THE COSMOPOLITAN
Not everyone knows, but the city of Lisboa with its thousands of years of history and claim as one of the most vibrant European capitals, is just a few kilometres from some of the best beaches for SUP’ing.
WORDS By: Ricardo Taveira
This feature originally appeared in the Summer 2013 issue of SUP International. Print and digital subscriptions for readers worldwide are available HERE.)
The area around Lisboa has some of the best waves in Europe within a one hour drive. The coast from Costa da Caparica – famous for its great beach-breaks – to the famous Peniche, passing through the world class Ericeira, and Santa Cruz, another great wave area known for it’s power and consistency, will have even the most ardent hot-dogger frothing like a warm can of John Smith’s on a rutted road. Wherever you go around this area, you cannot go wrong! SUP tours and down-winds options are plenty with gorgeous rivers, lagoons and natural reserves. Portugal receives all kinds of Atlantic swells, meaning that there is always a good wave option no matter the swell and wind direction, you just need to choose what kind of wave you want. Will it be the rambunctious beachy or the guillotining heavy reef break? SUP is getting very popular at some spots, but as the options are many, it’s still very easy to surf alone or with only a few surfers
in the water, especially if you have a local guide to take you everyday to the right spots everyday. Imagine landing in Lisbon, South Adventures is waiting at the airport and take you to one of the many fantastic hotels, hostels or apartments in this magnificent city you
(or us) have booked. Don’t worry about the gear you may bring, it will be stored and we promise to take care of it like it was our own.
Replenish
After a reinvigorating shower, you can go out and experience the amazing gastronomic offer; Michelin star-winning restaurants? Lisbon has it all. Then, do not hesitate to dive into the streets of Chiado, Cais do Sodre, Principe Real and Bairro Alto and the dozens of bars open at every door. The next day no need to rent a car or stress with weather forecasts. At the time agreed, we will be at your doorstep for the first ride. Depending on the conditions, we can go to Costa da Caparica, Ericeira, Peniche, Óbidos, Troia, Praia Grande or Arrábida. All of them with fantastic scenery and an hour away at most. At the end of the day, if you still have strength, spend some time enjoying shopping, visiting art galleries, museums, or simply relax with a glass of wine in your hand as the sun sets across the river Tagus.
The next day… repeat it again! 🙂 SUP
Inside Info
Eat / drink // Bairro Alto, Castelo, Alfama, Baixa, Terreiro do Paço and Docas districts, are full of options for all budgets and tastes.
Where to stay // There are all kinds of accommodation everywhere, both inside and outside the city. From basic hostels (some are not basic at all, winning a lot of awards) to the 5 star hotels. Rental apartments are the new trend in Lisboa with a great and huge range for all budgets.
Sea Temps // Winter – full wetsuit 5×3 or 4×3, booties, gloves and hoods for the colder days. Summer – 3×2 full, shorties and lycra vests.
Rent / Buy Gear // South Adventures, Fanatic SUP School & Test Center. Beginner to advanced lessons, tours and rentals. Our main instructor has 26 years of surfing experience and has practiced/taught SUP since the very beginning of the sport, being certified by IO SUP and ASI. He is also the SUP rep for the Portuguese Surfing Federation (FPS).
Getting there // Lisboa International Airport, 10 minutes from city centre. Faro and Porto Airport 2hr 30 drive. Low cost flights very popular. Plenty of rental car companies available. Airport and hotel/beach pick ups are available through South Adventures. Train and bus services are also an option to get to Lisboa.
“ You just need to choose what kind of wave you want. Will it be the rambunctious beachy or the guillotining heavy reef break? ”