Surfing Portugal is something that should be on every bucket list! With golden-sand beaches, miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coast, legendary big-wave spots, and awesome beach breaks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Europe.
An introduction to surfing Portugal
Portugal hasn’t become a surf mecca for nothing!
Nope: Beach breaks, gnarly reef left-and-righters, colossal big-wave swells – it’s all here. People have been surfing Portugal for decades, but it’s only really now that it’s full potential is being noticed…
A whopping 1,114 miles of continuous coastline rings the country. It goes from the Spanish border in the south around the westernmost point of mainland Europe and finally up to the big bays close to Galicia.
Along the way, there are countless breaks of all shapes and sizes – seriously, we’re not over-exaggerating when we say there’s something for every type of surfer in Portugal.
The real key is in knowing where and when to go. There’s ample surfing in Portugal for beginners, for example, with the likes of Peniche and the Algarve offering loads of spots.
But you wouldn’t want to be caught on the Nazare trench come October, where the biggest swells on the planet crash over the headlands. Similarly, intermediate and expert riders will find loads to like in Portuguese surf destinations like Ericeira and Porto.
Probably what we love the most about this star of the Euro surf scene is the vibe, the atmosphere, and just how easy it is to get in the water.
There are umpteen uber-immersive surf towns where you can stay for months surfing different breaks every day, visiting local markets, getting to know the local surf crews. Other places are hotspots for surf camps, offering beginners tailored packages that include lessons and gear rental.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Europe
Surfing Portugal at a glance
The good:
The bad:
What you’ll find in this guide to surfing Portugal
And here are our separate ultimate guides to all the other awesome surf spots in Portugal:
The best surf spots in Portugal
So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of Portuguese surf spots. There are oodles and oodles of them – there’s over 1,000 miles of shoreline to get through, after all.
Ranging from the Porto region in the north to the sun-kissed Algarve, they cross some seriously stunning parts of Europe.
But the real bonus? Every place for surfing in Portugal comes with its own unique array of waves, reefs, and beaches. It can sometimes be like hopping from Bali to Biarritz in just a short drive. Yep – that good.
Porto
Porto isn’t so much a surf spot as a whole surf city. But it’s not just that either. Millions of visitors come here every year without a single wave on their mind. They come for the Harry Potter-styled libraries and tile-faced churches.
If you are bringing the board, then you’re in luck. There are loads of great surf beaches within reach. The best of them lurk to the south – Esmoriz, Espinho. 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.
Check out our ultimate guide to Porto surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps Porto has to offer.
Espinho
There are two pretty awesome barrelling waves that can kick off the jetties at Espinho. That helps to make this one of the most famous surf spots in the nort Portugal. The proximity to Porto has also nurtured a nascent surf camp scene. They tend to ride the town’s main breaks in the more chilled summer, and venture to nearby Esmoriz and beyond with learner groups.
Check out our ultimate guide to Espinho surf
Costa Nova Beach
Known as a favourite beach escape just outside of the “Portuguese Venice” that is Aveiro, Costa Nova Beach has some lesser-known surf breaks. We wouldn’t recommend for a full-on surf holiday, but for mixing sunbathing with days on the waves, it’s a doozy. What’s more, Porto is within reach, and there’s loads of history to get through in the surrounding region.
Check out our ultimate guide to surfing in Costa Nova Beach
Nazare
Wowza! Prepare to be blown from the clifftops by the waves in Nazare. Clocking up peak-to-trough heights of 30 metres during the autumn, these are some of the most monstrous surf rides available on earth.
The big swells are the result of a deep underwater canyon that channels the Atlantic straight up and over the headlands here. It all really gets going in October, with the big-wave competitions typically running until April. On the main beach of the town in Nazare, you can also catch some fast barrels.
Check out our ultimate guide to Nazare surf
Peniche
No ultimate guide to surfing Portugal could possibly be complete without at least a nod towards 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. The joy is in the variation that’s offered.
Near Baleal in the north, you can ride sheltered beach breaks and good longboard waves by a golf resort. Further south are legendary barrels along the sands of Supertubos, with reefs and points to paddle out to in between. Peniche also comes replete with a bumping nightlife and well-seasoned surf schools.
Check out our ultimate guide to Peniche surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps in Peniche for 2023.
Ericeira
Think of Ericeira as two distinct surfing destinations. To the north of the town are coves crammed with rocky reefs, or beaches with high cliffs. They are the epicentre of a designated world surf reserve. They’ve got everything from zippy left-handers to high steep and hollow frames that curl into points.
To the south, meanwhile, is the beginner hub. That’s the province of some excellent beach breaks. Be wary though, because they can also get gnarly when the NW swells are working.
Check out our ultimate guide to Ericiera surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps in Ericeira for 2023.
Areia Branca
Areia Branca is a small surf town tucked into the coastline between Peniche and Ericeira. It’s not as well known as its neighbours (so less busy), but comes with a long beach break that’s got up to five separate peaks. Add on a few reef sections and reliable swell and this one could just be the place you’ve been looking for!
Check out our ultimate guide to Areia Branca surf
Cascais
The surf in Cascais is pretty darn epic. You’ll need to ditch the town itself and look to the surrounding Estoril Coast. That has south- and west-facing beaches with pretty good reliability. They are busier than most of Portugal’s surf spots, but there’s a good vibe around on the Atlantic beaches. There’s also a great mix of breaks, from beginner whitewash to hollow wedges down in Carca.
Read our full guide to Cascais surf right now
Lisbon
We’d say Lisbon is perhaps the single best surf capital in Europe. 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 city’s awesome museums. And there’s more, because a surf trip here opens up three coastlines. One’s up towards the Atlantic mainstays of Ericeira and Peniche. the other is right on the doorstep of the town itself in Estoril. Then you have the whopping 30-km beach break to the south, on the Costa da Caparica
Read our ultimate guide to Lisbon surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps in Lisbon for 2023.
Costa da Caparica
If you only have a couple of days and really want to see all the awesome things Lisbon has to offer, but also want quality waves, the Costa da Caparica is your saviour.
Located on a long – 14-mile long, no less – beach south of Lisbon – the region has hollowish groyne points at its north end and then endless sandbar waves going south.
A car hire is a great way to go becuase you’ll the freedom to explore all 14 miles at your own pace, and escape the crowds. Alternatively, the Costa da Caparica is now a haven for surf camps.
Check out our guide to surfing the Costa da Caparica right now
The Algarve
The Algarve has a reputation for being forever sunny. It is the hottest region in all of Portugal. And, yes, it’s a holidaymaker’s mecca. But it’s also a haven for surfers, who can pick between two very different coastlines.
In the south, you’ll 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. Go west to Sagres (the best place to surf in the Algarve) and you also have access to the Atlantic, where some of the country’s finest points and beaches await.
Check out our ultimate guide to Algarve surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps in the Algarve for 2023.
Aljezur
Aljezur is a really atmospheric Algarvian town that’s become something of a de facto surf capital for the north end of the region. It’s close to the legendary beginner and intermediate hub of Arrifana. However, we’d recommend venturing out to nearby spots like Bordeira and Odeceixe. A car’s a must but it’s arguably one of the best places to use as a base for your Portuguese surf trip.
Carrapateira
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’re talking big, beefy shoulders to rip on the left-hand points, along with plenty of beach break swell for beginners and intermediates.
Check out our complete guide to surfing in Carrapateira
Arrifana
Arrifana is probably among the top three most consistent spots in Portugal. It’s also got arguably the Algarve’s most developed surf infrastructure outside of Sagres – surf schools, rentals, great villas and camps. The beach has two breaks – a pro reef and loads of peaks along its sand for beginners and intermediates. It’s best in autumn, but is also a cracker in spring.
Check out our complete guide to Arrifana right now
Sagres
Stunning Sagres soars on high cliffs before the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to feel the blustery winds and taste authentic Portuguese seafood. It’s also a mecca when it comes to surfing Portugal.
The reason? It’s down to two beaches, really. First up is Tonel, which has some high A-frames between its daunting headlands (a doozy for intermediates looking to improve). Then comes easy-going Mareta. It’s a light beach swell that breaks onto pristine golden sand – what more could you want as a beginner?
Check out our ultimate guide to Sagres surf
Albufeira
Albufeira is a fun-loving town that was once just a humble fishing village. These days, it’s a major holidaying spot with good links to the uber-famous beaches of the Algarve. It’s 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.
Check out our ultimate guide to Albufeira surf
Faro
Faro is one of the lesser-known surf areas of the Algarve. It’s tucked to the east, close to the border with Spain. There, lots of protection from the dominant Atlantic swell leads to a load of beaches that are widely considered better for sunbathing than for ripping up A-frames. But there are a few exceptions, especially for total beginners looking to ease themselves into Portuguese surf with some easier waves.
Check out our ultimate guide to Faro surfing
Madeira
Madeira is an island of epic beauty and equally epic point breaks. The right handers reign supreme here as the NW swell of the Atlantic wraps wonderfully around some key rocks to create barreling and beefy waves to challenge even the top surfers. There’s a little lack of stuff for total beginners and the breaks can be hard to reach.
Check out our ultimate guide to Madeira surf
The Azores
Like Madeira before them, the Azores sit WAYYYY out in the Atlantic – over 800 miles, in fact. It’s a 4-5 hour flight to get here from mainland Europe and the reward are some heavy slab waves and the barrels to match. These days, the Azores are also seen as a bit of an upcoming surf locale for learners, since they get good summer swell and perhaps more accessible breaks than previously thought.
Check out our guide to surfing in the Azores right now
When’s the best time to surf in Portugal? (A month to month guide)
The seasons in Portugal can change the surf A LOT. Summer tends to be better for beginners. Spring and autumn are often hailed as an intermediate’s dream come true. Winters are harsh and heavy, but offer great consistency and you’ll rarely need anything more than a 4/3.
October-November
Surfing in Portugal in October time means meeting the brute force of colossal Nazare Canyon. These are the XXL waves for the daredevils. November continues to the trend, with some serious punch coming in off the open Atlantic. Down in the Algarve, you can still get hot days with calmer seas. Look to Sagres to enjoy the best of both worlds.
- Wear: 4/3 suits
December
Cold, often wet, but hardly popular at all. December is the time to go wave hunting in the Algarve. You might catch some swells and you can all but guarantee you’ll be the only one there!
- Wear: 4/3, with boots, hood and gloves
January-March
Winter storms batter the Portuguese coast. Things are rough and the waves can get high. 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. Down south, however, things can be bright and sunny in the Algarve. And there’s a little extra punch to the usually quiet beach breaks, which turns this vacation region into a surf mecca. Weather wise, things are changeable; sometimes downpours, sometimes chilly, occasionally dry and warm.
- Wear: 4/3, with boots, hood and gloves
April, May
As the days lengthen, the ocean torrents slacken just a little and opens up stretches of the Alentejo region. The Algarve is still excellent with good south swells twisting around the Sagres head. More sun also means you can thin out the wetsuit a little, but that’s only for the thicker skinned.
- Wear: 4/3
June
We think June is among the very best months to go surfing Portugal. It’s still not full summer, though it certainly feels like it – high 20s temperatures and oodles of sun! The crowds aren’t massive, but there are good vibes slinging around surf towns like Peniche and Ericeira. 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.
- Wear: 3/2 or 2mm
July-August
Portugal’s main holiday period. You’ll be in the line up if you go for any of the major surf destinations (Peniche, Ericeira, Sagres). Still, there’s loads of fun to be had – the apres surf bars are pumping for one! What’s more, the weather is simply divine. Regular highs in the 30s are tempered on the coast by onshore winds (not so great for the surf). You can often surf glassy walls that glisten blue and turquoise under the shimmer of the Iberian sun.
- Wear: 3/2 or 2mm. Some locals in rashies and shorts down in the Algarve.
September
An early onset of the autumn swells can sometimes see hefty waves channel through the canyons to Nazare. However, you usually have to wait for October for the real big waves. Surfing Portugal September time is an all round tamer beast. Waves do pick up all along the west coast in spots like Peniche and Arrifana. Crowds diminish fast and lineups are just a fraction of the size at the end of the month, save in hotspots like Lisbon.
- Wear: 3/2 or 4/3. Thicker towards the end of the month and up north.
Surf camps in Portugal
Portugal might just be the home of the European surf camp.
With its chilled lifestyle, great weather, tasty food, and boho vibe, the country is the perfect place to come in search of a planned surf trip.
There are oodles of these styles of accommodations all over the country. Some are well-established and have brand names you might recognize (Salty Pelican, Selina). Others are start-out, grassroots ventures that connect learners to local surfers and do small-scale community sort of stuff.
There’s also a huge spread of surf camps in Portugal in terms of style. On the deluxe end of the scale, you can find boutique lodgings with views of – and walking access to – the waves. They usually pack in swimming pools, on-site bars, and suites with balconies.
At the other end of the scale, it’s possible to bag budget surf camps that are built in the vein of traveler hostels. They’ve got buzzing social atmosphere, cheaper board rentals, and draw in instructors from all over the globe. And they won’t break the bank.
We’ve actually dedicated a whole separate guide to the very best surf camps in Portugal which we update every year to include the newest and hottest options.
But here’s a glimpse at just a few we really like…
- 8 Day Breathtaking Surf and Yoga Holiday in Peniche @ The Salty Pelican – This week-long (7-night/8-day) trip is perfect for young, beginner surfers. It’s at the newest iteration of the fantastic Salty Pelican brand, right on the beachfront of Peniche, a town that has waves for all levels. They cover all your surfboard rental from start to finish and throw in UNLIMITED yoga classes for good measure.
- 8 Day Beginner and Intermediate Yoga and Surf Camp in Bensafrim @ The Tiny Whale Surf Lodge – Tiny Whale is downright epic. They run super-fun camps that are great for both starters and intermediate surfers, with classes that are tailored to home in on specific skill sets. Based in the Algarve, they have a choice of super-nice breaks on two coastlines, plus a lovely villa-style lodge with its own pool. It’s not for nothing they are among the most sought-after camps in Europe right now!
- 7 Day Surf, Yoga, and Wine Holiday in Alentejo Coast @ Quinta Camarena – For more mature surfers and couples after something romantic, this country lodge has the perfect combo of wine tasting and surfing, all set in the wonderful wooded hills of the Alentejo, a region that’s way away from the trodden tourist trail. It’s surf camping done with style.
A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com: Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.
Surf hotels in Portugal
You don’t have to go for the full package surf camp here.
Portugal is no stranger to beach-going visitors, which means it’s got hotels perched right by the edge of some of the best waves in the country.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from chilled backpacker hostels in Peniche to uber-stylo honeymoon resorts in Cascais.
We’ve stayed in like a bazillion over the years, but a few have really stood out from the crowd. We’ll list them below for you but remember that our recs are just the tip of the iceberg.
You can browse and search thousands of beach hotels on Booking.com (our go-to booking platform because it’s kinda cheap and has good cancellation options) and even use that map feature to ensure you get a stay that’s really close to the beach you want to surf at…
Noah Surf House ($$-$$$)
Wow. Simply wow. Seriously. We’re not often lost for words but the Noah Surf House manages it. Set on the dunes of Santa Cruz (that’s midway between Ericeira and Peniche and a town with great beach breaks of its own), it’s so cool. Timber-clad buildings house spacious family rooms and dorms alike, along with a few luxury doubles. Outside is the jewel – there’s an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, fire pits and more.
Hostel & Surfcamp 55 ($-$$)
Hostel & Surfcamp 55 is a fantastic budget option for stays in the International Surf Reserve of Ericeira. Super-friendly vibes abound in the common areas, the shared kitchen, and the huge gardens. Surf lessons organised on site and you get to join the in-house parties when the summer DJs come to town.
Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort ($$-$$$)
Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort hides in the lush green hills a few clicks back from the beaches of Peniche. It’s an oases of calm and luxury, offering a full spa and forested grounds complete with a swimming pool. You can rent family bungalows or go full eco with a tent.
Surfers Lodge Peniche ($$)
Man, the Surfers Lodge Peniche is some seriously slick stuff. It’s loaded with uber-cool suites and rooms done in Bali-style polished concrete with beautiful furnishings and boho art touches. But it also has the welcoming vibe of a casual surfer lodge. The local breaks couldn’t be better, either – Baleal (one of the best beginner spots in Peniche) is a two-min stroll down the road!
Localism in Portugal
The ugly face of localism does rear its head in Portugal. The good news is that it’s not as bigger problem as in some of the more infamous destiantions around Europe – Canary Islands, we’re looking at you!
We’ve surfed up and down the length of this country over the last 15 years and couldn’t count the number of negative incidents we’ve had on a single hand. Thems some pretty decent stats for what’s now one of the fastest-growing surf destinations in the world.
Despite some tales of grumbly old men patrolling the beaches in Peniche and Ericeira pining after the good old days when no one was about, the main learner spots are now almost completely free of issues. That includes the two mentioned above, Arrifana in the Algarve, and the beaches south of Porto.
But we’d be amiss not to warn of some key locations which probably have the worst localism in Portugal:
- Carcavelos – The main surf beach in Lisbon can be rowdy, especially if you’re vying for the right barrels on the outer reefs. It’s packed with learner schools, which means kooks (and we say that in the nicest way possible) often hit the same lineup as Lisbon veterans. The results aren’t always pretty.
- Praia do Zavial – There’s an epic tubular right at Praia do Zavial that’s highly sought-after because it needs the right swell and wind, so rarely works. Local crews in the south Algarve keep it real close and don’t take kindly to visitors dropping in for those rare days.
- Costa da Caparica – The northern end of the costa south of Lisbon can be bad when good swells come in. We’ve witnessed some unsavory moments between body boarders and surfers on the wedges there. Our advice would be to just drive south and get the emptier waves.
Portugal travel essentials
Quick facts
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Population: 10.5 million
- Capital: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
Where exactly is Portugal?
You weren’t listening in geography class, ay? No worries – Portugal is easy to find. Just run your finger westwards across the map of Europe. See the country that caps off the land mass at the far end of Spain? Bingo. That’s it!
Portugal is surrounded on two sides by ocean and two sides by Spain. It borders the land of flamenco through high central mountains with rustic villages made of schist stone. On its shoreline, you’ll find the most westerly and most southwesterly point in mainland Europe. The capital, Lisbon, sits on the Tagus estuary roughly a third of the way up the west coast.
How to get to Portugal
It’s never been easier to reach Portugal.
Loads of low-cost airlines jet in and out of the country from the UK and beyond. They serve three main airports. There’s 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. Stacks of budget carriers head to the capital – think Ryanair and EasyJet and WizzAir. It’s around a 1.5-hour drive from the terminal to Peniche and less to Ericeira.
There’s 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). And then there’s Porto, which is great for hitting the more untamed swells of the northern Green Coast and untouched Silver Coast.
Long-distance train and bus connections also come into Portugal from all over Europe. The closest place to arrive from is Spain. It’s the next door neighbor, with frequent connections by land from cities like Madrid, Cadiz, and Vigo.
How to travel around Portugal (specifically for surfers)
Navigating around Portugal itself should be easy.
The main surfing destinations in Portugal are all linked via highways and train lines that roughly run along the coast from north to south. Other roads and railways go west to east in the Algarve.
To give you an idea of the sort of distances you’re looking at here, it’s possible to go from Lisbon to Porto (the two main cities) in under three hours by train. Along the way, you’ll 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.
To be honest, though – there’s nothing that can beat having your own wheels here…
Renting a car (for surfing) in Portugal
Portugal is the OG of vanlife-surf destinations for a reason. Being mobile with a vehicle means you can travel to where the swell is, escape the crowds, and visit the most charming surf towns out there.
There are great deals to be had on car hires from the major airports. We paid just €300 (around $330) for a full month’s rental here on our last trip in 2022. Okay, it was the shoulder season and we got a small car, but conditions were amazing and we managed to fit in 2x 6-foot boards.
The golden rules with renting a car in Portugal is to book early and compare all the offers. You might find that big names like Hertz are >$1,000/month while start-out brands like Centuaro (who we’ve used and can vouch for at Lisbon Airport) are WAAAY cheaper.
Use RentalCars.com to search for cars.
In our opinion they always come up cheapest in Europe and offer free cancellation on most bookings up to 24 hours before. (Yep, that’s an affiliate link there but only because RentalCars are the dog’s cojones of rental companies in these parts. Not failed us yet).
One caveat here – different rental companies tend to have different attitudes towards surfboards. Some will let you just whack them in the back and get on with it. Others insist on roof racks. We’ve always gotten away with the latter and never had an issue. Probably worth an email query before booking though.
Driving in Portugal (for surfers)
The roads are pretty great in Portugal.
Surfers looking to do proper road trips should know about three major motorways.
There’s the A2, which is the main route south to the Algarve from Lisbon. It’s an efficient road that can get you to the south coast in two hours from the capital. However, unless you’re aiming for Faro or Albufeira, we would reccomend adding an hour to the journey and sticking to A26 and the N120 coast roads (the sat nav/phone usually offers both routes, that will be the longer one).
The reason? It goes via the coast, first the Alentejo shores around Sines, which has some of the most undiscovered surf in the country, and then along the stunning Costa Vicentina all the way to Sagres (the surf capital of the Algarve). The drive itself is gorgeous too, through cork and pine woods and farms the whole way.
Going north is a bit easier because the corridor between Lisbon and Porto is more built up. There’s motorway the whole way and it’s very near the coast. You’ll be driving on the A8 and then the A17. Detours to legendary surf towns like Ericiera and Peniche are also on very good roads, usually with two or three lanes.
Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road. And always carry your driving license – that’s a legal requirement here.
Think we missed something? Got something to add? Something to correct? This wouldn’t be the ultimate guide to surfing Portugal if it wasn’t forever being updated ! We’d love to hear any suggestions in the comments below. And feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about planning a surf trip to Portugal, whether you’re heading to the Algarve, to Lisbon, or the northern beaches around Porto.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!