Strong winds bring powerful waves to the Portuguese shores. That is why these places are considered the best in Europe for surfing.
The coastline in Portugal stretches for 800 km. Along it, you will find a huge number of beaches with diverse landscapes and hundreds of surfing schools. Experienced athletes can rent equipment at these schools, while beginners can take lessons. The cost of a lesson ranges from 20 to 70 euros, depending on the location, group size, and level of equipment. If you stay in a surf camp, lessons will be cheaper or included in the accommodation fee.
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 stand on the board for the first time or to polish forgotten skills.
By November, the water element becomes more active and rages until spring. In winter, avid athletes come to the country 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 beginners should not venture.
Where to go surfing?
The entire coast from Lisbon to Porto seems specially created for surfing. But to make it easier to choose a direction, I have compiled a top 5 list of the most popular surfing spots.
Nazaré
Even if you have never been interested in surfing, you may have heard of this town. The waves off its shores sometimes reach the height of a ten-story building. They are formed thanks to a canyon that in some places reaches a depth of 5,000 meters.
Most people come just to watch the phenomenon. I, by the way, monitored the appearance of giant waves all season but never saw them. I hope it works out next time. But there are daredevils who try to tame the power of nature. Not everyone succeeds — you understand what such experiments can end with.
Surfers from all over the world head to Praia do Norte beach to set new world records. The current record belongs to German surfer Sebastian Steudtner: on October 29, 2020, he conquered a wave 26 meters high.
By mid-spring, the ocean off these shores calms down, and its waves become accessible to many athletes confident in their skills. Beginners also have a reason to visit 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 for the fact that there are always many tourists here.
Peniche
This place is called the Mecca of surfing. There is wind here all year round, bringing waves of varying difficulty levels. Praia do Medão Grande beach is ideal for beginner surfers. Nearby — on Supertubos beach — more experienced wave tamers can have their fun. The waves here are so fast that they form tubes.
Peniche is located on a peninsula connected to the mainland by an isthmus. The town is small but has everything you need for a great vacation. The main value of this place is the cliffs and capes, whose beauty you can admire endlessly. The only downside is the wind. It’s hard to hide from it. In the evening, you definitely need a jacket and a hat.
If you also love another sport — fishing, you can join the fishermen sitting on the rocks at the Carvoeiro lighthouse (Farol do Cabo Carvoeiro) in the morning before surfing or closer to sunset.
Ericeira
The North American Save the Waves Coalition recognized this region as the first surfing reserve in Europe and the second in the world. The beaches suitable for water sports stretch for 8 kilometers. Beginners should go to Praia do Sul or Foz do Lizandro. Experienced surfers will prefer Coxos, Ribeira d’Ilhas, or Baía dos Dois Irmãos.
The fishing village of Ericeira has gradually transformed into a resort with many hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Now, more than 10,000 people live here, along with many tourists.
Espinho
This town is located near Porto. If you get bored, you can hop on a train and quickly find yourself in the northern capital. Espinho is not rich in attractions, although the town is quite large by Portuguese standards. But it’s quite charming, and the evenings feel lively. I assume it’s because Espinho has a casino — one of nine in all of Portugal.
As for surfing, the local coastline attracts both beginners and professionals. Praia da Baía has calmer waves, and closer to Praia da Frente Azul, they become more powerful.
Figueira da Foz
This town is located somewhere in between Lisbon and Porto. In size, it is comparable to Espinho, but, in my opinion, much more beautiful. The historic center of Figueira da Foz has exquisite architecture. Nearby is the estuary of the Mondego River, which originates from the highest Portuguese mountain and flows through the entire central part of the country.
Modern high-rise buildings line up by the window, which is not typical for Portugal. They house hotels and restaurants. The coastline has a wide sandy area.
Praia do Buarcos beach is famous for the longest waves in Europe: they reach 800 meters. And on Praia do Cabedelo in the 1980s, the first world surfing championship organized in Portugal took place. Be sure to visit this beach if you come to catch waves in Figueira da Foz.
Where to surf in the south of the country?
To the top 5 on the northern coast, I wanted to add two locations from the southern part of Portugal. In case you want to combine beach chill with surfing trips.
Algarve and Alentejo are ideal places for sunbathing. It’s hotter here and there aren’t the strong winds that blow from Lisbon upwards. But keep in mind that in July-August, prices in these regions are high. It’s better to visit from September to May. In winter, you probably won’t swim, but you’ll be able to admire incredibly beautiful beaches almost without people.
Sagres
The high promontory on which the town of Sagres is located was long considered the end of the world. Thanks to the fact that this place is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, powerful waves form here. Near the rocky shores, there are several beaches that have won the love of surfers: Mareta, Tonel, and Martinhal. There are opportunities for both beginner athletes and experienced ones to practice.
Parque Costa Vicentina
Praia da Arrifana, located near the fishing village of Aljezur, is surrounded by picturesque cliffs. The waves here are wild — more suitable for intermediate and professional surfers. Beginners should head to Praia do Amado.
In your free time from wave conquering, you can walk through the beautiful forests of Costa Vicentina National Park with stunning ocean views.
I’d like to add that you should go to Portugal for other types of water extreme sports: for example, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing.
Nazare, Portugal: Top Spots for Waves, Surfing, and Sightseeing
