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.
Praia Grande surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Praia Grande?
The Praia Grande profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Praia Grande?
The Praia Grande profile uses wind from ESE (110°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 135°. 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 Praia Grande?
The Praia Grande scoring profile favors swell from WNW (270° to 320°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 2.4m, 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 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?
The spot profile lists LIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 40 minutes.
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