A fishermens village north of Lisbon, Ericeira has several surfing spots to choose from, like S. Loureno, Coxos, Pedra Branca or Foz do Lizandro. There are definitely more naturally alluring beaches in Portugal, but the proximity of Matosinhos to Porto just a 15-minute metro journey from the city centre is a major part of the appeal. Its best in autumn, but is also a cracker in spring. Super-friendly vibes abound in the common areas, the shared kitchen, and the huge gardens. Offering awfully long rides that break along the length of a boulder-strewn bay. Its also got arguably the Algarves most developed surf infrastructure outside of Sagres surf schools, rentals, great villas and camps. Peniches beaches help build Portugals reputation as the surf capital of Europe. Check out our ultimate guide to Porto surf. Check out our ultimate guide to surfing in Costa Nova Beach. Be wary though, because they can also get gnarly when the NW swells are working. That helps to make this one of the most famous surf spots in the nort Portugal. The crowds arent massive, but there are good vibes slinging around surf towns like Peniche and Ericeira. Access. Clocking up peak-to-trough heights of 30 metres during the autumn, these are some of the most monstrous surf rides available on earth. Winter storms batter the Portuguese coast. Basically, we only accept advertisers who we've already written about or would write about naturally. And, yes, its a holidaymakers mecca. People have been surfing Portugal for decades, but its only really now that its full potential is being noticed. Portugal hasnt become a surf mecca for nothing! Ericeras Ribeira dIlhas is a consistent right, producing waves that can grind all the way from the Pontinha to the beach. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Surfing in Portugal in October time means meeting the brute force of colossal Nazare Canyon. But its also a haven for surfers, who can pick between two very different coastlines. Best for: Affordable and fun surfing in Portugal for beginners. Neighbouring beaches Praia da Baa and Praia Azul both close to the centre of Espinho are especially popular with surfers. Feeling inspired? Dont forget to try the bolo do caco, a hot wheat flour bread with garlic butter, or drink poncha, a traditional alcoholic drink made from honey and lemon juice. The consistent onshore wind here is more suited to windsurfers and kitesurfers. Every place for surfing in Portugal comes with its own unique array of waves, reefs, and beaches. Others are start-out, grassroots ventures that connect learners to local surfers. It borders the land of flamenco through high central mountains with rustic villages made of schist stone. related services. From the beginner-friendly waves in Peniche to the monsters at Nazar, here is Culture Trips rundown of the best surfing destinations in Portugal. Check out our ultimate guide to Madeira surf. To give you an idea, its possible to go from Lisbon to Porto in under three hours. Snag surf across the globe with this selection of waves ideal for longboard surfers. The best of them lurk to the south Esmoriz, Espinho. Whether youre an ardent hang-tenner, or just wishing to dust off your longboard for a cruisey session with pals, this selection of waves should sate your longboarding appetites across the globe. With golden-sand beaches, miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coast, legendary big-wave spots, and awesome beach breaks, theres something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Europe. Expect crowds closest to the town where more defined peaks break off the jetty. Heres our rundown of the 10 best surfing spots in Portugal. It can also suffer from long flat spells, with expensive camping. Weve all seen images of these long, tantalisingly empty, slightly feathering walls. Check out our ultimate guide to Peniche surf. The main motorway going south will mean drifting inland, but we prefer the slightly slower coast roads if youre heading from Lisbon to the Algarve anyhow. However, the food is wonderful, very typical and quite different from the cuisine in continental Portugal. Also reachable by a short train ride from Porto, Espinho is at the centre of a 17km (10mi) expanse of beaches stretching south from the estuary of the Douro River, featuring numerous prime surf spots. The Algarve is still excellent with good south swells twisting around the Sagres head. These are the XXL waves for the daredevils. On the south shore of Hawaii lies Queens, a break offering lengthy rides with plenty of time to perfect your hang-ten. Further south are legendary barrels along the sands of Supertubos, with reefs and points to paddle out to in between. When swell is big enough, it can link up the seven various points to create rides of up to 2km. It can sometimes be like hopping from Bali to Biarritz in just a short drive. This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Europe. Its not as well known as its neighbours (so less busy), but comes with a long beach break thats got up to five separate peaks. And theres more, because a surf trip here opens up three coastlines. The most mythical contributor is perhaps Supertubos beach, world famous for its powerful waves, which many surfers call The European Pipeline. Portugal is definitely one of Europe's finest surfing countries. Stunning coastline, facing both west and south on the Atlantic. Here is the next generation of Rip Curl surfers Six girls, three countries and a whole lot of future World Tour talent. around major cities. Check out our ultimate guide to the surf in Aljezur. Although, youll still find plenty of beginner-friendly breaks, too. Tricky to travel without a guide and some areas are off-limits. Thats the province of some excellent beach breaks. Were talking big, beefy shoulders to rip on the left-hand points, along with plenty of beach break swell for beginners and intermediates. Its safer waves also tend to attract a lot of beginner surfers, so choose your timeslot and location wisely to avoid overcrowding. From the gentler spots of Foz do Lizandro and So Julio in the south to the heftier swells of So Loureno and Coxos in the north, Ericeira has plenty of fantastic surf spots for all skill levels less than an hours drive from Lisbon. Its loaded with uber-cool suites and rooms done in Bali-style polished concrete with beautiful furnishings and boho art touches. Millions of visitors come here every year without a single wave on their mind. Carcavelos beach has shower rooms and toilets, and also a volleyball and basketball court if you want to take a breather from wave-hunting or working on your tan. In the north, youll find a number of rookie-friendly breaks such as Gigi, Prainha and Cantinho da Baia where mellow waves break onto soft, sandy beaches. Long-distance train and bus connections also come into Portugal from all over Europe. A longboard can be a life-saver to score waves. A HUGE variety of beaches, reefs, point breaks you name it. There are two pretty awesome barrelling waves that can kick off the jetties at Espinho. The closest place to arrive from is Spain. If you would like to receive newsletters containing all of our latest content and offers, just enter your email here. These beaches are mostly uncrowded and a popular destination for surfers, especially off season. Its tucked to the east, close to the border with Spain. Head to the central coast for waves that have garnered worldwide attention. Please try again. Check out our complete guide to surfing in Carrapateira. Located on the Costa da Caparica 30 minutes drive outside of the capitals city centre this surfing school is great for the surfers still trying to find their feet. Most water-loving athletes make a beeline here, as the waves are among the fiercest not just in Portugal, but in all of Europe. Youll need to ditch the town itself and look to the surrounding Estoril Coast. These days, lots of surf vans and bigger hatchbacks with boards tacked to the roof can be spotted along the coastal routes. Then you have the whopping 30-km beach break to the south, on the Costa da Caparica. You can also quickly navigate to our separate guides to all the other awesome surf spots in Portugal: So, without further ado, lets delve into the world of Portuguese surf spots. The accommodation is pretty standard hostel-camp stuff but its clean and affordable. If you'd like to potentially get your product or service included in our Sponsored spot, please contact our advertising team. Frequently windy, it gathers the perfect conditions for surfing, but can become a hassle for regular visitors nothing an umbrella, sun tent or windscreen (available for rental) cant solve, really. Often the waves peel for hundreds of metres causing serious jelly-leg syndrome. Paddle out here for long rides with a consistently good wave shape. Theyve got buzzing social atmosphere, cheaper board rentals, and draw in instructors from all over the globe. On the south coast, Mareta, Martinhal and Praia do Zavial are calmer, more sheltered alternatives for learners although the latter can get fairly choppy in winter, depending on the strength of the swell. Down south, however, things can be bright and sunny in the Algarve. Madeira is an island of epic beauty and equally epic point breaks. Regular highs in the 30s are tempered on the coast by onshore winds (not so great for the surf). Because Portugal is such a doozy of a holiday destination, renting a car is also a fine choice. They are the epicentre of a designated world surf reserve. Youll also find considerably warmer water here than elsewhere in the country. Check out our ultimate guide to Sagres surf. Being a surfing mom is really amazing. An ideal surfing location on account of the mild climate and great variety of waves, Portugal is a perfect destination for surfers of every ability. There are three main breaks here: Tamagueira, Teimoso and Mina. December is the time to go wave hunting in the Algarve. Areia Branca is a small surf town tucked into the coastline between Peniche and Ericeira. Surfing Portugal September time is an all round tamer beast. Cold, often wet, but hardly popular at all. They are busier than most of Portugals surf spots, but theres a good vibe around on the Atlantic beaches. As far as accommodation goes, there are campsites and a few hotels between Peniche and Baleal beach, and also a selection of simple houses and apartments for rent. To the south, meanwhile, is the beginner hub. Portugals main holiday period. We actually managed to rent a car for three weeks at just under 300 on our last trip in November. The big swells are the result of a deep underwater canyon that channels the Atlantic straight up and over the headlands here. Winters are harsh and heavy, but offer great consistency and youll rarely need anything more than a 4/3. Theres ample surfing in Portugal for beginners for example, with the likes of Peniche and the Algarve offering loads of spots. Theres also a great mix of breaks, from beginner whitewash to hollow wedges down in Carca. Add on a few reef sections and reliable swell and this one could just be the place youve been looking for! They serve three main airports. Whats more, the weather is simply divine. So if youre planning a seaside road trip, take a chance to explore these remarkable surfing hotspots. The local breaks couldnt be better, either Baleal (one of the best beginner spots in Peniche) is a two-min stroll down the road! And then theres Porto, which is great for hitting the more untamed swells of the northern Green Coast and untouched Silver Coast. Porto isnt so much a surf spot as a whole surf city. Arrifana is probably among the top three most consistent spots in Portugal. The reason? Coastline Algarve is the go-to place for the best water and land tours, with specialized tour guides taking you to secluded grottoes and hidden beaches along the coastline. the other is right on the doorstep of the town itself in Estoril. Plenty of surf schools dot the shoreline, aimed at beginners. Spring and autumn are often hailed as an intermediates dream come true. Yep that good. They come for the Harry Potter-styled libraries and tile-faced churches. Nazar is just one of the many prime surf spots along the Portuguese coastline, however, it comes with plenty more accessible spots for beginners and intermediates. Home to the longest right-hand break in Europe, Figueira da Foz a small city at the mouth of the Mondego River around 40km (25mi) from Coimbra offers some of the most exhilarating wave-riding opportunities in Portugal. During the summertime, be sure to arrive as early as possible, to avoid the crowd and to secure a good spot. Just run your finger westwards across the map of Europe. They tend to ride the towns main breaks in the more chilled summer, and venture to nearby Esmoriz and beyond with learner groups. Youll be able to walk to the beach breaks around Supertubos every day. Its around a 1.5-hour drive from the terminal to Peniche and less to Ericeira. Set your sails for the seas: The surf season is upon us! Along the way, youll 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. The new Billabong Seekers Of The Sun is a collection for women in a endless search of waves, sunshine and adventure. Although not quite as renowned as the surf spots along the central and northern coasts, the Algarve still offers several top beach breaks against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and golden beaches. Wowza! Loads of low-cost airlines jet in and out of the country from the UK and beyond. Man, the Surfers Lodge Peniche is some seriously slick stuff. On its shoreline, youll find the most westerly and most southwesterly point in mainland Europe. The waves here are generally more challenging to ride than those in Viana do Castelo and Matosinhos, making it a great spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. Check out our ultimate guide to Espinho surf. However, since it stays fat and friendly, its also beloved by beginners. Still, theres loads of fun to be had the apres surf bars are pumping for one! These days, its a major holidaying spot with good links to the uber-famous beaches of the Algarve. With a social, multi-lingual staff of surf enthusiasts, an international guest house and great discounts for kids and students, its the perfect place to get to know the waves, your board, and gain some self-confidence. Surviving: getting mowed down by a soft top is a real danger here. Dodging the rocks, crowds and rip currents. Go west to Sagres (the best place to surf in the Algarve) and you also have access to the Atlantic, where some of the countrys finest points and beaches await. If you are looking for a place offering consistent surf conditions and good weather, good food, great people and culture The Algarve is where you want to go. Similarly, intermediate and expert riders will find loads to like in Portuguese surf destinations like Ericeira and Porto, but summers can mean only small waves, while some breaks are best left to the surf schools. Waves do pick up all along the west coast in spots like Peniche and Arrifana. TheresSurf Lisbon! I guess its almost like an internal battle of like Do I be really selfish and surf myself or do I take him surfing and let it go? Long, peeling rights reward a bumpy ride to this spot. Theyve got everything from zippy left-handers to high steep and hollow frames that curl into points. Sometimes tough. Youll be in the line up if you go for any of the major surf destinations (Peniche, Ericeira, Sagres). Aljezur is a really atmospheric Algarvian town thats become something of a de facto surf capital for the north end of the region. Some of our favourite surf camps in the whole country are listed below: Wow. And feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about planning a surf trip to Portugal, whether youre heading to the Algarve, to Lisbon, or the northern beaches around Porto. Espinho also has a casino, if youre up for some legal gambling after a long day of riding the waves. The proximity to Porto has also nurtured a nascent surf camp scene. The beach stretches for 30km (18mi) down the coast. required! The ASP World Tour hosts competitions in this otherwise inconspicuous fishing village once a year, bringing crowds from all over the world to witness Peniches impressive waves. Due to the long rights that peel along the lava reef, this spot is beloved by longboarders. Theres 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. Heres our guide to some of the finest places to go surfing in Portugal. We might use affiliate links in this post. It is easy to access and offers a lot of parking space, perfect if travelling by caravan or if you intend to spend the day sunbathing or going for a swim in its clear waters. Most people dont know it, but Portugal holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed. They usually pack in swimming pools, on-site bars, and suites with balconies. Weather wise, things are changeable; sometimes downpours, sometimes chilly, occasionally dry and warm. Here we have listed 10 best surfing spots in Portugal for you to try at least one of them out, Ride the wave at our ten favourite surfing spots in Portugal. Think we missed something? Check out our ultimate guide to Ericiera surf. Peniche also comes replete with a bumping nightlife and well-seasoned surf schools. Albufeira is a fun-loving town that was once just a humble fishing village. The second largest island in China after Taiwan, Hainan offers a ton of mellow left point breaks. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. November continues to the trend, with some serious punch coming in off the open Atlantic. It all really gets going in October, with the big-wave competitions typically running until April. Its also a mecca when it comes to surfing Portugal. Around it are several restaurants and bars with cheap menus and good food. The biggest challenge? Trying to paddle against the current, its easier to get out and walk back to the take-off zone. Along the way, there are countless breaks of all shapes and sizes seriously, were not overexaggerating when we say theres something for every type of surfer in Portugal. Thats it! The seasons in Portugal can change the surf A LOT. You can rent family bungalows or go full eco with a tent. Added to this, armed with a longboard, one can sit further out back to catch the waves earlier and have plenty of time to perfect your nose-riding in the process. Simply wow. Its still not full summer, though it certainly feels like it high 20s temperatures and oodles of sun! momondo is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel & It is quite a remote place in the Island of Madeira, so there is not a wide variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from. After the steep start, there are several intriguing sections allowing for cruisey cutbacks. Summer tends to be better for beginners. Set on the dunes of Santa Cruz (thats midway between Ericeira and Peniche and a town with great beach breaks of its own), its so cool. Also, you can drop by Cape Cruiser, a company specialized in whale and dolphin watching. 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. Just south of the Lima River from the nearby city of Viana do Castelo, Praia do Cabedelo is a 600yd (1km) long, arc-shaped beach surrounded by grassy dunes and a pine forest. Expert surfers keen for a challenge must venture to Papoa, where the biggest waves rival Nazar or the fast barreling waves of the supertubes. So, thanks for that! First up is Tonel, which has some high A-frames between its daunting headlands (a doozy for intermediates looking to improve). Accessible by car and by foot, it is a secluded, peaceful beach with violent, turbulent waves, perfect for surfing. Its 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. Formerly a quiet fishing village, Nazar has been propelled into the international spotlight in recent years earning a reputation for its towering waves. Look to Sagres to enjoy the best of both worlds. Outside is the jewel theres an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, fire pits and more. Those at Praia do Norte are propelled to monstrous heights, thanks to the Nazar Canyon the largest underwater canyon in Europe which converges the ocean swell from beneath. But there are a few exceptions, especially for total beginners looking to ease themselves into Portuguese surf with some easier waves. Want to know the world better? That has south- and west-facing beaches with pretty good reliability.

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