Just 30 minutes from some of Portugal’s best surf breaks, Sintra feels worlds away from the salty lineup and beach culture of the coast. This UNESCO-listed town, with its candy-colored palaces and misty hills, offers the perfect counterpoint to morning surf sessions. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, today it draws wave-riders and wanderers alike, who come to explore its enchanted streets after washing off the sea salt.

Getting there and when to go

Fall and spring offer the sweet spot for visiting Sintra, offering reliable surf conditions with fewer tourists in town. The mornings bring clean waves and offshore winds, while afternoons are perfect for exploring the hills. 

Summer sees the biggest crowds but also the most consistent weather, though you’ll want to start early to beat both the tour buses and the onshore winds. 

The town is easily reached by train from Lisbon in about 40 minutes, making it possible to base yourself here for a surf trip. Most nearby breaks are a short taxi or bike ride away. Having your own car gives you more flexibility to chase the best conditions.

What to see and where to surf

From mystical palaces to perfect waves, Sintra offers an enticing mix of culture and surf.

Pena Palace

Perched high above town, this whimsical palace steals the show with its rainbow of colors and eclectic architectural styles. The surrounding park is worth at least half a day, offering hidden paths and stunning viewpoints throughout.

Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle

Moorish Castle, Sintra

The mysterious spiral staircase of Quinta da Regaleira’s Initiation Well draws visitors into an underground world of wonder, while the chunky ramparts of the Moorish Castle provide sweeping views across the landscape.

Historic Center

Narrow streets wind through the town center, lined with quirky shops and traditional houses. Here you’ll find locals going about their day among the tourist crowds, with cafes serving regional pastries and shops selling artisanal goods.

Praia Grande

This wide beach break lives up to its name, working in most conditions. Perfect for beginners in summer, it can handle size in winter, making it a reliable option year-round. The waves work best from dawn until late morning when offshore winds groom the swell.

Praia das Maçãs

Just north of Praia Grande, this spot offers more challenging waves and smaller crowds. The morning offshore winds create clean conditions, ideal for intermediate surfers looking to progress.

Praia da Adraga

Even when the surf isn’t pumping, the dramatic setting of Adraga makes it worth a visit. The beach break works best in winter swells, though summer can deliver fun-sized waves perfect for longboarding.

Tips for surfing in Sintra

You’ll need to be flexible and do your homework on the area when it comes to surfing in Sintra. That’s not a bad thing though. Let’s start with the coastline, which offers a mix of breaks able to challenge surfers of all levels. The conditions can be unique, so keep an eye out for the type of surf and your skill level. 

Some helpful tips: 

The microclimatic conditions around Sintra mean that weather can shift at a moment’s notice, so make sure you’re adaptable. Morning offshore winds typically create the cleanest conditions, especially at Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs. Winter swells, on the other hand, offer stronger waves for experienced surfers.

Important safety considerations to remember:

If you’re looking to improve your skills, take time to learn in forgiving conditions, like Praia das Maçãs or Praia Grande, where the waves tend to be more manageable. Always keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions before heading out. Stay safe and have fun catching those waves!

Get surfing lessons with the best of them by booking one of Rapturecamps surf schools. 

Where to eat and drink

Sintra cheesecakes called queijadas

The historic center caters to every budget, from casual cafes to Michelin-starred dining. Local specialties include fresh seafood and the famous Sintra cheesecakes called queijadas. Casa Piriquita has been baking these treats since 1862, and their travesseiros (puff pastry filled with almond cream) are worth the queue.

Evening brings a quieter vibe as day-trippers depart, leaving the town to those who’ve chosen to stay. Restaurants like Incomum and Tascantiga serve modern Portuguese cuisine with views over the old town, while Café Saudade offers the perfect setting for a nightcap.

Where to stay

Accommodation ranges from surf hostels to restored palaces. The hillside neighborhoods offer the most atmospheric stays, with boutique hotels tucked into historic villas. Lawrence’s Hotel, dating from 1764, lets you sleep in Portugal’s oldest hotel, while modern guesthouses closer to the coast provide easier access to the surf.

Look for places in São Pedro or the historic center if you want to walk to restaurants and shops. Alternatively, staying near Praia das Maçãs or Praia Grande puts you closer to the waves while still keeping the palaces within easy reach.

Tips for your visit

Making the most of Sintra requires a bit of planning, whether you’re chasing waves or palace views.

Sintra rewards those who linger beyond the day-trip rush. Whether you’re here for the waves, the history, or both, give yourself enough time to experience the town’s magic at different hours. The early mornings belong to surfers, the midday to tourists, but the evenings reveal Sintra’s most enchanting character.

Finding the surf in Sintra

Sintra rewards those who linger beyond the day-trip rush. Whether you’re here for the waves, the history, or both, give yourself enough time to experience the town’s magic at different hours. The early mornings belong to surfers, the midday to tourists, but the evenings reveal Sintra’s most enchanting character.

Thinking of hitting up some surf? Here’s all you need to know before planning a trip.