Carcavelos
Carcavelos is Lisbon's urban performance beach break, a powerful sandbar setup that can produce fast barrels when west swell and light offshore wind line up. It is one of Portugal's most accessible quality waves, sitting close to the train line and city center, which also means crowds arrive quickly. The wave is highly bank-dependent but can be excellent through autumn and winter.
Carcavelos surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 240° - 290°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 330° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Bottom
Sand
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Carcavelos?
The Carcavelos profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Carcavelos?
The Carcavelos profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 330° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Carcavelos?
The Carcavelos scoring profile favors swell from W (240° to 290°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Carcavelos?
The main season at Carcavelos is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Lisbon beachbreak favoring W-WNW winter swells and north offshore winds.
How do I get to Carcavelos?
The spot profile lists LIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 20 minutes.
What kind of wave is Carcavelos?
Carcavelos is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights over a sand bottom. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Lisbon beachbreak favoring W-WNW winter swells and north offshore winds.
Getting There
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