10 Best Places to Go Surfing in Portugal

The best places to go surfing in Portugal give the Hawaiian, Californian, and Australian surf havens a run for their money. The best surfing in Portugal can be found in bustling resort cities, hidden lagoons, and remote stretches of coastline in volcanic archipelagos. Wherever you travel, there’s a wave to be caught.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a keen beginner looking to buy your very first wetsuit or a pro surfer who wants to catch the wave of a lifetime, Portugal is the place to go. Attracting visitors with its enviable temperatures, top-notch surf schools, and record-breaking wave heights, this Iberian Peninsula gem is unlike any other.

1. Nazaré

Spectacular surfing on the Silver Coast

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure

Portugal’s Nazaré tops the list when it comes to world-renowned surfing and fresh seafood. This teeny-tiny fishing village boasts mammoth swells from October through to March at Praia do Norte. In 2020, Austrian-German surfer Sebastian Steudtner rode a mind-blowing 86-foot wave here, achieving a Guinness World Record. Ever since, surfers have flocked to this Portuguese beach to catch another epic swell. But, as always, proceed with caution.

If you’d rather watch than participate, spend your day on the sand, basking in the rays, before grabbing a table at a waterfront restaurant for a tasty al fresco lunch. Maria do Mar serves succulent shrimp and freshly shucked razor clams in a rustic-chic interior. Alternatively, sit outside for views of the ocean.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

2. Ericeira

Outstanding surf zone endorsed by Portuguese legend Tiago Pires

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure, Foto

Ericeira has made a name for itself as the surfing capital of Portugal with its fine collection of pristine beaches and year-round consistent swell. In 2011, this charming seaside enclave was named Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, encompassing approximately 5 miles (8 km) of secluded coastline, and is as beloved by eager beginners as it is by seasoned pros.

Cruise through a tube at Foz do Lizandro beach, challenge yourself at dramatic Limipicos, or head to Pedra Branca for its exhilarating reef and backdoor breaks. When you’re in need of a break, wander the town’s cobbles and enjoy freshly caught seafood at its ambient restaurants. Our picks include Canastra, Ribas Marisqueira, and Mar à Vista.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

3. Peniche

A mecca for maritime tourists

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure, Storia

Situated in Portugal’s rugged Oeste region, Peniche is a picturesque coastal city built on a rocky peninsula. It’s as famous for its watersports as it is for its robust fishing industry, pretty bobbin lacework, and historic 17th-century fortress. The world surfing community considers Peniche one of the best places to ride ‘Supertubo’ tube waves.

Breathtaking Praia do Baleal beach is the ideal spot, so grab your board and hit the surf there from December through February when the swell is at its most favorable. The candy-colored town is also a gastronomic haven that excels in sumptuous regional dishes. Visit Tasca do Joel for fresh velvet goat cheese, smoked ham Maldonado, and a glass of local vino.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

4. Sagres

One of Europe’s top surfing spots

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure, Foto

Sitting at the extreme western tip of the Algarve, the quaint fishing village of Sagres offers a sublime surfing experience with its numerous beaches split by an imposing rugged headland. On one side, beginners will enjoy cresting on gentler waters, while pros can master dramatic Atlantic swells on the other side of the rock face.

One of Portugal’s most remote beauty spots, Sagres showcases windswept but beautiful landscapes marked by unspoiled beaches, marinas filled with bobbing boats, pastel-hued buildings, and towering limestone cliffs. Foodies will relish the busy cafes and eateries that are found in the town’s center. We recommend A Sereia (for succulent seafood) and Three Little Birds (for creative vegan dishes).

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

5. Costa Vicentina

A last stronghold of truly wild coast

Ideale per: Avventure, Budget, Viaggi alternativi

Long considered Europe’s last wild coast, Costa Vicentina is set at the very tip of south-west Portugal. This region is renowned for its near-deserted beaches, craggy cliffs, and undulating sand dunes. Forget glamorous resorts, this stretch of seafront is mostly populated by surfers scouting for the next big wave and naturalists on the lookout for rare migrating birds.

While pretty much all of Costa Vicentina’s beaches are ideal for surfing, Praia da Arrifana is an excellent choice with its cinematic backdrop of cliffs, powerful right-hander point break at its northerly end, and dedicated surf school. Meanwhile, Praia da Bordeira is suited to surfers who seek an unforgettable challenge. Don’t forget to visit the historic, white-washed village of Carrapateira.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

6. Figueira da Foz

Party town with powerful waves

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure, Vita notturna

Unblemished coastlines with gold sands, vivacious nightclubs, and the Iberian Peninsula’s oldest casino are what draws visitors to Figueira da Foz. This vibrant seaside resort city is adored by surfers for its 2 standout beaches: Cabedelo (an exposed pier break that’s impressively consistent) and Buarcos (Europe’s longest right-hand break that’s popular with the pros).

When you’re not riding the waves, stroll the city’s old quarters for pavement-side cafes serving aromatic coffee and delicious pasteis de nata, or dine at the atmospheric Tasca Maria Comida Casera for homemade Portuguese fare. The Dude Surf School teaches surfers the tricks of the trade, whatever their skill level. Take a private class with a certified instructor or join one of their popular surf clinics.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

7. Lisbon/Cascais

A storied surfing haven

Ideale per: Cibo, Storia, Foto

Billed as Lisbon’s premiere coastal vacation spot, historic Cascais is a charismatic Portuguese fishing town. It’s celebrated for its quaint cobbled streets, cascading bougainvillea vines, and traditional petisco bars that specialize in sumptuous small plates. It’s also a massive hit with surfers who are looking to catch a heroic ride on one of its powerful Atlantic waves.

Sufficiently protected from oncoming groundswells, Praia da Ribeira and Praia do Tamariz beaches are for those just starting out on the surfboard, while Carcavelos and São Pedro do Estoril deliver high-quality breaks that are popular with Europe’s experienced surfing professionals. For the best seafood in town, reserve a table at Beira Mar restaurant. Its Arroz de Marisco stew is a local legend.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

8. The Azores

Island paradise beloved by wave riders

Ideale per: Foto, Avventure

The Azores are an archipelago in the Macaronesia region of the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by dramatic volcanic terrain, characterful fishing villages, and turquoise lagoons. It boasts some of the most beautiful hydrangeas you’ll ever see. This chain of 9 islands is also home to some of the globe’s best surfing with panoramic backdrops. Think black sand beaches and cinematic cliffs.

Sao Miguel island delivers the most consistent breaks of any of the Azores, while Terceira beckons with its never-ending swells. The Lagoa da Fajã de Santo Cristo lagoon (a Wetland of International Importance) is a bona fide sanctuary for body boarding and surfing. You can also hike off the beach to see a beautiful waterfall.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

9. Espinho

A fishing city with the best surf schools

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure

Situated south of Porto, Esphino is a fabulous fishing city that draws in the crowds with its glorious golden beaches that are peppered with colorful wooden boats. The streets and beaches are lined with lively bars and restaurants. What’s more, its location on the Costa Verde means it’s always exposed to intense Atlantic winds, which makes it a prime place for surfing.

The city’s waves are well suited to all skill levels, while the bustling seafront is packed with world-class surf schools like Academia do Mar, Green Coast, Espinho Surf, and Watermark. The beach’s exposed jetty break delivers unbeatable groundswells throughout the year. Don’t forget to visit Uma Espécie De Tasco for a cocktail by the water.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

10. Praia de Afife

A seemingly never-ending stretch of sand and surf

Ideale per: Cibo, Avventure, Foto

A curious village with ancient roots, understated Afife lies on the border of Portugal and Spain and has become something of a talking point amongst European surfers. Praia de Afife and Praia da Arda with stunning white sand beaches deliver exposed beach breaks with steadfast surf (though visiting at low tide is recommended).

If you’re looking to gain more wave-riding experience, head to Arda Surf School: a popular club that offers group lessons for novice and advanced surfers, as well as private tuition (between 1 and 10 classes). After a day in the sea, swing by the swanky Sr. Bacalhau restaurant for tasty Portuguese fare like grilled sea bass, prawn rissoles, and filet mignon with salsa Madeira.

Visualizza strutture nelle vicinanze

Questo articolo include opinioni del team editoriale delle Go Guides. Hotels.com retribuisce gli autori per i loro scritti pubblicati su questo sito; i compensi possono includere spese di viaggio o di altro tipo.