Surfing in Portugal – The Best Spots, Seasons & Waves for Every Level
Portugal is one of Europe’s top surf destinations, with year-round waves, a mix of beginner to advanced spots, and famous breaks like Supertubos and Coxos. The best surf season is from October to March for big swells, while summer offers mellow waves. From the Algarve to Porto, there’s surf for all levels.
People have been surfing Portugal for decades and it’s easy to see why. We say it’s the most consistent, most versatile destination in the whole of Europe.
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 meet the Spanish border once again near Galicia.
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 that are now bursting with seriously excellent surf camps.
At the same time, you definitely 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, or down around the Sagres area, which has south- and west-facing beaches that are great for when the summer swells starting switching to winter ones.
But it’s the fact that Portugal is an utter charmer that we really love…
There are umpteen uber-immersive surf towns where you can stay for months surfing different breaks every day, visiting local markets, tasting the best damn custard tarts you’ll ever taste.
Cliche it might be, but this really is a bucket-list surf destination for the ages.
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>>This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Europe
Surfing Portugal at a glance
The good:
- A HUGE variety of beaches, reefs, point breaks – you name it.
- Stunning coastline, facing both west and south on the Atlantic.
- Uber-fun surf towns with great schools, rental shops, and – of course – bars!
- Prime territory for surf roadtripping.
The bad:
- It is now very busy, and very famous in peak season.
- Some pollution in the water around major cities.
- Cold water up north
FAQs about Portugal
That depends on your level. The main surf season runs from October to March if you’re after the most powerful Atlantic swells, though summer also brings fun waves. Beginners will generally prefer May to October.
Yes. Beaches like Arrifana, Foz do Lizandro, and Costa da Caparica are ideal for first-time surfers with mellow waves and surf schools.
Portugal has surf all along its Atlantic Coast. The most famous regions are the Algarve, in the south, the Silver Coast, between Lisbon and Porto, and the Estoril Coast, near Lisbon itself. Upcoming areas include Alentejo and Costa Verde, which tend to be less busy
Where to surf 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, plus islands out in the Atlantic.
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.
AND the consistency second-to-none. If Europe has swell, some of it will be hitting Portugal you can guarantee.
There’s so much to consider, we’ve broken this guide into region-by-region.
Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal centers around the amazing city of Porto.
North of there running all the way to the Spanish border is the Costa Verde (the Green Coast). It’s one of the wettest, lushest parts of the country. We went in 2024 and it has a real rainforesty feel about, with green hills rising high behind the coast.
The surf there is unruly and unpredictable because the beaches are very exposed and tend to have a steep shoreline drop off so a lot of the time, if the tide isn’t right, you just get pounding shorebreaks.
BUT there are some great places hidden in the mix – pine-backed Ofir and the all-level breaks of Praia da Arda/Afife come to mind especially. What’s more, these are never as busy as spots nearer to Porto city.
South of Porto is the more built-up part of the region’s coastline, with resort towns like Espinho offering great surf on its breakwaters that’s rarely empty. You can find more at Aveiro and charming coast towns like Costa Nova but that’s at least an hour out of the city so a car is needed.
Of course, Porto itself also has its breaks.
Praia de Afife
Praia de Afife is perfect if you want small line ups on pretty coastline – this is the Costa Verde at it’s best, with lush hills behind and mist-soaked dunes overlooking the white sands.
Yes, the swell and the waves aren’t the pedigree of the Algarve but it’s never busy and the surf can surprise with some seriously nice sessions.
Afife is used by beginners in summer but can be tricky on bigger days, with semi-hollow lefts on the rocks at the south end of the beach.
>>Read my complete guide to surfing in Praia de Afife
Azurara
Azurara is a lovely, long dogleg of a beach about an hour’s drive north of the city of Porto. A big carpark sits just over the dunes, and there’s a breakwater at its northern end that can shoot off fun, rippable right walls.
It’s semi-busy because there’s a large-ish town just over the river to the north, but generally Azurara is a quiet spot frequented by families and surf schools based in Porto itself.
Suitable for all levels, depending on swell size.
>>Read a full guide to surfing and visiting Azurara
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. They come for the pastries and the party.
If you are bringing the board, then you’re in luck. There are loads of great surf beaches within reach of Porto.
The most famous 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 Afife. Just watch the wind and the rips up there.
>>Read out our ultimate guide to Porto surf or our complete guide to the best surf camps in Porto
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
Esmoriz
The first of the more chilled-out beach towns as you head south from Porto. Has long beach break options with multiple peaks. Lovely pine forests to the south. Some great surf camps.
Generally a great option for learners in the summer but can be big when it’s big.
>>Check out our ultimate guide to Esmoriz
Central Portugal (the Silver Coast)
The middle of Portugal is defined by its long, long, long – and we really mean long – beaches, which go almost uninterrupted from Costa Nova near Aveiro all the way to Sintra.
It’s a region often referred to as the Silver Coast for its white-glinting sands. And the beaches are certainly pretty, with big dunes hulking over the top of them and endless swells crashing in below.
With the exception of the Peniche area, this is one of the less busy parts of Portugal. It’s not quite as deserted as the Costa Verde in the north, that’s true, but if you’re willing to drive a bit then you can always find an empty place to surf by yourself or just a few others.
What’s true is that the action is largely focused on a few key spots and surf towns: Peniche (the most famous surf town in the country), Ericeira (the other most famous), Nazare (for the big waves) Santa Cruz (a lovely spot), and Figueira da Foz (or Fozzy for short).
Together these are like the who’s who of Portuguese surf, so it’s fair to say this is the golden region, rivalled only in fame by, perhaps, the Algarve.
The definitive wave here is punchy beach break but there are point too and reefs, you just gotta know where to look.
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
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 the most monstrous 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.
Of course, those waves are for seasoned XXL pros only. On the main beach of the town in Nazare, you can also catch some fast barrels and there are very nice beach breaks for mortals like you and me a 15-20 minute drive up and down the coast.
>>Learn more about this big-wave mecca in our 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, it’s now firmly established as probably Portugal’s most famous surf town.
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
>>We also have a complete guide to the best surf camps in Peniche
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
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is chilled, pretty, close to Lisbon and very consistent. It gets similar swell to Ericiera and the like but with way fewer crowds.
We like it as a summer option because it can blow out and max out in winter. Life is generally good here – slow days, sunset sessions, chill bars.
>>Read our ultimate guide to Santa Cruz surf
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
>>Also read our complete guide to the best surf camps in Ericeira for 2023.
The Sintra Coast & 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 strings up towards the Atlantic mainstays of Ericeira and Peniche, through fairly unknown beaches like Praia Grande and Magoito.
Then there’s the Estoril Coast, which holds some epic spots that you can get to after a 30-min tram ride from Lisbon’s downtown.
And then – yes there’s more! – you have the whopping 30km beach break to the south, on the Costa da Caparica. It’s got endless peaks.
Read our ultimate guide to Lisbon surf for more info on being based in the big city. We also have a complete guide to the best surf camps in Lisbon for 2023.
Magoito Beach
Magoito Beach is one of the more rugged and remote spots on the Sintra Coast, sat right at its northern end like an hour from the city itself.
It’s fully exposed to NW swell, so it picks up plenty of energy and can get powerful fast. The beach break offers punchy peaks over shifting sandbars – it’s classic central PT stuff.
The spot often has a bit more shape and less crowd than Praia Grande. That said, it’s rarely mellow. Best suited to confident intermediates and above. You’ll need a hire car to get here.
>>Read our complete guide to surfing Magoito Beach (coming soon)
Praia das Macas
Praia das Macas is a small beach town that strings along a cliff under the famous UNESCO site of Sintra. A lot of people come here because they catch the vintage tram from Sintra, so it’s got a family/vacation vibe in the summer when the tram runs.
Outside of the season, I’d rank it as one of the best surf towns on the Sintra Coast simply becuase it’s really local, has nice eateries, some great waves on its main beach, and – here’s the kicker – acces to Praia Grande, one of the most consistent beach breaks some five mins in the car to the south.
>>Read our full guide to surfing and traveling in Praia das Macas
Praia Grande
Praia Grande is the main beach south of Praia das Macas where surfers go, but it’s a draw for everyone in the Lisbon area really.
It’s highly consistent and offers loads of quality beach breaks. It’s kinda like the quintessential Central Coast spot.
Swell determines the level – more beginner friendly in summer, a lot less so in winter.
Come to surf but don’t leave without sampling the saltwater pool on the cliffs at the north end. It’s a stunning spot for a dip!
>>Read our full guide to Praia Grande
Praia do Guincho
Windblown Praia do Guincho is a gift to all the people surfing in the Lisbon area because it offers a hit of real west-facing beachfront in a region mainly characterized by south-west facing beaches on the Estoril coast.
The beach is about 10 minutes northwest of Cascais and opens to offer a string of really reliable peaks. They are almost always better in morning before winds kick up and turn things messy.
Can suit all levels but summers see Praia do Guincho become one of the beginner meccas of the Lisbon region.
>>Read more about Praia do Guincho in our ful guide
Cascais
The surf in Cascais is great but not because it has waves of its own. It doens’t. The town is just so nice, and so well placed, that it’s hard to deny it’s the perfect base for enjoying this region.
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.
Thing is, Cascais is within reach of so many good spots AND it’s such a great summer resort, offering big parties, great food and more, that it’s become a bit of a defacto hub for the surf camps in the Lisbon area.
>>Read our full guide to Cascais surf right now
Carcavelos is the most famous surf spot in the Lisbon region, and one of the most popular beaches in Lisbon. Aside from being a bit notorious for its localism, it does have another side: beginner friendly shore breaks all summer long.
You get here on the train from Cais do Sodre, which costs like 2 euro and takes 40 minutes from the downtown of Lisbon. The station is a walk from the beach. Surf rentals right on the shoreline.
If you’re on a city break and don’t want to pay for an organised surf tour then Carcavelos or Costa da Caparica are you’re best bets.
>>Explore our guide to the surfing in Carcavelos
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
Surfing in Alentejo
We’ve got a secret: Alentejo.
Apart from fricking lovely red wine, this region between Lisbon and the Algarve is only just starting to become famous for its surf.
It’s a bit different to much of Portugal. The coastline is rocky for bits and then suddenly nothing but blank-white beaches for miles and miles.
Some spots here are very good indeed, with surprisingly fun, hollow beach breaks. Others only work with smaller swells because they are so exposed.
Either way, we think this is the most upcoming part of Portugal. New surf camps/hotels are popping up all the time. It’s one to watch for the later 2020s.
Comporta
Famous for its chic beach hotels, Comporta has plenty of west-facing coast to hoover up waves.
We actually rate it as one of 2024’s most upcoming beginner locations, because the crowds are almost non-existent and it’s gorgeous.
Some good Alentejo surf camps offer access, otherwise you’ll need a car and some moolah to book those chic beach hotels we mentioned.
Check out our guide to surfing in Comporta
Sines
The pretty little town and next-door Vila Nova are fast becoming the surf hubs of the Alentejo region, which is rising on the PT surf scene.
Long beaches that are great for beginners mingle with some epic spots that hollow out when the strong NW winter pulses come through. The town is lovely, too, with history and great food going for it.
>>Check out our guide to Sines surf right now
Aivados Beach
Aivados Beach is classic Alentejo: Wide, raw, and often totally empty. The beach break picks up consistent W and NW swell and offers punchy peaks over shifting sandbars.
It can be playful and fun on smaller summer pulses but turns heavier and more powerful through autumn and winter, when there’s never a soul around.
Crowds are usually light compared to the Algarve, and it’s one of my personal picks for the region’s best-kept secret.
>>Read our complete surf-travel guide to Aivados Beach (coming soon)
Praia do Malhao
Praia do Malhao is the perfect summary of the Alentejo. The beach is super beautiful and the waves tend to be way more empty than what you get south in the Algarve, or north around Lisbon, though this spot is getting noticeably busier in the peak summer now.
It’s basically now emerged as the go-to spot for all the surf camps and schools based out of Vila Nova de Milfontes, and for some coming south from Sines.
They come for the nice sandbar wedges that appear after the winter storms settle. They can be lovely, offering neat peaks that go both directions and suit all levels, depending on how big it’s looking.
>>Read more about Praia do Malhao right here (coming soon)
Vila Nova de Milfontes
A small, charming town that’s leading the way in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Vila Nova de Milfontes has two great surf camps and access to a whole range of beaches that suit all levels – namely the two mentioned above
Because of the port here, there’s no big-name surf spot in Vila Nova de Milfontes itself. But this is the main surf town for the region these days.
Oh yea, and the place is now home to a pretty cool Rapture Surfcamp that we reckon does some of the best off-the-beaten-track packges in the country.
>>Check out our guide to Vila Nova de Milfontes right here
Zambujeira do Mar
Zambujeira do Mar isn’t that famous as a surf town but it does have a heavy right and a fun left on its main beach that the local surf religiously when they work.
Really, we’d stay here for the local vibes and the access the town provides to both the Algarve to the south and Alentejo beaches to the north, not to mention one of Europe’s biggest hip hop fests if that’s what floats your SUP.
>>Check out our guide to Zambujeira do Mar right here
Surfing in 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.
I’d actually go as far as to say it’s the most famous region, or at least the joint most-famous along with the Silver Coast further north.
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.
>>We have a complete in-depth guide to surfing in the Algarve
>>You should also check our guide to the best surf camps in the Algarve
>>And we have a guide to ALL the best beaches in the Algarve
Odeceixe
The first surf town you see when you cross from Alentejo into the Algarve is this gem.
Odeceixe is one of the more unique setups on Portugal’s southwest coast. The village sits inland, all whitewashed houses and cobbled lanes, while Praia de Odeceixe lies at the river mouth about 10 minutes away.
The beach itself is split between a sheltered river lagoon and an exposed Atlantic-facing beach break. On a decent NW swell, the ocean side can offer punchy, rippable peaks. On smaller days, it’s playful and approachable.
Generally a regional classic and pretty nice and quiet, so a great choice for those looking to escape Sagres et al for something wilder.
>>Read our complete guide to surfing in Odeceixe
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 – like 15 min drive – to the legendary beginner and intermediate hub of Arrifana (see below).
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.
>>Check out our ultimate guide to the surf in Aljezur
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, it’s all there.
The beach has two main breaks – a tricky right reef and loads of peaks along its sand for beginners and intermediates.
It’s best in autumn, but is also a cracker in spring. Now one of the go-to beginner/learner spots in Portugal.
>>Check out our complete guide to Arrifana right now
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.
Where to stay? Hortas do Rio – Casa de Campo is so, so nice. Chill days in a beachside apartment await!
>>Check out our complete guide to surfing in Carrapateira
Praia do Amado
Praia do Amado is one of the best beginner beaches in the south throughout the summer months. It picks up lots of swell, so can work nicely on those hotter, calmer days in June and August.
There are local surf schools here and the spot is popular among surf camps.
Great waves when they’re at say 5-7 foot, when they’ll peel off the various banks. Gets bigger and powerful in winter.
Stay in the nearby town of Carrapateira and drive down the lane from there – takes a few minutes.
This is one of my personal fav beaches in the summer and a definite must for any Algarve road trip.
>>Read more about surfing and traveling to Praia do Amado right now
Praia da Cordoama
Praia da Cordoama is a solid choice with parking on the beach. It’s super close to Castelejo (see below) but generally a bit more popular with surf schools in the summer, when it can be a great learning beach.
Winter swells can send some serious size into the bay but it tends to hold well. Sandbar waves either side of the rocks are the main pull.
Pretty, remote; classic western Algarve stuff.
>>Read more about Praia da Cordoama right here
Castelejo Beach
Castelejo Beach is a really nice spot that works for all levels. It’s rarely busy because it’s neither in Arrifana or Sagres – you gotta drive like 20 minutes to get here from Sagres down the coast road.
Good, solid walls with nice lefts are plentiful. Good for beginners in summer and a few regional surf schools now have it on the radar.
Nice vibes; better scenery. An above average beach break to be honest, worth the drive. Will get heavy on bigger swells, when it becomes quite steep and pitching, with rips, but only over fsix foot or something.
>>Read all about surfing in Castelejo Beach
Vila do Bispo
Vila do Bispo has risen to become an alternative to Sagres for accessing the beaches in the south and west of the Algarve in the same trip.
It used to be tiny. But there’s now a growing array of really nice surf stays here, and a charming village vibe I personally really love.
Get a car, base yourself here, and you’ll have like 20 spots within 20 minutes’ drive.
>>Read our complete guide to surfing and stayng in lovely Vila do Bispo
Ponta Ruiva
Ponta Ruiva is an empty beach at the end of a long coast road. Not all that many people come this way but some definitely do – it’s got a bit of a loyal following from the surfers of Sagres and Vila do Bispo. I can see why…
There’s a really nice, very long left hand point break that reels off the reefs at the south end of the bay when huge NW pulses come in. Closer to the middle, you can score beginner friendly reforms that are good for surf schools.
Most of all, it’s really pretty. And usually not too busy. Getting in is the chore, but the road – though it’s a dirt track – is better than a lot of people say and there’s parking right beside the beach.
>>Read our complete surf-travel guide to Ponta Ruiva
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?
Or, up the coast a little is Beliche, a spot with an epic bowly wedge that works when the rest of the west coast blows out.
Options. Options.
>>Learn more in our ultimate guide to Sagres surf
Zavial
The right hander at Zavial is probably the single best wave on the south coast of the Algarve. When it’s on, which requires a rare SW swell or a huge NW swell (usually in the deep winter) it will be a little tube that fires off the cliffs. The locals have it nailed down, and the attitude can be bad on the peak there.
However, there is also a beach break on the other side of the bay that’s good for beginners and up. You can surf that on smaller swells, though, again, it also like big NW to push through.
The beach itself is worth a mention – it’s a glowing golden bay with super-clear water.
>>Read more about Zavial here
Salema
Big winter pulses or rare summer S swells can fire up the main beach at Salema. When they do, it’s lovellyyy. A cruisy, longboard gem that peels across the white sand, it’s like the very reason you stick around the south Algarve and don’t go looking west.
More than anything, Salema is jsut a really charming – if a touch touristy – place to be. It’s quaint, chilled Algarve life at its finest.
Plusss…you’re under 30 mins’ drive from the mega-good spots of the west coast, so consider it as a place to hang.
>>Dive deep into our full surf-travel guide about Salema
Burgau
Burgau is a lot like Salema, only a touch further down the south coast from Sagres. It’s got the charm – whitewashed cottages on the cliffs etc, and there is a decent beach break (when it works, which is rare).
Again, consider this one mainly as a good base for surfing the western Algarve (30 mins away) and the southern Algarve (20 mins to the best spots). It’s great for that if you like authentic coastal character, which Burgau has in bags.
>>Read more about Burgau’s surf and beaches here
Lagos
Lagos is a fantastic base for surfers who want some nightlife and lots of history.
The town has some beach breaks that work best in the peak winter season on strong NW swell, when the west-coast is maxed out. You can also drive here to the west coast in 30 minutes so it’s a good spot to be no matter the season.
>>Read more about surfing in Lagos in our full guide
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.
>>Read 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.
>>Read our ultimate guide to Faro surfing
Off the mainland
Portugal isn’t only about Europe.
The country also lays claim to two incredible island groups in the Atlantic. They do mean a couple hours’ more in flight but the reward is something special.
Madeira is one of the finest and most consistent spots for more advanced surfers, though it has some sheltered beaches on the north coast and a growing surf camp scene.
It’s a similar story in the jaw-dropping Azores, where you can hike volcanos one day and surf black-sand beaches the next.
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
Best surf destinations in Portugal for beginners
Swells are so consistent here that you can come in the height of summer and still get workable waves on west-facing beaches. That means learning in blazing European sunshine in warm-ish waters (sadly, wetsuits are still needed).
In addition, Portugal is now the powerhouse of surf camps in the whole of Europe. We’ll talk a little more about the best of them later on but for now we’ll just say that there are a few key surf towns that really stand out for thier amazing surf schools and stays, along with access to beginner friendly breaks.
So, if you’re thinking of coming to Portugal as a beginner, you’re thinking right. We’d reccomend a visit between late spring and the mid-autumn, when swells are tamer, and check out the following destinations…
- Peniche – This has to be the leading place for beginner surfers in Portugal. The town is split between Old Town Peniche and a small island village called Baleal. We reccomend you stay in the latter, becuase it has the unique benefit of having beaches that face south, west, and north, which means there’s almost always an offshore wind and always a place you can go to seek out smaller waves to learn on.
- Sagres – Sagres is a bit similar to Peniche in that it has access to two coastlines. That’s amazing for beginners becuase it means you can go to the south of the Algarve when its too big or head west if there’s hardly any swell. This is also the home of arguably the best surf camp in Europe: Tiny Whale.
- Arrifana – The beach in Arrifana is really great for beginners in the summer and autumn months. It’s basically a long sand-bottomed beach break and there are excellent surf camps both in the beach town and in nearby Aljezur. It’s a bit punchier than the two options above but still very good for learning on.
>>Want more? We actually have a full guide dedicated to the best beginner surf locations in Portugal
Best surf destinations in Portugal for intermediate surfers
Portugal has loads of intermediate surfers. Depending on where you are in the intermediate scale, we’d reccomend pushing the season a little.
Basically, the closer to the depths of winter you get, the more likely you are to catch the bigger waves and storms that power the most famous breaks.
For a low intermediate, we’d say mid-fall or mid-spring is perfect. Come in April or May or in September-November and you give yourself the best chance of the best conditions. (Although, that’s not a sure thing. I recently went to Santa Cruz in Novemebr and it was massive for three days and then tiny, so it’s always unpredictable).
Either way, there are some very nice regions and towns that suit the intermediates a bit more than the beginners. They include:
- Ericeira – The joint most famous surf town in the country (along with Peniche), Ericiera is a World Surfing Reserve. We think it’s the perfect place for intermediates becuase the north and south sides of town offer something totally different. North is littered with epic right points and reefs that can barrel but the south is more for long beaches with mellower waves on sand. You can move between the two depending on how confident you’re feeling/swell.
- Santa Cruz – Conveniently close to Lisbon, Santa Cruz has a long beach break and some small reef sections. It hoovers up swell, so it’s rarely flat. It’s home to now-legendary Noah’s Surf House, which offer great lodgings within walking distance to the waves and surf guiding for various levels.
Surf camps in Portugal
Portugal might just be the home of the European surf camp. AKA the single best country on the continent to come and do a tailored surf vacation.
With its chilled lifestyle, great weather, tasty food, and boho vibe on the one hand, and then sheer variety of breaks that all have a consistency that can make even Cornwall blush, it’s a solid place to start.
There are oodles of these styles of accommodations all over the country. Some are well-established and have brand names you might recognize. 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.
Our top picks right now are…
- The Salty Peniche – The Salty in Peniche is a corker. They have a stunning pad that overlooks the beach just south of Baleal, which means beginner breaks to the north and intermediate waves across the road. This 8-day package includes UNLIMITED yoga and evenings of BBQs and local wine tasting with new pals.
- Russo Surfcamp – There aren’t many better spots than the western Algarve for surf camping and the Russo Surfcamp makes the most of that with this budget-friendly (prices start at around $400) offering of eight days, including six days of guided surfing.
- Tiny Whale Surf Lodge – These guys aren’t your usual surf-camp offering. Everything’s personal, curated, well-organized, and – above all – fun. They focus on small-group packages for beginners and intermediates. The lodge itself is a lovely Algarvian villa. All tuition is by ISA-level 2 coaches. Sheer quality starting at $1100/week. It’s not for nothing that these guys are among the most sought-after surf camps in Europe right now!
- 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.
We’ve dedicated a complete guide to the best surf camps in Portugal that we update every year. We also have standalone guides to the best surf camps in some of the country’s most famous surf towns:
Surf hotels in Portugal
Portugal has perhaps the best surf hotels in the whole world.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from chilled backpacker hostels in Peniche to uber-stylo honeymoon resorts in Cascais.
- Aethos Ericiera [Ericeira] – Aethos is perhaps the most incredible coast hotel in Europe, let alone just Portugal. It puts surfers in a stunning pad atop the cliffs in north Ericiera. It’s done out like a sort of Moroccan-Scandi mashup, with one of the nicest pool and spa complexes we’ve ever seen. They also have a dedicated surf tour program.
- Noah Surf House [Santa Cruz] – Wow. Simply wow. Seriously. We’re not often lost for words but the Noah Surf House manages it. Set on the dunes overlooking 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 cottages, a great pool, and daily surf trips. Perfect.
- Laneez Ericeira [Ericeira] – These guys have carved out a special place in Ericeira by offering affordable surf stays with a bit of a boutique edge. It’s leans towards the surf-camp vibe with its daily surf programs but is a surf lodge in essence. The location is incredible: Right on the Ericeira cliffs where the sunsets glow ultra red.
- Bukubaki Eco Surf [Peniche area] – Treehouses and glamping tents in the woods close to Peniche make this a really unique sort of surf hotel. You’ll be near Peniche, and closest of all to the beginner-friendly beach of Baleal.
>>For more inspiration read our complete guide to the best surf hotels in Portugal that we update every year
>>We also have a guide to the best surf hostels in Portugal
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.
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.
We tend to use Omio for pre-booking bus and trains in Europe. It’s fast becoming the biggest online booking platform for overland travel in the region.
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.
We now use DiscoverCars for hires mainly.
In our opinion they always come up cheapest in Europe and offer free cancellation on most bookings up to 24 hours before.
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.
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