still very well run. And if you want to be a bit closer to Lisbon, Surf Lisbon is a good option too.
8 Day Soulful Surf & Yoga Retreat by the Sea with The Salty in Cascais, Portugal
6 Day Complete Surf Camp for All Levels in Lisbon, Portugal
Hostels in Cascais
If you’ve already got a bit of experience, or you’re on a budget, staying at a hostel in Cascais can make more sense.
There are a couple of good hostel options in and around Cascais.
Lisbon Surf Hostel is the bigger, more social option. It’s right in Carcavelos, within walking distance of the beach, so you’re straight into one of the most consistent beginner-friendly spots in the area.
It feels more like a mini surf complex than a hostel, with a pool, garden, and loads of communal space. Definitely a lively place. If you want to meet people and have that surf-by-day, drinks-in-the-evening kind of setup, this works really well.
Surf Lisbon is more low-key. It’s based in Caxias, slightly outside Cascais and closer to Lisbon, so it’s a good option if you want something quieter with easy access to the city. The house is smaller and more relaxed, with a mix of dorms and private rooms, and you can still organise lessons and transport if you want.
Lisbon Surf Hostel
Surf Lisbon
Hotels and Apartments in Cascais
If you want something a bit more comfortable or you’re travelling as a couple or group, there are plenty of good hotels and apartments in Cascais.
There’s a good mix of boutique hotels, beachfront stays, and apartments, especially around the centre and along the coastline. Places like The Albatroz Hotel or Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa are more on the luxury side, while there are also plenty of smaller boutique hotels and apartments that feel a bit more low-key but still really well done.
A few I’d recommend are:
They’re all smaller, well-designed, and right in the centre, so you’ve got everything on your doorstep.
Surf Lessons in Cascais
There are a lot of surf schools in Cascais, and most of them operate out of Carcavelos.
It’s one of the most beginner-friendly beaches in the area, so everything is set up for it. Boards, wetsuits, instructors, it’s all right there on the sand, and you can be in the water within a few minutes of arriving.
Carcavelos Surf School is one of the main ones. They run 2-hour group lessons directly on the beach for around €30 per person, which is good value and an easy place to start.
If you’re staying at a surf camp, lessons will usually be included, which is what I did. If you’re not, and you’re a beginner, I’d definitely suggest booking at least one or two lessons at the start of your trip. It will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Surfboard Rental in Cascais
If you want to get out in the water on your own and just give it a go, there are plenty of rental options in Cascais.
At beaches like Carcavelos, you can pick up a soft top and wetsuit for around €30 a day. Most rentals are based right on the beach, so it’s worth having a quick walk around when you arrive and comparing prices rather than booking in advance.
If you’re looking for something more advanced, or planning to surf further out spots like Guincho, it’s worth organising your board ahead of time. Portugal Surf Rentals is a good option for this. You can pre-book online and have the board delivered to the beach or your accommodation, which makes things a lot easier.
Travel Insurance for Surfing Cascais
This is one of those things that’s easy to skip, until you actually need it.
Even if you’re just learning, surfing comes with a bit of risk. Wipeouts, collisions, twisted ankles getting in and out of the water, it happens more often than you think. And when you’re travelling, even something minor can turn into a hassle quickly.
That’s why I always travel with insurance now, especially on surf trips.
I personally use SafetyWing. It’s designed for people travelling long-term or working remotely, which fits how I travel, and it’s really straightforward to set up. You can get covered quickly, extend it while you’re already abroad, and it covers the basics you actually need, like medical treatment, travel delays, and lost luggage.
Surfing Cascais
Thanks for reading my Complete 2026 guide to Surfing Cascais, I hope it’s been genuinely useful.
If you’re still planning your trip, these guides will help:
