Portugal is arguably Europe’s best surfing destination and remains a surfers’ favorite both for the quality of its waves and its great surfing culture. Not only is Portugal home to the world’s biggest wave in Nazaré, the country also has some of the world’s best beach breaks in places like Peniche and Ericeira.
Many world-class waves and charming surf towns are located all across Portugal and the country is perfectly positioned to capture most swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether you are a beginner looking to make your first steps on a wave in Algarve or an expert looking to get barreled at Supertubos, Portugal is a great place to surf any time of the year.
When to surf Portugal
The best time to surf Portugal depends on your skill level. Typically, waves are smaller and more beginner-friendly from May to September while the winter months offer much bigger swells which are more suitable for advanced surfers.
However, even from October to March, beginners can still find some days where waves are smaller or simply surf a beach that’s less exposed to swells.
Best places to surf in Portugal
Cascais
Cascais is a great surf town located just outside of Lisbon which makes it a very popular surfing destination in Portugal, both for tourists and locals. Although crowds do get heavy in Cascais, the quality and amount of surf spots definitely make up for it as surfers of all skill levels can find their wave.
Read our complete surfing guide to Cascais, Portugal
Peniche
Peniche is a world-class surf town located halfway between Nazare and Ericeira, two other famous surf towns in Portugal. Known for its great and punchy beach breaks, Peniche has hosted several World Surf League events over the years, making it a well publicized and popular place to surf in Portugal. Supertubos is one of Portugal’s best surf spot and is only minutes away from Peniche.
Just next to Peniche is also a beautiful beginner-friendly surf town called Baleal which has amazingly consistent and mellow waves. Baleal is a perfect destination to learn how to surf with many surf schools and surf rentals in the area.
Read our complete surfing guide to Peniche, Portugal
Ericeira
Ericeira is a special surf town located just north of Lisbon and it is one of the few World Surfing Reserves on the planet. In fact, Ericeira is a protected surfing area which makes it an awesome place to surf in Portugal. Many great surf spots can be found near Ericeira, both for beginners and advanced surfers. There are also several surf camps and its proximity with Lisbon make it a perfect option when it comes to surfing destinations in Portugal.
Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal
Sagres
Sagres is located on the very south western end of Portugal and is perfectly positioned to provide great surfing conditions on any given day due to its 270 degrees swell and wind exposure. This charming surf town is a perfect way to enjoy a surf trip further away from the big city crowds that you’ll find near Lisbon while still getting great waves and surfing conditions.
Surf Camps in Portugal
6-day Amazing Surf and Yoga Holiday in Ericeira, Portugal
US$513, including:
- Meditation/pranayama or yoga Nidra
- 1 daily yoga class (75/90 minutes each) included
- 3 two-hour surf lessons with full equipment (beginner level)
- Pamper yourself with 1-hour relaxing massage
- Daily local transfers to town and beaches
- 4 delicious vegetarian dinners
- 5 nights accommodation
- 5 healthy breakfasts
8-day Surf and Yoga Holiday in Peniche, Portugal
US$640, including:
- 6 surf classes
- 7 yoga classes
- Daily healthy vegetarian breakfast
- Transport to and from the surf spot
- Fruit, tea, and coffee all-day
- 7 nights’ accommodation
Budgeting a surf trip to Portugal
Portugal is amongst the cheapest countries in western Europe. A cappuccino in a nice café should cost you no more than 2-3 euros and a beer is also under 2 euros. Your single biggest expense should be accommodation, but even then, there are many affordable hostels and surf camps throughout the whole coastline.