Beach break · Tocha, Centro · 40°20′N 8°51′W
Praia da Tocha
A long, quiet beach break on the coast between Figueira da Foz and Praia de Mira. Friendly peaks when the swell is small, rarely crowded, and the wind decides everything.
Praia da Tocha is an exposed, dune-backed beach with shifting sandbar peaks along its length. It works on a west swell, with south-west to north-west angles also fine, and it handles every stage of the tide.
The wind is the deciding factor. An easterly or south-easterly offshore cleans it up. Even a light onshore breeze spoils it, and in December around half the days are blown out. Small days are the friendly ones, when novices can find peaks they can manage. Bigger swells bring steeper sections that suit more experienced surfers.
It rarely gets crowded. Respect the rips and the undertow, check the forecast before you drive out, and paddle out where other people are already in the water.
Nearby
Praia de Mira
The beach of a quiet resort village on the long sandy coast south of Aveiro, with friendly banks that suit learners. Rarely crowded, but very exposed to the wind.
BeginnersYear-round for learning; winter for clean days
Buarcos
The sheltered north end of Figueira da Foz bay, in the fishing quarter of Buarcos, tucked under the Cabo Mondego headland. Gentler and far more forgiving than the powerful Cabedelo left at the river end of the same bay.
All levelsAutumn to spring; a dependable option when Cabedelo is too big
Cabedelo
A long, powerful left that breaks off the training wall at the mouth of the Mondego river in Figueira da Foz. On the right sandbank it is one of the best lefts in the country and has held WSL and national events.
Advanced surfersAutumn to springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia da Tocha?
- Praia da Tocha is a beach break. It wants W, with SW to NW also working swell and works best with offshore from the e to se wind.
- Is Praia da Tocha good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Praia da Tocha?
- Year-round, winter often best.
- What should I watch out for at Praia da Tocha?
- Rips and undertow