Its a light beach swell that breaks onto pristine golden sand what more could you want as a beginner? the other is right on the doorstep of the town itself in Estoril. The most mythical contributor is perhaps Supertubos beach, world famous for its powerful waves, which many surfers call The European Pipeline. And, yes, its a holidaymakers mecca. If you would like to receive newsletters containing all of our latest content and offers, just enter your email here. The sea in this region is significantly colder, but that doesnt stop the free-spirited surfers who rush to the water on a regular basis. Some pollution in the water A fishermens village north of Lisbon, Ericeira has several surfing spots to choose from, like S. Loureno, Coxos, Pedra Branca or Foz do Lizandro. The capital, Lisbon, sits on the Tagus estuary roughly a third of the way up the west coast. Joining ranks with Baja California in Mexico, the Gold Coast in Australia, and Malibu in California, it remains the only place in Europe with this prestigious status due to its rich biodiversity home to more than 1,000 marine species and a variety of consistently excellent waves. But there are also some great spots to discover closer to the Galician border in the north, from dune-backed beach breaks Azurara to the long and uncrowded expanses of Agucadoura. Although, youll still find plenty of beginner-friendly breaks, too. The joy is in the variation thats offered. An ideal surfing location on account of the mild climate and great variety of waves, Portugal is a perfect destination for surfers of every ability. As far as accommodation goes, there are campsites and a few hotels between Peniche and Baleal beach, and also a selection of simple houses and apartments for rent. I guess its almost like an internal battle of like Do I be really selfish and surf myself or do I take him surfing and let it go? Ericeira was declared a World Surfing Reserve in 2011 by the Save the Waves Coalition a non-profit organisation that seeks to protect the worlds outstanding surf spots and their ecosystems. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. We think June is among the very best months to go surfing Portugal. There are three main breaks here: Tamagueira, Teimoso and Mina. Surfing in Portugal in October time means meeting the brute force of colossal Nazare Canyon. It is quite a remote place in the Island of Madeira, so there is not a wide variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from. And feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about planning a surf trip to Portugal, whether youre heading to the Algarve, to Lisbon, or the northern beaches around Porto. Tonel and Beliche are two of the most enticing surf spots on the west coast for powerful, hollow waves bear in mind that conditions are likely to be drastically better in winter than in summer. Check out our ultimate guide to Algarve surf. Because Portugal is such a doozy of a holiday destination, renting a car is also a fine choice. Yep that good. The real pull is the hands-on surf tuition and the great mates youre bound to meet during the stay. The ASP World Tour hosts competitions in this otherwise inconspicuous fishing village once a year, bringing crowds from all over the world to witness Peniches impressive waves. ). Winter storms batter the Portuguese coast. Areia Branca is a small surf town tucked into the coastline between Peniche and Ericeira. Portugal is definitely one of Europe's finest surfing countries. But while they are paid for, we only accept companies or products that adhere to the KiteSista guidelines of suitability for our audience. Stacks of budget carriers head to the capital think Ryanair and EasyJet and WizzAir. Winters are harsh and heavy, but offer great consistency and youll rarely need anything more than a 4/3. Expert riders love to challenge the peaks of Nazare and the hardy surfers of the north coast cut their teeth in places like Esmoriz and Azurara. December is the time to go wave hunting in the Algarve. They are busier than most of Portugals surf spots, but theres a good vibe around on the Atlantic beaches. With its chilled lifestyle, great weather, tasty food, and boho vibe, the country is the perfect place to come in search of a residential surf trip. Be sure to eat at least once in a typical marisqueira, a type of seafood restaurant with several venues scattered around town and particularly when closer to the seaside. At the other end of the scale, its possible to bag budget surf camps that are built in the vein of traveler hostels. There are great deals to be had from airports (think around 600-800 for a whole month), especially if you come during off seasons like spring, winter or autumn. Trying to paddle against the current, its easier to get out and walk back to the take-off zone. Steal a slice of the winter sun and ignite (or reignite) your passion for yoga and outdoor adventures by joining a yoga retreat in Portugal. If you score it uncrowded, its a longboarders wet dream. Waves do pick up all along the west coast in spots like Peniche and Arrifana. But you wouldnt want to be caught on the Nazare trench come October, where the biggest swells on the planet crash over the headlands. Check out our ultimate guide to Sagres surf. Were not often lost for words but the Noah Surf House manages it. Theres a little lack of stuff for total beginners and the breaks can be hard to reach. In November 2017, Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa rode an 80ft (24m) wave off the coast of Nazar, a small fishing village 120km (74mi) north of Lisbon. You can rent family bungalows or go full eco with a tent. You gotta get a good sunscreen for surfing in sun-drenched Mexico. It all really gets going in October, with the big-wave competitions typically running until April. Check out our ultimate guide to Porto surf. Due to the long rights that peel along the lava reef, this spot is beloved by longboarders. Seriously. The local breaks couldnt be better, either Baleal (one of the best beginner spots in Peniche) is a two-min stroll down the road! This right-hander is plagued by a strong rip almost as famous as the wave itself, but once youre on the wave, expect a super-long ride. Man, the Surfers Lodge Peniche is some seriously slick stuff. You can spend your mornings riding the wedgy A-frames at Carcavelos and use your afternoons to unravel the long history of the Age of Discovery in the citys awesome museums. Want to know the world better? You can also quickly navigate to our separate guides to all the other awesome surf spots in Portugal: So, without further ado, lets delve into the world of Portuguese surf spots. Its an oases of calm and luxury, offering a full spa and forested grounds complete with a swimming pool. Lighter wind reveals a steep, hollowing break that works at all stages of the tide just watch out for the rip current. We might use affiliate links in this post. Stunning coastline, facing both west and south on the Atlantic. Nestled in the Cte dArgent (Silver Coast) lies a wealth of waves and Lafitnia doesnt disappoint: offering a stella righthand pointbreak. Please try again. Its the way wed always look to travel. Paddle out here for long rides with a consistently good wave shape. The reason? More sun also means you can thin out the wetsuit a little, but thats only for the thicker skinned. It is the hottest region in all of Portugal. Weather wise, things are changeable; sometimes downpours, sometimes chilly, occasionally dry and warm. Remarkable for its dunes and wild vegetation, Praia do Cabedelo is a quiet, family-friendly beach with good facilities and an amazing view over the city of Figueira da Foz. Beware of flying foamies. The beach has two breaks a pro reef and loads of peaks along its sand for beginners and intermediates. That helps to make this one of the most famous surf spots in the nort Portugal. Theres also a huge spread of surf camps in Portugal in terms of style. Youll be in the line up if you go for any of the major surf destinations (Peniche, Ericeira, Sagres). If you want to take a break from all that surfboarding and set foot on dry land just to change things up a bit, take a 15 minute trip to Mafra and treat yourself to some great traditional pastries. There are oodles of these styles of accommodations all over the country. Have you voted in all of the awards? Over the years, Espinho has grown to become a very popular attraction for those in want of spending some days in the sun. Added to this, armed with a longboard, one can sit further out back to catch the waves earlier and have plenty of time to perfect your nose-riding in the process. Towards Kangaroo Point at the north end of this crescent-shaped bay, the waves can get particularly zippy and break around jagged rocks so steer well clear unless you really know what youre doing. Best for: Bargain stays with party nights in legendary Ericeira. While Sagres is the epicentre of the Algarve surfing scene for its quality spots, this area offers visitors several other interesting activities to choose from. Albufeira is a fun-loving town that was once just a humble fishing village. Its a great place to feel the blustery winds and taste authentic Portuguese seafood. Things are rough and the waves can get high. Simply wow. The rashes and respiratory illness due to the pollution are incongruous with the traditionally glamorous image of surfing Malibu. You might catch some swells and you can all but guarantee youll be the only one there! related services. With a social, multi-lingual staff of surf enthusiasts, an international guest house and great discounts for kids and students, its the perfect place to get to know the waves, your board, and gain some self-confidence. Basically, we only accept advertisers who we've already written about or would write about naturally. Spring and autumn are often hailed as an intermediates dream come true. One of Portugals best surfing spots due to its strong currents and steep waves, Amado beach regularly hosts international competitions and is very popular during the summertime. But it also has the welcoming vibe of a casual surfer lodge. Cold, often wet, but hardly popular at all. Long-distance train and bus connections also come into Portugal from all over Europe. Surviving: getting mowed down by a soft top is a real danger here. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". The proximity to Porto has also nurtured a nascent surf camp scene. Youll need to ditch the town itself and look to the surrounding Estoril Coast. If you'd like to potentially get your product or service included in our Sponsored spot, please contact our advertising team. A few urchins and often a fair number of people in the water. Check out our ultimate guide to Nazare surf. Since Queens doesnt like a big swell, this spot is super crowded due to the mellow nature of the wave. Arrifana is probably among the top three most consistent spots in Portugal. Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort hides in the lush green hills a few clicks back from the beaches of Peniche. Sat on an island-like peninsula around 1.5 hours drive from Lisbon, this is a real favourite for all sorts of wave hunters. Stunning Sagres soars on high cliffs before the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. TheresSurf Lisbon! Surf-wise, the area isnt extensively explored, offering some rugged, remote surfing with the dramatic backdrop of volcanic mountains. Why not share this page using the buttons on the left or below to tell your friends about it so they can have a chance too. The second largest island in China after Taiwan, Hainan offers a ton of mellow left point breaks. Super-friendly vibes abound in the common areas, the shared kitchen, and the huge gardens. Praia do Norte became famous for its gigantic waves, particularly after the month of November 2011. Its safer waves also tend to attract a lot of beginner surfers, so choose your timeslot and location wisely to avoid overcrowding. Youll be gasping for a temporary channel after snapping along the endless walls. Basically, you click em and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. Portugal is surrounded on two sides by ocean and two sides by Spain. And theres more, because a surf trip here opens up three coastlines. See the country that caps off the land mass at the far end of Spain? But there are a few exceptions, especially for total beginners looking to ease themselves into Portuguese surf with some easier waves. Its also a mecca when it comes to surfing Portugal. Just 24 km away from Lisbon, Carcavelos beach is among one of the most popular and frequented beaches in the city. Its loaded with uber-cool suites and rooms done in Bali-style polished concrete with beautiful furnishings and boho art touches. These days, its a major holidaying spot with good links to the uber-famous beaches of the Algarve. Portugal hasnt become a surf mecca for nothing! Accessible by car and by foot, it is a secluded, peaceful beach with violent, turbulent waves, perfect for surfing. The closest place to arrive from is Spain. Hostel & Surfcamp 55 is a fantastic budget option for stays in the International Surf Reserve of Ericeira. To give you an idea, its possible to go from Lisbon to Porto in under three hours. Added to this, bacterial pollution is a real issue leaving surfers with eye and ear infections. The biggest challenge? Its the next door neighbor, with frequent connections by land from cities like Madrid, Cadiz, and Vigo. You werent listening in geography class, ay? Peniche also comes replete with a bumping nightlife and well-seasoned surf schools. Espinho also has a casino, if youre up for some legal gambling after a long day of riding the waves. They usually pack in swimming pools, on-site bars, and suites with balconies. Prepare to be blown from the clifftops by the waves in Nazare. Read our full guide to Cascais surf right now, Wed say Lisbon is perhaps the single best surf capital in Europe. Also, you can drop by Cape Cruiser, a company specialized in whale and dolphin watching. Swells facing in from the N and NW give some good waves to the coves of the Lisbon Coast and the Silver Coast at this time of year. Along the way, there are countless breaks of all shapes and sizes seriously, were not overexaggerating when we say theres something for every type of surfer in Portugal. Having a longboard in your quiver to snag surf on those smaller days not only obviates frustration in variable conditions, but theyre equally great to turn and burn on in slightly larger surf. Then you have the whopping 30-km beach break to the south, on the Costa da Caparica. The real key is in knowing where and when to go. The seasons in Portugal can change the surf A LOT. Check out our ultimate guide to the surf in Aljezur. Head 50km (31mi) north of Sagres up the west coast and youll arrive at Arrifana, one of the most consistent surf spots in the Algarve suitable for all abilities. Just south of the Lima River from the nearby city of Viana do Castelo, Praia do Cabedelo is a 600yd (1km) long, arc-shaped beach surrounded by grassy dunes and a pine forest. Access. Neighbouring beaches Praia da Baa and Praia Azul both close to the centre of Espinho are especially popular with surfers. Go west to Sagres (the best place to surf in the Algarve) and you also have access to the Atlantic, where some of the countrys finest points and beaches await. You can often surf glassy walls that glisten blue and turquoise under the shimmer of the Iberian sun. Theyve got buzzing social atmosphere, cheaper board rentals, and draw in instructors from all over the globe. Heres our guide to some of the finest places to go surfing in Portugal. Best for: Couples who want comfort and the varied surf of Peniche on the doorstep. Some of our favourite surf camps in the whole country are listed below: Wow. Check out our ultimate guide to surfing in Costa Nova Beach. With the Quiksilver European headquarters right in front, theres pretty much nay chance of finding it uncrowded. Theres Lisbon Airport (the largest), which is great if you want to surf in tried-and-tested towns on the central coast or in Lisbon itself. Northern Portugal may be less popular when compared to the beaches in the central and southern parts of the country, but Porto and its surrounding area are home to a few wave-riding spots. The main surfing destinations in Portugal are all linked via highways and train lines that roughly run along the coast. Further south are legendary barrels along the sands of Supertubos, with reefs and points to paddle out to in between. Its getting busier every year Here we have listed 10 best surfing spots in Portugal for you to try at least one of them out, Ride the wave at our ten favourite surfing spots in Portugal. Check out our ultimate guide to Areia Branca surf. But its not just that either. Ones up towards the Atlantic mainstays of Ericeira and Peniche. Next Level Surf Camp whisks you to a small whitewashed village just outside of legendary Peniche. This wouldnt be the ultimate guide to surfing Portugal if it wasnt forever being updated ! around major cities. That has south- and west-facing beaches with pretty good reliability. Check out our ultimate guide to Albufeira surf. Theres ample surfing in Portugal for beginners for example, with the likes of Peniche and the Algarve offering loads of spots. Theres also Faro Airport, considered the gateway to the Algarve (head there for surfing in Sagres and the south coast, but also Arrifana and the western Algarve). Feeling inspired? If you are looking for a place offering consistent surf conditions and good weather, good food, great people and culture The Algarve is where you want to go. Its best in autumn, but is also a cracker in spring. On its shoreline, youll find the most westerly and most southwesterly point in mainland Europe. Regular highs in the 30s are tempered on the coast by onshore winds (not so great for the surf). It can sometimes be like hopping from Bali to Biarritz in just a short drive. Around it are several restaurants and bars with cheap menus and good food. Near Baleal in the north, you can ride sheltered beach breaks and good longboard waves by a golf resort. Inch reef rarely works, but when it turns on, its one of the longest waves in the country, peeling for 400 metres or more. Along the way, youll pass oodles of smaller towns from where a short taxi or bus ride can whisk you straight to waves in places like Peniche or Esmoriz. Known as a favourite beach escape just outside of the Portuguese Venice that is Aveiro, Costa Nova Beach has some lesser-known surf breaks. They come for the Harry Potter-styled libraries and tile-faced churches. Also known as Ribeira das Galinhas, this beach is quiet and secluded, with large waves that made it one of the selected venues for the World Surfing Championship of 2001. Wed love to hear any suggestions in the comments below. Congratulations, you have been entered into the competition, Good Luck. Coastline Algarve is the go-to place for the best water and land tours, with specialized tour guides taking you to secluded grottoes and hidden beaches along the coastline. There are two pretty awesome barrelling waves that can kick off the jetties at Espinho. Something to correct? They are the epicentre of a designated world surf reserve. When big swell rolls in from the northwest, these waves join together to create a seriously long point break. There are oodles and oodles of them theres over 1,000 miles of shoreline to get through, after all. The big swells are the result of a deep underwater canyon that channels the Atlantic straight up and over the headlands here. Offering awfully long rides that break along the length of a boulder-strewn bay. Here is the next generation of Rip Curl surfers Six girls, three countries and a whole lot of future World Tour talent. Portugals main holiday period. We cant find a country that matches your search. Whats more, Porto is within reach, and theres loads of history to get through in the surrounding region. However, since it stays fat and friendly, its also beloved by beginners. Expert surfers keen for a challenge must venture to Papoa, where the biggest waves rival Nazar or the fast barreling waves of the supertubes. Straddling a rocky headland on the southwestern tip of the Algarve, Sagres has the major advantage of two distinct coastlines if the surfing conditions arent suitable in one area, you can easily try the other. Navigating around Portugal itself should be easy. It has three separate take-off zones, works on all tides and delivers a perfectly shaped wave. The high cliffs of Carrapateira and the bordering beaches of Bordeira combine to create some of the most stunning places to surf in the western Algarve. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Theres a reason why it is called the J-Bay of Portugal, echoing the conditions of the world-class South African spot. Also, try out the regional cuisine you simply cannot leave without tasting the barbecued sardines or the traditional caldeirada, a rich, thick Portuguese fish stew. These are the XXL waves for the daredevils. Sometimes tough. Its never been easier to reach Portugal. In the south, youll catch places like Faro and Praia da Luz, which have decent breaks that are largely orientated towards beginners, all on golden sand by dramatic cliffs. Add on a few reef sections and reliable swell and this one could just be the place youve been looking for! Burning black sand, and beginners bouncing off boards. The accommodation is pretty standard hostel-camp stuff but its clean and affordable. Its still not full summer, though it certainly feels like it high 20s temperatures and oodles of sun! Renowned as the worlds longest left, Chicama is a true leg-stinger of a wave. No worries Portugal is easy to find. Check out our ultimate guide to Peniche surf. Surfing Portugal is something that should be on every bucket list! Snag surf across the globe with this selection of waves ideal for longboard surfers. To the south, meanwhile, is the beginner hub. We got you covered. Heres our rundown of the 10 best surfing spots in Portugal. required! They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. Surf lessons organised on site and you get to join the in-house parties when the summer DJs come to town. Malibu is possibly the most famous longboard wave in the world. On the main beach of the town in Nazare, you can also catch some fast barrels. And then theres Porto, which is great for hitting the more untamed swells of the northern Green Coast and untouched Silver Coast. There are definitely more naturally alluring beaches in Portugal, but the proximity of Matosinhos to Porto just a 15-minute metro journey from the city centre is a major part of the appeal. Uber-fun surf towns with great schools, rental shops, and of course bars! Thats the province of some excellent beach breaks. A whopping 1,114 miles of continuous coastline rings the country. Although not quite as renowned as the surf spots along the central and northern coasts, the Algarve still offers several top beach breaks against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and golden beaches. However, the food is wonderful, very typical and quite different from the cuisine in continental Portugal. Nope: Beach breaks, gnarly reef left-and-righters, colossal big-wave swells its all here. Set your sails for the seas: The surf season is upon us! Often the waves peel for hundreds of metres causing serious jelly-leg syndrome. Faro is one of the lesser-known surf areas of the Algarve. 10 unmissable spots that make Portugal a surfers paradise, Raising a glass to Portugals best wine regions, Off the beaten track: 12 secret spots in Paris, Tasting Paris: the best food spots around Bastille, 10 eco travel trends to look out for in 2020. The best of them lurk to the south Esmoriz, Espinho. From the gentler spots of Foz do Lizandro and So Julio in the south to the heftier swells of So Loureno and Coxos in the north, Ericeira has plenty of fantastic surf spots for all skill levels less than an hours drive from Lisbon. During the summertime, be sure to arrive as early as possible, to avoid the crowd and to secure a good spot. On the south shore of Hawaii lies Queens, a break offering lengthy rides with plenty of time to perfect your hang-ten. Its not got the most consistent surf in the country (most people come to top up the tan) but it does have a few excellent spots for beginners. With relentless and harsh waves that can scare off the most carefree sunbathing tourist, a seaside pool using sea water was built on the shore, making it a safe environment for kids to splash around. Dont forget to try the bolo do caco, a hot wheat flour bread with garlic butter, or drink poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink made from honey and lemon juice. Bingo. Check out our guide to the five best on the market right now to get what youre after AKA a block with zinc oxide thats okay for both your skin and the ocean! Your vote has been registered. There are loads of great surf beaches within reach. With golden-sand beaches, miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coast, legendary big-wave spots, and awesome beach breaks, theres something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Europe.