This month we add Cascais to the WavePoolMag Wave Pool Map as plans aired recently for a new Wavegarden Cove anchored facility west of Lisbon. Portugal has long been seen as a sort of promised land for wave pools. The country spends significant marketing dollars on surf tourism and development costs are less than in neighboring European countries. Drawbacks include a very complicated land acquisition process, building permits and approval process.
That said, the third jewel in the potential surf parks of Portugal crown is 30 minutes from downtown Lisbon and 10 km east of the famous beach at Cascais – a spot which has hosted several local and European WSL events over the decades.
According to the official website of Câmara Municipal de Cascais (the Municipal Council of Cascais, Portugal), the council has now cleared the last bureaucratic hurdle for the €80 M private development. The Taguspark development is part of the Talaíde Detailed Plan development and spans 90,400 square meters of mostly unused land. The project will include a surf lagoon, two mid-size hotels and several shops and cafés.
Building and Construction Plans
The announcement also said that municipal planning documents restrict surrounding buildings to five storeys above ground. The project must be completed in phases, with the wave pool opening before other elements unless the investor provides a financial bond to the municipality. City engineers have required a new link road toward Sintra to reduce traffic on the already congested Estrada Octávio Pato.
Lodging, Retail, and Access Plans
Plans include 120 standard hotel rooms and 100 branded apartments surrounding the artificial lagoon. These units are intended for tourists, athletes, and corporate guests. The municipality expects the development to create more than 200 direct jobs across surf coaching, hospitality, and other services.
Developers estimate the site could attract more than 250,000 annual visitors. Advocates add that this projected footfall will benefit businesses in São Domingos de Rana and affect nearby property values.
The unnamed developer allocated 58,000 square meters for retail and leisure concessions, including space for board-rentals, yoga studios, and a microbrewery. Another 5,785 square meters is reserved for public gardens. Parking will accommodate over 330 vehicles in an underground garage. The site also includes designated zones for ride-share services and future electric-bus stops.
Environmental and Engineering Standards
According to the proposal, sustainability measures include closed-loop water filtration, low-consumption native landscaping, and a wastewater infrastructure. All rooftops will support photovoltaic panels and façades will meet energy-class A standards. Due to Lisbon’s seismic profile, the structures will include earthquake reinforcements, and flood berms will direct runoff away from nearby residential areas.
“This new high-performance surfing center, which includes a wave pool with the most advanced technology, positions Cascais at the forefront of sports innovation,” said deputy mayor Nuno Pieeira Lopes. “This project represents a strategic investment that reinforces the municipality’s attractiveness, boosts the local economy, and significantly improves quality of life.”
The overall Talaíde Detailed Plan has a total implementation period of five years. WavePoolMag will keep you posted as construction commences.
