Costa da Caparica · Portugal
Surfing Fonte da Telha
A beach break in Costa da Caparica, Portugal, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Fonte da Telha is the quiet southern end of the Caparica coast, reached by car or by the small beach train in summer. The waves are the same punchy beach break as the main stretch, but there are far fewer people, and pine-covered dunes instead of beach bars.
It's where locals go to avoid the summer crowds without driving far. Low to mid tide on a small to medium swell works best. There are fewer facilities, so bring water and sun cream.
It's busiest in summer, when Lisbon heads to the beach, but even then there's space. Autumn and spring bring better swells. There are a few beach restaurants, and Caparica town, at the northern end of the beach, has the surf shops and places to stay.
When to surf
Fonte da Telha
Fonte da Telha is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: W-NW swell.
October to March: Prime
Consistent NW-W swell, mild city winter
April to May: Good
Reliable swell, warming water, fewer crowds
June to August: Quiet
Smaller waves, packed beaches, strong summer thermal wind at Guincho
The year across Lisbon Coast
Waves near Fonte da Telha
Getting there
Where to stay: Caparica town is the lively hub, with surf schools, hostels and apartments a few minutes from the beach, and buses and ferries to Lisbon. Fonte da Telha, at the southern end of the beach, is quieter and closer to emptier peaks. In summer the town fills with day-trippers from Lisbon, so book ahead.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa da Caparica guide.
Costa da Caparica surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.