Praia Grande
Praia Grande is Sintra's exposed Atlantic beach break, a consistent stretch of sand that picks up plenty of west and northwest swell. The peaks shift with the banks, offering everything from manageable walls for intermediates to hollow, punchy sections when autumn and winter groundswell arrives. Easy access from Lisbon and Cascais makes it a practical strike option, though wind exposure means timing is everything.
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (295°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 320°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Bottom
Sand
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 13) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Praia Grande?
Praia Grande works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Praia Grande?
Offshore wind at Praia Grande blows from the ESE (110°). Anything in the 90° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Praia Grande?
Praia Grande wants WNW swell (270° to 320°) between 1.2m and 2.4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Praia Grande?
The main season at Praia Grande is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Picks up every Atlantic swell.
How do I get to Praia Grande?
Fly into LIS, then allow about 40 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Praia Grande?
Praia Grande is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights over a sand bottom. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Picks up every Atlantic swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Praia do Guincho
💨 Lisbon's windy outlet • Dual-sport beach • Sintra backdrop
Carcavelos
Lisbon beach barrels • Fast sandbanks • Crowded when good
Ribeira d'Ilhas
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Coxos
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
Supertubos
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Baleal
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency