Blog
Stories, guides and news from Dr. Bernard in Costa da Caparica
Surf
How to read the surf forecast for Costa da Caparica
Swell, wind and tide decide whether a day is good for surfing in Costa da Caparica. Learn to read all three and pick the best time for your session.
Community
The story behind Dr. Bernard in Costa da Caparica
Dr. Bernard started as a handful of surf lessons on Costa da Caparica beach. Here's how it grew into a surf camp, coworking space, restaurant and wellness hub — and what still guides it today.
Surf
Surfing solo in Costa da Caparica: what to know before you go
Thinking about a solo surf trip? Here's what actually matters in Costa da Caparica: safety, lessons, where to stay, and how solo travellers end up meeting each other without trying too hard.
Surf
How much does a week of surfing cost in Costa da Caparica?
A surf trip to Costa da Caparica is more than the price of a lesson. Here's what actually shapes the total — lessons, where you stay, food, gear and season — so you can plan a realistic budget before you book.
Surf
Learning to surf as an adult in Costa da Caparica
Think you've missed your chance to learn to surf? You haven't. Here's what adult beginners can realistically expect in Costa da Caparica — first lesson, timeline, common fears, and how to choose the right format to start well.
Travel
Hiking trails in the Mata Nacional de Caparica
Costa da Caparica isn't just beach: the Mata Nacional offers pine forest and cliff-top trails with Atlantic views. Discover routes, distances and the best time to walk.
Surf
Surfer nutrition: what to eat before and after surfing in Costa da Caparica
Eating right before and after a lesson can be the difference between a high-energy session and heavy legs halfway through. Here's what to eat, when to eat it, and how to recover well after surfing in Costa da Caparica.
Surf
Stand-up paddle (SUP) in Costa da Caparica
Curious about stand-up paddleboarding in Costa da Caparica? Here's what makes the spot work for SUP, how it differs from surfing, and what to know before your first paddle.
Lifestyle
Cycling in Costa da Caparica: a guide to the coastal path
Costa da Caparica is flat, coastal and made for cycling. Here's how to ride the boardwalk to Fonte da Telha, where to rent a bike, the best time of day, and how to fit it around surf, food and rest.
Wellness
What is cardio tennis, and where to try it in Costa da Caparica?
Never played tennis? Cardio tennis in Costa da Caparica is a coached, music-paced workout built around footwork and drills, not scoring — here's what a class looks like, who it suits, and where to try it.
Wellness
Outdoor sports in Costa da Caparica: running, cardio and the boardwalk
Costa da Caparica isn't just about surf: discover the boardwalk for running, cardio tennis classes, bike routes and sand training, with practical tips to train outdoors safely.
Surf
What's the best time of day to surf in Costa da Caparica?
Costa da Caparica changes by the hour — wind, tide and light all shift the conditions. Here's how to pick the best time of day to surf, depending on the season and what you're after in the water.
Surf
Which surfboard should you start with in Costa da Caparica?
Soft-top or epoxy? Long or short? Here's how surfboard length, volume and shape actually affect your first sessions in Costa da Caparica, and how to choose (or rent) the right one.
Guides
A perfect one-day itinerary in Costa da Caparica
A full day in Costa da Caparica, from a sunrise surf lesson to sunset: where to eat, when to rest, and how to fit it all in without rushing — plus where to stay if one day turns into more.
Surf
How to rent a surfboard in Costa da Caparica
Not sure whether to rent a board in Costa da Caparica? Here's what board types are available, how rental rates work, what should be included, and how renting compares to a surf lesson.
Surf
Ocean safety in Costa da Caparica: flags, rip currents and what to do
Costa da Caparica is famously gentle for beginners, but it's still open ocean. Here's how to read the flags, spot a rip current, and what to do if you're caught in one — for you and for your kids.
Cowork
Workation in Costa da Caparica: work remotely and surf every day
Thinking about mixing remote work with surf? Here's how a workation in Costa da Caparica actually works — coworking, lessons, where to stay and how to structure your day.
Travel
How to get from Porto to Costa da Caparica
Planning a surf trip to Costa da Caparica from Porto? Here's the real distance, the fastest route by car, train and bus options, and the best time to travel to skip Lisbon traffic.
Events
Events and parties in Costa da Caparica: where to celebrate by the sea
From sunset parties and live music to private birthdays and celebrations, Costa da Caparica knows how to throw a good one. Here's what's on, where to host your own event, and how to make a weekend of it.
Wellness
Wellness and spa in Costa da Caparica
Gym sessions, boxing, ice baths and ocean-side recovery: here's what a wellness routine looks like in Costa da Caparica, and how to fit it around your surf lessons.
Surf
Surfing with kids: a family guide to Costa da Caparica
Planning a surf trip with kids? Here's what age to start, how to choose family-friendly lessons, safety essentials, where to stay near the beach, and the best time of year to go.
Surf
When's the best season to surf in Costa da Caparica?
Wondering when to surf Costa da Caparica? Summer brings warm water and easy waves, winter brings bigger swells and quiet lineups, and spring/autumn often split the difference. Here's how to pick your season.
Wellness
Yoga in Costa da Caparica: where to practice and how to pair it with surfing
Yoga in Costa da Caparica, 20 minutes from Lisbon: where to practice, which time to choose, and how to pair it with a surf lesson or a beachfront stay.
Wellness
Gym and training by the sea in Costa da Caparica
Gym, boxing and recovery by the sea in Costa da Caparica: see how the Dr. Bernard training space works, how to pair it with surfing, and what to bring to your first session.
Guides
What to do in Costa da Caparica
Surf, sunsets, food, wellness and coworking: discover what to do in Costa da Caparica, 20 minutes from Lisbon, and how to plan your visit.
Food
Açaí and brunch in Costa da Caparica
Açaí bowls, fresh juices and a sea-view terrace: here's what brunch at Costa da Caparica actually looks like, when to go, and how to pair it with a surf lesson or a stay nearby.
Surf
Sunset at Costa da Caparica
The Atlantic coast at Costa da Caparica faces almost due west, which makes for some of the best sunsets near Lisbon. Here's where to watch it, when the show is best, and how to pair it with a surf session or dinner.
Cowork
Beachfront coworking in Costa da Caparica
A beachfront coworking space in Costa da Caparica combines fast wifi, comfortable desks and the beach just minutes away. Here's how to combine remote work with surf, wellness and accommodation by the sea.
Surf
The best beaches to surf in Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica isn't one beach — it's dozens, each with its own bank, crowd and character. Here's a practical guide to the main spots, from São João to Fonte da Telha, and how tide, wind and season change which one is right for you.
Surf
How to get to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon
Car, bus, ferry or private transfer — see the options for getting to Costa da Caparica from Lisbon and how long each one takes, so you can plan your surf lesson or surf camp with ease.
Food
Where to eat in Costa da Caparica after a surf lesson
Two hours in the water works up a real appetite. Here's where to eat in Costa da Caparica — breakfast before a lesson, lunch between sessions, and dinner with a sunset view, all a short walk from the sand.
Surf
How long does it take to learn to surf in Costa da Caparica?
How many lessons until you catch your first wave alone? See the real progress milestones, what speeds up (or slows down) the journey, and how to keep improving in Costa da Caparica after lessons.
Surf
What to bring to your surf lesson in Costa da Caparica
Wondering what to pack for your first surf lesson in Costa da Caparica? Here's exactly what the school provides, what to wear, and the small personal items that make the difference between a great morning and an uncomfortable one.
Surf
Where to stay in Costa da Caparica: a surfer's guide to accommodation
Planning a surf trip to Costa da Caparica? Here's what actually matters when picking somewhere to sleep — walking distance to the beach, somewhere to dry your wetsuit, and why staying at Villa Caparica, Dr. Bernard's own surf hostel, keeps the whole week simple.
Wine
Wine tasting in Costa da Caparica with O Gato que Bebe
Curious about wine tasting in Costa da Caparica? Dr. Bernard and the wine cellar O Gato que Bebe host relaxed sessions of Portuguese wines with a sea view — here's what to expect, and how to book.
Corporate
Corporate events in Costa da Caparica: team building by the ocean
Looking for a different kind of offsite? Costa da Caparica, 20 minutes from Lisbon, swaps the conference room for the beach. Here's how Dr. Bernard designs team building days, retreats and workshops by the ocean — and how to plan yours.
Surf
Surf camp for beginners near Lisbon: everything you need to know
Thinking about a surf camp for beginners near Lisbon? Costa da Caparica, 20 minutes from the city, has gentle, sandy-bottom waves that make it one of Europe's easiest places to start. Here's what a camp actually involves, how many days you need, what's included and how to book.
Surf
Kids surf camp in Costa da Caparica: the parents' guide
Think summer surf mornings are just for adults? Dr. Bernard's Kids Surf ATL in Costa da Caparica is built for children from age 5: daily surf lessons, outdoor activities, meals and certified supervision, every day from 9am to 5pm.
Surf
Surf in Costa da Caparica: a complete guide to the spots
Costa da Caparica isn't one wave — it's eight kilometres of shifting sandbank peaks, from beginner-friendly whitewater to punchy, hollow banks further south. Here's the local's guide to the spots, the tides, the wind and when to go.
Surf
Costa da Caparica or Ericeira: which is better for surfing near Lisbon
Two great surf options near Lisbon, one decision. Here's how Costa da Caparica and Ericeira actually compare — distance, waves, crowds, levels and vibe — so you book the right one for your trip.
Surf
How much do surf lessons cost in Costa da Caparica?
Surf lesson prices in Costa da Caparica vary a lot — and for good reason. Here's what actually drives the price: private vs. group, single lessons vs. packages, season, and what's included, so you can compare offers and choose what fits.
Surf
Surf lessons or a surf camp in Costa da Caparica: which should you choose?
Not sure whether to book a single surf lesson or a full surf camp in Costa da Caparica? Here's how the two compare — by goal, budget and time — so you can choose the right one.
Surf
How to choose a surf school in Costa da Caparica
Every surf school on Costa da Caparica's beach looks similar from the sand. Here's what actually matters before you book your first lesson.
Surf
Surf camp in Costa da Caparica: everything you need to know (near Lisbon)
Thinking of a surf camp in Costa da Caparica? Beginner-friendly waves just 20 minutes from Lisbon, daily coaching, accommodation and yoga. Here's everything you need to know — and how to book.
Surf
Beginner's guide to surfing in Costa da Caparica
New to surfing? Costa da Caparica, just 20 minutes from Lisbon, is one of Europe's best places to catch your first wave. Here's everything a first-timer needs to know — the best season, the gear, what a lesson looks like, surf camps, where to stay, and how to book with Dr. Bernard.
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