Costa da Caparica is a civil parish in the municipality of Almada, in Portugal, along the western coast of Setubal. It used to be a fishing village, but now it is a tourist destination. The religious and secular festivities throughout the year create a cheerful atmosphere that no one wants to miss.
It is well known for its extensive beautiful beach, about 30 km/18 mi long. It is the largest beach in Portugal, from the left margin of the Tagus River to the estuary of Albufeira. On the cliff above the sandy beach stands an old Capuchin Monastery, that was found in 1558. So, make a prayer and get ready for surf, because Costa da Caparica beach can give you the right dose of adrenaline.
The waves are regional classic with very consistent frequency (150 days/years) and a beach-break. The right and left direction calling you to dance with the waves, but be careful they are fast, powerful and really fun.
The northwest, west, southwest and south are the good directions for swell. And for the wind, southeast, east and northeast direction is the best. The swell size starts working at less than 1 m / 3 ft and holds up to 2.5 m+ / 8 ft+.
In summer, the waves swell size is 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) and the wind blows offshore 4%. In autumn, the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) to 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) and the wind blows offshore 25%. In winter, we have waves with swell size from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft), but sometimes the waves are >3 m (10 ft). The wind blows offshore 36%.
In spring, the wind blows offsh0re 21% and the waves swell size is from 1.3 to 3 m (4-10 ft). The beach is appropriate for surfers, no matter the experience they have.
There are surf schools at your disposal, with experts that can show you the beauty of this sport. In Costa da Caparica, there are other activities that you can do and a variety of small hotels and guest houses.
