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 kind of wave is Praia Grande?
Praia Grande is a beach break in Sintra, Portugal, with peaks that run both left and right over a sand bottom. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at Praia Grande?
Praia Grande picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Praia Grande?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Praia Grande, and anything from the E round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Praia Grande?
Praia Grande is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Praia Grande?
The most reliable run of swell at Praia Grande comes Sep to Mar. Picks up every Atlantic swell.
How cold is the water at Praia Grande?
The water at Praia Grande averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Praia Grande good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: strong rips and crowds.
How do I get to Praia Grande?
The nearest airport on our list is LIS, then it's roughly a 40-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Praia Grande?
The closest breaks we track are Praia do Guincho (8.9 km), Carcavelos (19 km) and Ribeira d'Ilhas (20 km), handy when Praia Grande isn't working.
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