Santa Amaro is the first surf spot on the train line out of Lisbon city center. It’s a long right point break that really needs a big swell to come alive. When conditions are right, it can be quite a fun spot, especially with a solid SouthWest swell on an incoming tide. However, don’t expect it to deliver excellent waves every day; consistency here is pretty low, so you might need to be patient and hit it at the right time.
The best time to surf at Santa Amaro is when the swell is coming from the SouthWest, but it can also handle swells from the South and NorthWest. It breaks over uneven reef, so be cautious. The spot generally works well with swell sizes around 3 ft (about 0.9 m) and can provide fast, tubular sections for experienced surfers. The ideal wind direction is NorthEast, while mid to high tide works best for the waves to clean up and provide a decent ride.
Santa Amaro tends to be busy with surfers, especially on good days, and it’s important to be aware of the local vibe. This spot is suited for expert surfers due to the nature of the waves and the challenges posed by the reef and rips. If you’re looking to catch some waves, be prepared for a competitive lineup and always respect the locals.