Costa da Caparica

## The spot Costa da Caparica is a 30km stretch of beach south of Lisbon, across the Tagus. The beaches face west into the Atlantic and produce consistent surf along their entire length. A mini-railway runs along the coast in summer, accessing different numbered beaches. The northern end is urban; the southern end is wild and natural. It provides Lisbon's most extensive surf options with variety from mellow to powerful. ## When it works Picks up any westerly Atlantic swell. A north-easterly wind is offshore. Works on all tides. Consistent year-round. The 2-6ft range suits the various sections. The northern beaches are more sheltered; the southern end is exposed and powerful. Something is always rideable. ## Where to sit The numbered beaches each have different characters. The first beaches (near town) are sheltered and popular. Walking or driving south finds progressively more exposed, powerful waves with fewer people. Choose your beach based on conditions and desired crowd level. ## Hazards Rip currents on bigger days. The southern beaches can be powerful. Some beaches have limited facilities and mobile signal. Sandy bottom throughout. Lifeguards at the main beaches in summer. ## Parking and access Multiple car parks along the coast road. The mini-railway in summer accesses beaches without a car. Bridge from Lisbon (25 April Bridge) provides easy access. Full facilities at the northern end; basic at the southern end. ## The crowd Busy at the northern (town) end. Walking or driving south dramatically reduces crowds. The 30km length means empty peaks always exist somewhere. The southern beaches are genuinely empty on many days. ## Local tips Costa da Caparica rewards exploration. The further south you go, the emptier and more powerful the waves become. The northern beaches are convenient but crowded. Bring a bike or use the railway to access different sections. The fish restaurants along the coast serve some of Lisbon's best seafood at half the price. The sunset facing west across the Atlantic is spectacular.