Praia das Macas – A Secret Surf Town Near Lisbon

Where is Praia das Macas?

Praia das Macas is on Portugal’s Sintra Coast, around 12 kilometres west of Sintra town (which – if you haven’t heard of yet is a MUST-visit UNESCO site) and roughly 40–50 minutes’ drive from central Lisbon.

It faces west-northwest into the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the first properly exposed beaches north of the Lisbon metropolitan area, not counting Guincho.

You can technically reach it by public transport: Train to Sintra and then a bus or the seasonal tram.

However, I prefer the rental car option. The bus-tram combo isn’t fast. More to the point it’s limiting if you’re chasing waves.

The Sintra Coast is all about flexibility. Conditions can change quickly, and being able to zip between Praia das Macas, Praia Grande, and further north toward Magoito makes a big difference.

Look for car hires with DiscoverCars.com first – they’ve been the cheapest for me on my last few trips here.

The surf in Praia das Macas

Praia das Macas isn’t the most consistent surf beach on the Sintra Coast and it doesn’t have the best surf in the region. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. Let me elaborate…

There are basically two close-by spots: A town beach and nearby Praia Grande. You can walk to the first, but the other is 5 mins by cay. The first isn’t amazing. The second really is…

The town beach

The main beach only really comes into its own at low tide. As the water pulls back, the broader section of the bay opens up and reveals better-shaped bars and some sort half point-break spots that can shoot off some nice left handers that hollow (on the south end)

Mid to high tide can be a bit dumpy – waves pitching straight onto the sand with little room to manoeuvre because they squeeze up so tight against the cliffs. On a smaller NW pulse with a decent period, though, you can get fun, punchy peaks that offer short workable bits.

It’s rarely a true beginner beach, largely thanks to the power you get here head-on to the Atlantic, and that there are rocks etc around.

Praia Grande

The real joy of staying in Praia das Macas is Praia Grande. Five minutes’ drive south of town (on a pretty bit of coast gravel road might I add) and you’re at arguably the most consistent beach break in the region.

Praia Grande is a full kilometre of classic Atlantic sand, angled slightly NW into the dominant swell channel. That orientation means it picks up loads of energy.

So, in winter it gets heavy – slabs, strong currents, and proper power are the order of it all, and the tourist/beginner crew are basically not around.

As the summer get swinging, it softens into a more approachable setup that can suit a wide range of surfers.

Praia Grande can draw serious numbers when it’s good but as I mentioned there is tons of space to spread out so it’s not usually an issue. It definitely doesn’t have the same localism as the major Estoril beaches nearer to Lisbon, like Carcvelos.

>>Read our complete guide to surfing in Praia Grande right now

Other surf spots near to Macas

One of the biggest advantages of basing yourself here is access. 20 mins drive in either direction can open up some other really nice spots. Hence why I like a rental car in Macas.

• Magoito Beach – Further north, Magoito is wilder and more rugged than Macas’ town beach. It’s exposed and can handle solid swell, which is channels into one really good right hander. It’s often considered a part of the Ericeira strip, but is still
• Praia do Guincho – About 30 minutes south toward Cascais, Guincho is a swell magnet. More wind-exposed than Maçãs, but reliable. If the Sintra Coast is too big, Guincho can sometimes offer more manageable peaks — or vice versa.
• Cascais – Not really a surf spot in itself. The town beaches are sheltered and generally flat. But it’s a great base if you want nightlife and access to the Estoril Coast, including Carcavelos and Guincho.

When to surf in Praia das Macas?

Early to mid-autumn is the best time to surf at Praia das Macas, though spring can be good, and summer is the top time for beginner surfers.

September through November tends to bring consistent NW swell pulses, lighter winds than high summer, and water that’s still relatively warm. The sandbanks at Macas can line up nicely on low tide, and Praia Grande often fires with clean, powerful peaks.

That said, there’s rarely a totally flat spell on this stretch of coast. Winter delivers more size and more punch, which suits experienced surfers but can make Macas itself feel dumpy and challenging – plus, it’s cold.

Spring can be mixed but fun on the right swell. Summer is generally smaller and better for improver-intermediates, especially at Praia Grande. Absolute beginners will find easier, more forgiving beaches elsewhere in the Lisbon region, but smaller swell days will make these two doable.

What to do in Praia das Macas when there’s no surf?

• Ride the Sintra tram – In summer, a vintage tram rattles between Sintra town and Praia das Macas. It’s slow and slightly chaotic, but that’s part of the fun. A good way to link beach time with castle visits.
• Explore Sintra’s palaces – Ten to fifteen minutes inland, you’ve got Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. This is Sintra, which is unquestionably one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Eurioe. Do yourself a favor and book onto a tour (this one’s good) becuase it is hard to navigate on your own!
• Cliff-top walks – The coastal paths between Praia das Macas and Praia Grande are worth doing. Big views, salty air, and the chance to scout surf from above. What I love is that the road here is only half finished so you don’t get cars whizzing up and down it.
• Seafood lunches – This stretch of coast is known for simple, fresh seafood. Grilled fish, clams, cold vinho verde.

Where to stay in Praia das Macas?

WOT Ocean Soul / HostelWorld

You’ve got two solid options.

First: stay in Praia das Macas town itself. This is what I’d recommend. It’s a proper fishing village with a lived-in feel. There are seafood restaurants, a few casual bars, and a local atmosphere that’s authentic rather than resorty. You can walk to the beach, check the surf at low tide, and settle into a slower rhythm. I love it.

Second: stay closer to Praia Grande. There are some excellent self-catering coast houses perched above the cliffs or tucked just inland. These put you within walking distance/or v. quick drive of arguably the most consistent waves in the area. It’s a good choice if your trip is heavily surf-focused and you want to maximise water time.

• WOT Ocean Soul [in Praia das Macas] – A pretty cool surf hostel that’s great for low-budget travelers who want vibes and nice people. It’s just behind the beach in the center of town, walking distance to waves, and comes with a lovely outdoor terrace/social area.
• Coastal Charm Chalet [by Praia Grande] – A stunning villa with its own kitchen and garden with pool, gazing right over the edge of Portugal at the waves on Grande. Love this one.
• Arribas Sintra Hotel [Between Macas and Praia Grande] – Any guide to this lovely town should mention the amazing Arribas Sintra Hotel, which sits on the coast betwen Macas and Grande beach. It’s an audacious piece of engineering, with a big pool perched on the cliffs and stunning design throughout. It will cost more, but if you like a bit of lux then this is perfecto, esp since Grande beach is walkable.