Portugal is the best place in Europe to go surfing. This small Atlantic country has something for any surfer, from the legendary huge waves of Nazaré to the beginner-friendly beaches of Algarve. Portugal has 800 kilometers of coastline with world-class surf breaks, charming beach villages and a relaxed coastal culture that draws surfers all year round.
Surfing in Portugal is an experience you’ll never forget, whether you’re trying to catch your first wave or ride a world-class barrel. It is one of the best places in the world to surf since the waves are always good, the sun is always shining, there are surf schools and the scenery is beautiful.
Let’s look at the top places in Portugal for surfing that every surfer should go to.
Nazaré
The world’s capital of giant waves
Nazaré is unlike any other place on Earth. This place used to be a modest fishing community, but it became famous because of its record-breaking waves. Garrett McNamara rode a 78-foot huge wave here in 2011, making Portugal a must-see for all surfers.
- Vibe: Legendary, awe-inspiring and full of adrenaline.
- The undersea Nazaré Canyon makes Praia do Norte (North Beach) famed for its huge winter waves. Professional big-wave surfers find these waves to be the hardest to ride because they can reach heights of 100 feet.
- For most people, seeing these huge animals is just as exciting as riding them. The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse is a great place to see surfers fighting nature’s fury from all angles.
- If you’re new to surfing, Praia da Nazaré and Nazaré’s major beach has smaller and safer waves in the summer. This is a great place to take surf lessons or just relax.
- October to March is the best time to go if you want large waves.
- May to September is the best time to go if you just want to surf.
Peniche
The Surfer’s Paradise
A lot of people call Peniche the “Surf Capital of Portugal” and they have a solid reason to do so. This town on a peninsula is about 90 minutes north of Lisbon. It is surrounded by surf breakers on all sides so there is always a wave somewhere no matter which way the wind blows.
- Vibe: lively, community-oriented and charming like a surf town.
- Supertubos is the crown jewel here. It’s a world-famous beach break known for its quick, powerful barrels. People often compare it to Pipeline in Hawaii. Every year, the World Surf League’s Rip Curl Pro Portugal takes place there, bringing in the greatest surfers from across the world.
- Baleal and Cantinho da Baía are two nearby beaches that have calm waves and a lot of great surf schools and camps for beginner and intermediate surfers. There are a lot of hostels, beach cafés and fun nightlife in the region, making it a great place to go surfing in Portugal.
- Pros should go from September to November, while learners should go from June to August.
Ericeira
The First World Surfing Reserve in Europe
Ericeira is a surfer’s paradise, yet it’s only 45 minutes from Lisbon. In 2011, this quaint fishing community that became a surfing hotspot was named Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve because it has great surf breaks in a small area of coastline.
- Vibe: Real, surf-chic and centered on the community.
- Ribeira d’Ilhas is a lengthy right-hand point break that is great for intermediate surfers.
- Coxos is a heavy, quick right-hand reef break that is only for experienced surfers.
- Foz do Lizandro has calm waves that are great for novices.
- Ericeira offers a bohemian vibe with ocean-view cafés, seafood restaurants, yoga studios and a lively community of locals and travelers. The town’s cobblestone streets and sunsets over the cliffs make it just as lovely as it is exciting.
- The best time to go is from September to May when the waves are always good.
Algarve
The Best Place to Surf in Southern Portugal
The Algarve is the place to go if you like sunlight, warm water and a relaxed atmosphere. The Algarve region is a great place to go surfing since it has beautiful beaches, blue water and spectacular cliffs.
- Vibe: Easygoing, sunny and good for beginners.
- The west coast of the Algarve, especially around Sagres and Carrapateira, gets steady Atlantic swells that make great waves for surfers of all skill levels. Amado Beach and Arrifana Beach are two of the most famous places to surf. There are amazing surf schools, camps and hostels right on the beach.
- In the summer, you can surf in the morning, swim in tranquil bays in the afternoon, and have fresh seafood and cocktails at sunset.
- The greatest time to go is all year, but spring and fall are the best times.
Costa da Caparica
Lisbon’s Surf Playground
Costa da Caparica is only a 20-minute drive from Lisbon, so if you don’t have a lot of time but still want to surf, go there. This long stretch of sandy beach goes on for around 15 kilometers and has beach breaks that are good for people of all skill levels. Because the waves are small, the instructors are professionals and it’s close to the city, it’s one of the greatest spots in Portugal to learn how to surf.
- Vibe: Fun, easy to get to and full of local surf energy.
- People from the area come here after work or on the weekends, making it a vibrant place with surfboards, beach bars and sunsets.
- The best time to go is from April to October.
Espinho
The Northern Jewel
Espinho is a surfing place in Porto that doesn’t get as much attention as it could. More and more people are looking for less congested surf spots. It’s a great place for intermediate surfers to test their talents because of its strong beach waves and laid-back vibe.
Praia da Baía is the major beach for surfing here. It has steady waves that break to the left and right all year long. The town itself is very charming, with local markets, seafood restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere that feels real and untouched.
- Vibe: Real, quiet and not too busy.
- You can easily mix city tourism with surfing because Porto is so close.
- The best time to go is from September to April.
Figueira da Foz
The longest right-hand wave in Portugal
Figueira da Foz is a must-see for people who love long rides. This seaside hamlet sits between Porto and Lisbon, is known for Cabedelo Beach which has one of the longest right-hand waves in Europe. When the conditions are right, you can ride for hundreds of meters. This is a dream come true for any surfer.
Cabedelo is an excellent place to stay for a long time because it has surf camps, board rentals and nice guesthouses. The friendly inhabitants and relaxed atmosphere make this place great for families and people traveling alone.
- Vibe: Relaxed, beautiful and a wave-lover’s dream.
- The greatest time to go is from September to November, when the waves are biggest.
Porto Covo
The Coastal Treasure That No One Knows About
Porto Covo, in the Alentejo region, is a hidden gem if you like peaceful beaches and beautiful cliffs. This location has gorgeous coves and steady beach breaks, making it a great place for surfers who want to be alone.
The waves here aren’t as strong as they are at Nazaré or Peniche, so it’s a perfect place for intermediate surfers or digital nomads who want to surf in a quiet setting. The Vicentine Coast Natural Park is close by and has beautiful coastline trails and untouched wildlife. It is a great place to go after surfing.
- Vibe: peaceful, natural and soulful.
- The best time to go is from May to October.
Praia das Maçãs
A Surf Spot for Families
This beach is great for a family surfing vacation in Portugal. It’s close to Sintra. The golden sand, calm surf and laid-back town vibe make Praia das Maçãs a popular beach. It’s a terrific place for families with kids or beginners who want to learn how to surf together.
You can go to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, see fairy-tale castles or take the tram that goes from Sintra to the shore. It’s a great combination of nature, culture and surfing.
- Vibe: Relaxed, family-friendly and beautiful.
- The best time to go is from June to September.
Matosinhos
The best place to surf in the city
Matosinhos Beach is one of the easiest and most convenient places to surf in northern Portugal. It is right outside of Porto. It’s great for novices or people who want to combine surfing with city living because the waves are always the same and there are surf schools and rental stores.
After surfing, you may experience Porto’s lively culinary scene, walk along the historic waterfront or try the famed Port wine.
- Vibe: City-like, energetic and good for beginners.
- The greatest time to go is all year, but April to October is optimum for the weather.
Tips for Surfing in Portugal:
- Bring a wetsuit because the Atlantic can be cold even in the summer. In the summer, a 3/2mm wetsuit works well. In the winter, a 4/3mm wetsuit is better.
- Rent or buy locally: Surf towns like Peniche and Ericeira have a lot of places where you can rent surfboards and buy used gear.
- Follow the rules of the lineup and show respect. The locals are nice but you should always do this.
- Sign up for a surf camp: This is a great opportunity to meet new people, get better at surfing, and enjoy meals and accommodations that are all about surfing.
- Look beyond the popular beaches: Portugal’s coast is full of secret spots where you can be the only one riding the waves.
Portugal’s surfing scene is pure enchantment, whether you’re chasing the largest waves in Nazaré or learning how to lift off for the first time in Costa da Caparica or gliding down the smooth right-handers of Figueira da Foz.
It’s not only the waves, it’s the way life moves down the shore, the fragrance of the ocean, and the warmth of the sun in Portugal. Every time you surf here, it will be like a story worth telling.
So get your board, get in your car and find out why every ocean lover should go surfing in Portugal at least once in their life.