Are you a surfing fanatic? From Lisbon to Faro and the Algarve, discover the 12 best surf spots in Portugal!
Looking for sunshine, lush landscapes and warmth? Pack your bags and head for Portugal! Renowned for its soccer, fado, sardines and pastel de nata, Portugal is also The place to be for surf lovers.
Thanks to its wide variety of waves and mild climate, Portugal has become a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts. With over 1,800 kilometers of coastline, the country is becoming increasingly popular with surfers from the four corners of the globe. And with good reason, the spots nestled in wild coves are a dream for beginners and pioneers alike…
Looking for just the right place to surf in Portugal? Then grab your board and set off to discover Portugal’s best surf spots!
1. Peniche
Photo credit:Flickr – Luis Ascenso
Surf level:
Wave type: Pipelines
Ridership: +++
A historic town and Portugal’s leading fishing port, Peniche is one of Europe’s best surf spots. With its Hawaiian air, it’s a very pleasant place to surf. All year round, you’ll benefit from an offshore wind (wind coming from the land) which, if you’re just starting out, will give you optimal conditions for learning to surf in Portugal.
The best-known spot is Supertubos beach, due in particular to its waves, nicknamed pipelines, which create huge tubes into which surfers rush. However, don’t hesitate to explore other beaches such as :
- Praia do Cero: a place to work on your technique
- Banana Beach: ideal when you’re looking for pipelines
- Molhe Leste – Point-break: straight, hollow waves perfect for surfing
2. Ericeira
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / studio f22 ricardo rocha
Surfinglevel:
Wave type: All
Attendance: ++
Located to the north of Lisbon, Ericeira is packed with spots such as Sao Lourenço and Coxos. World-famous, Ericeira is a popular destination for catching a breaker. Nevertheless, some spots like Coxos are more difficult than others. Indeed, you need to be an experienced surfer to be able to tame the fast, nervous wave. Who said surfing in Portugal was easy?
The advantage of this spot is that it’s very pleasant from spring to autumn. In fact, when you meet up with everyone else at the line-up (where you wait for the wave), the water will be quite warm and the temperature quite mild.
3. Nazaré
Photo credit:Flickr – Luis Ascenso
Surfing level:
Wave type: Beach break
Ridership: +++
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Nazaré beach, north of Lisbon, attracts surfers from all over the world. And with good reason: this is where the Nazaré Canyon world competition is held. It’s easy to surf here until February, so the most enthusiastic can enjoy it for a long time!
This surf spot in Portugal is renowned for its gigantic waves and titanic swell. Some of the world’s biggest waves are formed here, as Nazaré’s underwater canyon ends not far from the coast, causing numerous breakers. If you’re going surfing in Nazaré, you’ll need to be a good surfer or a professional, as the barrels are risky. In fact, it’s one of the most dangerous spots in the world.
As a guide, waves can exceed 20 meters in height. It’s in Nazaré that many people, such as Justine Dupont, have tackled the swell to break historic records.
4. Praia do Guincho
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Beketoff
Surfinglevel:
Wave type: All
Attendance: ++++
West of Cascais (Lisbon region), Guincho beach stretches for 250 meters. It is listed as one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal. It is part of the Serra de Sintra National Park.
The national surf and bodyboard championships are held here every year. It’s also the place to watch the famous Bikini contest (a parade of surfers in swimsuits). We recommend that you only surf here if you have an advanced level. Because of the strong currents, we don’t recommend it for beginners, who could panic if something goes wrong.
5. Arrifana
Photo credit:Flickr – Hendrik Dacquin
Surfing level:
Wave type: Beach break and rocky bottom
Ridership: +++++
Surrounded by cliffs, Arrifana beach is popular with surfers and bodyboarders alike. Running along the coastline of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, this seemingly tranquil beach is packed with spots that will surprise you. In reality, the sea is violent, with waves that break right on the edge of the beach: a dream come true for surfers in Portugal.
The only drawback of this unique spot is that it’s very popular all year round. In short, if you have the opportunity, we recommend that you admire it and then move on in search of more secluded coves.
6. Praia de Carcavelos
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Deep Pixel
Surfing level:
Wave type: Beach break and sandy bottom
Ridership: +++++
Not far from Lisbon, Carcavelos beach is one of the country’s most popular beaches. If you like peace and quiet, it’s not for you. Despite the crowds, it remains one of the most popular spots for beginners, as its waves are fairly easy.
Legend has it that Portuguese surfing was born here.
Good to know: Carcavelos beach has shower cubicles and toilets, as well as a volleyball and basketball court. Ideal if you want to take a break between two wave chasers.
7. Sagres
Photo credit:Flickr – yepyep
Surfinglevel:
Wave type: All
Ridership: ++
Situated in the Faro district, Sagres is renowned for its water-based activities: both board sports and underwater activities. Nevertheless, surfing in Portugal remains the most popular activity among tourists.
Here are the best-known beaches:
- Castelejo: ideal for experienced surfers
- Cordoama: not recommended for beginners due to rocky bottom
- Beliche: known for its left-hand breakers
- Ingrina: ideal for beginners
Surfing is not the only thing to do in Portugal. Indeed, the region is also renowned for its secluded beaches and caves: a unique opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in the wild.
8. Praia do Amado
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Pawel Kazmierczak
Surfing level:
Wave type: Beach break and sandy bottom
Ridership: ++++
Despite its strong currents and sometimes violent waves, Praia do Amado is an excellent spot for young surfers. The beach often hosts international competitions, making it very popular. What’s more, its translucent water and idyllic scenery attract many tourists.
Good to know: With plenty of parking and dedicated facilities, Amado beach is perfectly equipped to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
9. Praia da Falesia
Photo credit:Flickr – Laurent Fiol
Surfing level:
Wave type: Sandy bottom
Frequentation: ++
Located to the east of Albufeira in the Algarve, this beach is a great surfing spot. It’s safe to ride when the waves are from the southwest. The sandy bottom and gentle waves allow beginners to surf with complete peace of mind.
Must-do: admire the enchanting setting, with its splendid view of the cliffs.
10. Paúl do Mar
Photo Credit : Shutterstock / A_Mikhail
Surfing level:
Wave type: Coastal relief and flat rocks
Popularity: +++++
Located in the southwest of Madeira Island, Paúl do Mapour is renowned for its calm and beautiful waves. Also known as Ribeira das Galinhas, it is fairly isolated.
Renowned for its big waves, you can enjoy surfing, diving and bodyboarding. Paúl do Mar hosted the 2001 World Surfing Championships.
11. Espinho
Photo credit: Shutterstock / homydesign
Surfing level:
Wave type: Beach break
Frequency:
Surfing in Portugal without visiting Espinho is unthinkable! In fact, it’s a very popular spot for surfers of all levels. However, as the waves are powerful, we do not recommend Espinho for beginners.
In addition to its attractions for wave enthusiasts, Espinho is considered the most beautiful beach in the Porto region. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beach, with your feet in the sand or on the board!
12. Figueira da Foz
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Gustavo Miguel Fernandes
Surfing level:
Wave type: Big waves and sandy bottom
Frequentation: ++++
Figueira da Foz is the last spot we recommend. However, it’s not to be overlooked! Still little known in the surfing world, it’s famous for its straight waves! With an undulating wind,
it’s perfect for a good session. Here are just a few of the ideal spots for surfing:
- Buarcos: perfect for pipeline surfing. The Buarcos wave is considered the longest straight wave in Europe.
- Cabedelo: renowned for its fast waves and beach breaks. We recommend it for experienced surfers.
Now you’re all set for a great surfing session in Portugal! To your boards!