Portugal has unique conditions for surfing. From north to south, you will find beautiful golden sandy beaches with some of the best waves in Europe.
And we don't mean the giant waves of Nazaré, which attract media attention and the best surfers from all over the world every year. There are many other spots that lovers of the sport keep to themselves...
Medão Grande Beach, in Peniche
One of Portugal's largest fishing ports and also one of the best surfing spots in Europe. Peniche's best type of wave, known as “Supertubos” (Supertubes), can be surfed on Medão Grande beach.
This is where the professional competition of the World Surf League, Rip Curl Pro Portugal, takes place every year.
Ericeira, World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira has been a World Surfing Reserve since 2011 due to the quality and consistency of its waves, as well as the historical and cultural importance of local surfing. The reserve contains seven world-class surfing peaks, including Coxos, Crazy Left, Cave, Ribeira d'Ilhas and Reef.
Coxos is one of the best-known Portuguese waves - a point break, with the break line following the coastline from start to finish. The cave, in turn, is one of the heaviest waves in Ericeira and is only recommended for professionals, as it breaks in front of a rock.
Beliche, Zavial and Tonel beaches, in Sagres
The Algarve is an excellent surfing destination because its waves are surfable all year round. Here you will also find sun, warm sea water, unique landscapes and beautiful fishing villages and towns.
Sagres is the most surfed area in the country, with over 20 surf spots. Beliche beach is surrounded by cliffs and is a favourite location for surfers. In this area, there are also the Zavial and Tonel beaches, popular with experienced surfers.
Amado Beach and Malhão Beach, on the Vicentine Coast
In the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is one of the best Portuguese beaches for surfing: the beautiful Amado beach. Its bay, facing northwest, guarantees smaller waves when compared to the beaches in the area of Ericeira and Peniche.
The "Gold Quality" flag was awarded to Malhão beach, located about seven kilometres north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, with regular waves that can withstand large swells.
The perfect waves on the beaches of the Azores Archipelago
If you are looking for stunning natural landscapes and perfect waves, the Azores are the perfect place. Here, nature and the sea will provide you with a unique and exciting experience.
A stage of the WQS World Surfing Circuit takes place every year in Ribeira Grande, on the north coast of São Miguel Island.
Milicias Beach, in Ponta Delgada, is where most local surfers gather. This volcanic beach, with its dark sand and beautiful surrounding landscape, has a relatively calm swell, making it an excellent option for all kinds of surfers. You will also find excellent waves off Mosteiros Beach, especially in the right-hand swell.
On São Jorge Island, the waves of Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo are a genuine secret paradise. The favourable weather conditions and excellent surf spots create the ideal environment for surfing.
And the Madeira Archipelago
For those who like challenging waves, the "pearl of the Atlantic" is the place to go.
The archipelago of Madeira is a privileged place for surfing, with all kinds of waves, from point breaks to reef breaks. Jardim do Mar, Fajã da Areia and Ponta Pequena are some of the world-class waves you will find here.
The best time of year to surf in Portugal
For the more experienced surfers, the best months are between September and April, when the swells are bigger. For those who are just starting out in surfing, it is best to venture out in the summer sea, when the swells are not too big.
There are numerous surf schools along the Portuguese coast offering one-day courses for those who want to try out the sport or multi-day courses to really perfect surfing techniques. Schools provide their own transport to take you to the beaches and some even include accommodation.
