Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Fonte da Telha is an exposed Atlantic beach spot near Lisbon where summer Nortada winds are described as reliable and typically build through the afternoon into early evening. The sandy, wide beach and open setup space make it generally approachable for learning and progression, especially for kite and wind sessions. For kitesurfing, the main pattern is a steady northwest/northwesterly flow with a thermal sea-breeze character. Multiple sources describe freeride-focused conditions and smoother wind compared with many other nearby venues, with side-onshore conditions that can suit wave riding and freeride progression. During the summer bathing season, kitesurfing is also noted as restricted to a designated zone to protect swimmers. Surfing is characterized as a beach break with reasonably consistent waves that can work year-round. It is reported to provide both lefts and rights, with the best results when a west to west-southwest swell lines up with offshore east-northeast wind; low tide is repeatedly identified as the best tide position. When conditions get larger, the wave can become shore-dumpy at higher tide, and low tide may close out depending on how the swell arrives. Safety considerations are important: strong rip currents are described as common, and the beach can be very crowded in summer—especially on weekends—so you should plan for both swimmer separation rules (for kitesurfing) and careful water awareness. Fishing boats/nets near shore and submerged sandbars are also mentioned hazards, and localism is noted at peak surf spots.
- Reliable summer Nortada thermal winds (May–September)
- Wide sandy launch with open setup space
- Usable beach-break surf with both lefts and rights
- Low tide favored for surfing
- Reliable Nortada thermal winds in summer with wind strengthening in the afternoon
- Wide sandy beach with an easier sandy launch and open space to set up
- Consistent beach-break surf (often both lefts and rights) with usable low-tide windows
- Kitesurfing is described as a favored, established destination near Lisbon
- Crowds can be very heavy on weekends and in July/August
- Surf can become shore-dumpy at higher tide; low tide may close out as swell rises
- Rip currents are common
- Shoal and shore-break conditions can be challenging (especially for windsurfing/launching)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, N, NNW
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE, ESE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Nortada-style sea breeze / thermal north–northwesterly pattern.
- Reliability
- high during summer months
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as steady / less gusty than many nearby spots.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe surf as small to medium depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Wide/sandy beach launch with open space.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Kite launch described as sandy and relatively straightforward; windsurf launching described as more moderate; one source rates launch moderate.
Through the year
Very crowded on weekends and during July and August.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Steady northwest / Nortada thermal winds with a sandy launch and enough water options for progression. Side-onshore conditions are described as ideal for freeriding and wave riding; summer often includes a dedicated kite zone during bathing season.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Reliable summer winds and Atlantic swell; suitable for freeride and wave windsurfing, though shore break can be challenging.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Foil-friendly due to sandy bottom and adequate depth, but Atlantic swell and shore break require intermediate launching skill.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Reported as foil-friendly.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break that can be reasonably consistent and works year-round. It is reported to offer both lefts and rights, with the best surf when a west to west-southwest swell lines up with offshore east-northeast wind.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WSW, NW
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is consistently noted as best; full high tide may reduce usability.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open Atlantic exposure; beach break is described as exposed.
- Bigger Swell
- Beach break can become shore-dumpy at higher tide; can still be good when the swell gets larger, but low tide may close out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported good wave quality; holds more swell than northern Caparica beaches.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Typical peeling pace reported as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical ride lengths are reported around 50 to 150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides reported around 50 to 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) in the full forecast view.
Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- NNW347°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.5 m11s period
- Temperature
- 11–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.7–2.5 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong rip currents common
- Fishing boats and nets on the beach
- Submerged sandbars
- Crowded beach in summer
- Localism at peak surf spots
- Shore-dumpy surf can occur at higher tide
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Reported during the official bathing season (June–September).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Seasonal lifeguards present; nearest medical center reported in Costa da Caparica. National emergency number 112 is available.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism is noted, especially at peak surf spots.
Rules of the spot
During the summer bathing season, kitesurfing is restricted to a designated zone to ensure swimmer safety.
- No kitesurfing in swimmer areas
- Summer kitesurfing zones enforced
- Afternoon wind is typically better than earlier in the day.
- Be cautious of rip currents.
- Watch for localism on very busy weekends.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lisbon
- Nearest Town
- Costa da Caparica
- Parking
- Parking is reported at/near the beach and is available directly at the beach (can be extremely crowded on summer weekends).
- Public Transport
- Public transport is mentioned; a seasonal mini-train connects various beaches along the coast.
- Access
- Accessible by car from Lisbon via the A2 or A33 (following signs for Fonte da Telha); public transport also mentioned; carrying equipment is easier by car.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals in Fonte da Telha and Costa da Caparica; hotels in nearby Almada.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous beach bars and traditional seafood restaurants (restaurantes de praia) along the waterfront.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at local surf and kite schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited availability at sport schools; some clubs offer storage near primary access points (not necessarily consistent everywhere).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs available at local shops; specialized workshops for kite canopy/board repairs mentioned regionally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Costa da Caparica offers a beach-centered lifestyle with coastal promenades, viewpoints, and strong seafood-focused dining, making it a convenient base for Lisbon day trips and water sports.
A protected area featuring limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
An iconic monument and shrine overlooking the Tagus River with panoramic views of Lisbon.
Consistent beach breaks suitable for all levels, supported by the region’s surf culture.
Popular coastal recreation along the long shoreline and dune-backed stretches.
Specialized seafood restaurants (Marisqueiras) along the coast serving fresh Atlantic catches.
Known for fish dishes including caldeiradas, along with seasonal beachside bars.
Long sandy beaches and accessible resort strip that work well for family trips.
A large urban park in Almada with walking paths and green spaces suitable for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica)?
The best overall months at Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica)?
Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) works with NW, N, NNW winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, ESE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) suitable for?
Fonte da Telha (Costa da Caparica) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.