🏄♂️ Top 10 surf spots in Portugal
Strong winds bring powerful waves to the Portuguese coast. That is why these places are considered the best in Europe for surfing.
The coastline in Portugal is 800 km. Along it you will find a huge number of beaches with varied landscapes and hundreds of surfing schools. Experienced athletes can rent equipment there, and beginners can get lessons. The lesson will cost from 20 to 70 euros, depending on the location, group size and level of equipment. If you stay at a surf camp, lessons will cost less or be included in your stay.
When is the best time to come for surfing?
There are waves on the Atlantic all year round. But!
- From May to September the ocean is usually calmer. This is a good time to get on the board for the first time or to hone forgotten skills.
- By November, the water element becomes more active and rages until spring. In winter, avid athletes come to the country wanting to conquer huge waves.
The level of ocean activity depends not only on the season, but also on the beach: there are locations where the waves are always small, and there are places where it is better for beginners to stay away.
Where to go to surf?
The entire coastline from Lisbon to Porto seems to be specially created for surfing. But to make it easier to choose a direction, I have compiled the top 5 most popular places among surfers.
Nazare
Even if you’ve never been into surfing, you might have heard about this city. Along its shores, the waves sometimes reach the height of a ten-story building. They are formed thanks to the canyon, which in some places reaches a depth of 5 thousand meters.
Most, of course, come only to look at the elements. By the way, I’ve been monitoring the arrival of the ox giants all season, but I still haven’t seen it. I hope it works out next time. But there are also daredevils who try to harness the power of nature. Not everyone succeeds – you yourself understand how such experiments can end.
Surfers from all over the planet head to Norte Beach (Praia do Norte) for new world records. The current record, by the way, belongs to the German Sebastian Steutner: on October 29, 2020, he conquered a wave 26 meters high.
By mid-spring, the ocean near these shores calms down, and its waves become accessible to many athletes who are confident in their preparation. It also makes sense for newcomers to come to Nazaré. On the other side of the lighthouse – on the city beach (Praia da Nazare) – the ocean is always quieter.
Nazaré itself is a small town with beautiful streets, restaurants and shops. But be prepared that there are always a lot of tourists here.
Peniche
This place is called the Mecca of surfing. There is wind here all year round, which brings waves of varying difficulty levels. Medão Grande Beach (Praia do Medão Grande) is ideal for beginner surfers. Very nearby – on the Supertubos beach – there is a place for more experienced tamers of the elements to roam. The waves here are so fast that they form tubes.
Peniche is located on a peninsula that is connected to the mainland by an isthmus. The city is small, but it has everything you need for a great holiday. And the main value of this place is the cliffs and capes, the beauty of which you can admire endlessly. The only thing is the wind. It's hard to hide from him. For the evening you definitely need a jacket and a hat.
If you also like another sport – fishing, you can join the fishermen sitting on the rocks near the Carvoeiro lighthouse (Farol do Cabo Carvoeiro) in the morning before surfing or closer to sunset.
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Ericeira
The North American Save the Waves Coalition has recognized the region as Europe's first and world's second surfing sanctuary. Beaches suitable for water sports stretch for 8 kilometers. For beginners, it is better to go to Praia do Sul or Foz do Lizandro. For experienced hikers, Coxos, Ribeira de Ilhas or Baía dos Dois Irmãos are more suitable.
The fishing village of Ericeira eventually turned into a resort with many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Now more than 10 thousand people live here and many tourists.
Espinho
This city is located next to Porto. If you get bored, you can jump on a train and quickly find yourself in the northern capital. Espinho is not rich in attractions, although the city is quite large by Portuguese standards. But it's quite nice here and you can feel life in the evening. I guess because there is a casino in Espinho – one of nine throughout Portugal.
When it comes to surfing, the local coastline attracts both beginners and professionals. Baia beach (Praia da Baía) has calmer waves, and closer to Frente Azul beach they become more powerful.
Figueira da Foz
This city is located somewhere in the middle between Lisbon and Porto. In size he is comparable to Espinho, but, in my opinion, much more beautiful. The historic center of Figueira da Foz has exquisite architecture. Nearby is the mouth of the Mondego River, which rises on the highest Portuguese mountain and flows through the entire central part of the country.
Modern high-rise buildings are lined up near the window, which is not typical for Portugal. They house hotels and restaurants. The coastline has a wide sandy zone.
Buarcos beach is famous for the longest waves in Europe: they reach 800 m. And the first world surfing championship, organized in Portugal, took place on Praia do Cabedelo in the 80s. Be sure to visit this beach if you come to catch the waves in Figueiro da Foz.
Where to surf in the south of the country?
To the top 5 along the northern coast, I wanted to add two locations from the southern part of Portugal. Suddenly you want to combine a beach chill with a surfing trip.
The Algarve and Alentejo are ideal destinations for sunbathing. It is hotter here and there are no such winds as from Lisbon upwards. But keep in mind that in July-August prices in these regions are steep. It is better to come here from September to May. In winter you are unlikely to go shopping, but you can admire the incredibly beautiful beaches with virtually no people.
Sagres
The high cape on which the city of Sagres is located has long been considered the end of the earth. Due to the fact that this place is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, powerful waves are formed here. The rocky coastline has several beaches that have won the love of surfers: Mareta, Tonel and Martinhal. There is an opportunity to train here for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Park Costa Vicentina
Arrifana Beach (Praia da Arrifana), located next to the fishing village of Aljezur, is surrounded by picturesque cliffs. The waves here are wild – more suitable for intermediate and professional surfers. For beginners, it is better to go to Praia do Amado.
In your free time from conquering the waves, you can stroll through the beautiful forests of the Costa Vicentina National Park with stunning views of the ocean.
I would like to add that it is worth going to Portugal for other types of water extreme sports: for example, kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing.