Portugal is a surfing magnet for any land-locked European ocean lover who is into surfing. But not just Europeans: the quality of the surf in Portugal means that surfers from all over the world are drawn to its shores for its consistent waves, moderate climate, surf-friendly culture, laid-back lifestyle and beautiful scenery.
If you have been considering surfing in Portugal, read on to learn more about why this country should rank at the top of your list. Surf camps are plentiful in Portugal–and there is also so much to enjoy beyond the breaking waves.
What to know about planning your Portugal surf trip: seasons, weather, and more
While you can surf year-round in Portugal, there is a fairly significant difference in the waves between summer and winter. Also depending of the type of surf you like and the level you have you may prefer one area over another. Let’s check out how is surfing in Portugal through different features.
Swell size and best season for surfing in Portugal
Beginners may prefer visiting in the summer months (between June and September) when the waves are less challenging, and advanced/pro surfers seek out Portugal’s bigger waves (from 6 to 15 feet or 2 to 5 meters) in the winter months.
One perk of visiting in the summer months is the many beach amenities and activities available beyond surfing; perhaps you simply want to vacation in Portugal and have thrown surfing into the mix of activities you will try during your stay.
On the other hand, if you are an advanced, thrill-seeking surfer looking specifically for the best and biggest waves, you can forego the “perks” of the summer months and put on your warmest wetsuit to plunge into the ocean in the winter, when the beaches will be significantly less crowded and the best surf will be definetely pumping.
Weather
In the summer, the water temperature can reach up to 70°F (21°C)—comfortable but still chilly and appropriate for a wetsuit. In the winter, the water temperature can be as low as 55°F or 12.8°C.
In general, Portugal’s climate is one of the many reasons visitors enjoy their time there.
Dry summers, wet winters, and generally pleasant temperatures year-round make it a favorite for vacationers in Europe and other parts of the globe. Best of all, that climate ensures surfers can hit the waves year-round.
How to arrive to Portugal
For ocean enthusiasts craving for surfing in Portugal’s waves, reaching this coastal haven is as diverse as the breaks themselves.
By plane
International visitors often arrive in Portugal through the country’s largest airport: Lisbon.
There are also airports in Porto (north) and Faro (south), but Porto’s airport offers far fewer flights. While Lisbon and Porto offer better air connections and often more competitive fares, Faro serves as a convenient entry point for those heading to the southern coast. However, in the case of Faro, this airport is mostly active for European bound destinations and only during the summer, and in the winter it may be difficult to reach due to lack of companies operating there.
During peak seasons, flight ticket prices can vary significantly, with summer months usually witnessing higher rates due to increased demand.
By bus or train
For those avoiding flights and opting for more environmentally friendly options (specially tourists from other european countries) we have bad news: there isn’t much to look for.
- In the case of the bus
- There are a few connections from Lisbon to some cities in Spain like Madrid, Sevilla and Vigo
- Some buses and companies (Flixbus mainly) offer night buses to those destinations at fare prices
- Rede Expressos also offers connections with the main cities inside the country
- In the case of the train connections
- The only good train connection is Lisbon with northern Spain through Porto, with a high-speed train departing and arriving at Lisbon Santa Apolónia station. The rest of the lines are regional, slow and not electrified
- There’s train lines arriving from Lisbon till the southern part of the country, to cities like Lagos and Portimão
- Before Covid there was a night train running from Hendaya (spanish-french border) till Lisbon, but it was cancelled in 2020 and will not come back shortly
- The best of the train: is extremely cheap if you buy it in advance
Localism and crowd vibe
Portuguese surfers are used to visitors and localism is not extreme, but as a newcome advanced surfer what you will find for sure is a competitive crowd specially in those best quality peaks and spots.
Portuguese surfers are proud of their waves and won’t let anyone who doesn’t respect the rules to be in the water. But no worries, be friendly and aware of the etiquette and you will be fine.
If you are beginner or intermediate there’s really nothing to worry about. Portugal became super trendy as a surf destination so it is kind of normal to find surfers that do not have an advanced level and locals are OK with that.
In spots where the crowds are big you might find a bit of stressed crowd, with locals wanting to catch everything and fighting for every wave, specially if there has not been good surf for a few weeks and people have been craving for it.
Lifestyle and food
Stepping into Portugal feels like entering a world where time slows down and life unfolds at its own leisurely pace.
Portuguese lifestyle embodies a unique blend of laid-back charm and vibrant energy. The mood of portuguese people is one of genuine hospitality, with locals greeting you like old friends, embracing a welcoming spirit that permeates the entire country.
When it comes to food, Portugal is a gastronomic delight. They like to stick to its typical culinary tradition, and on any coastal town you will be able to enjoy fresh seafood delicacies at a very reasonable price. In the interior expect hearty stews and high quality meats. In general portions are big and not expensive, unless you go to a fancy place.
In big cities or touristic hotspots like Lisbon, Ericeira or Arrifana you might find also some more foreign food options like asian, east mediterranian or arabic.
Portuguese are also great preparing sweets and delectable pastries.
How to move around and reach some surf spots
As said above, Portugal has a network of basic public transport, including trains and buses, connecting major cities and towns. The trains, operated by CP (Comboios de Portugal), are a convenient choice for slow intercity travel. The best of the trains in Portugal is the price: if you buy the ticket in advance the discounts are crazy good.
Similarly, buses, run by various companies like Flixbus and Rede Expressos, provide extensive coverage, albeit sometimes with less frequent schedules.
For urban exploration, cities like Lisbon and Porto offer metro systems and trams, making it easy to move around within city limits.
Beyond public transport, renting a car opens up the freedom to explore Portugal’s surf spots at your own pace, especially in rural areas or along the stunning coastline where there’s no public transport at all and the only way to arrive is with your own vehicle.
Additionally, ridesharing services like Uber and Bolt are available, together with local taxi operators in almost any medium sized city.
Main surfing towns & areas for surfing in Portugal
All along Portugal’s coast, you will find incredible opportunities to surf and explore seaside towns boasting a rich history, abundant shopping and dining, and plenty of recreational opportunities beyond the waves. These five towns showcase the best in Portugal’s surf culture.
Arrifana
Arrifana may be a small and somewhat sleepy town, but do not let this one pass you by. The impressive bay surrounded by majestic cliffs and incredible swells that enter in it make Arrifana a surfer’s paradise and a must-visit place during your trip for surfing in Portugal.
Those traveling to this area are often serious surfers not looking for nightlife or other activities—although there are a handful of restaurants and bars.
Its somewhat remote location in the Aljezur region of the Algarve means cheaper accommodations than other more touristy destinations, so Arrifana is a great choice for those traveling on a budget.
If you fancy a surf camp in Arrifana, Mayla Surf House offers a six-day surf course with accommodations near Arrifana Beach, suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. They even offer surfskate sessions for those who want to try surfing on land.
Instructors provide two hours of daily lessons, allowing participants time to enjoy the surf independently or explore the natural beauty of this uncrowded and unspoiled region of Portugal’s south coast.
Ericeira
A true mecca for surfers from across the globe, Ericeira was once a small fishing village and is now defined by surf culture.
This small town was put on the world surfing map in 2011 when it became the first surf reserve in the world.
The community hosts several surf competitions throughout the year and also draws plenty of beginners to its surf camps in the summer months.
The main feature of Ericeira is the incredible offer in terms of spots and surfing levels: beach breaks, point breaks, for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. The variety and quality makes it worth a visit if you are into surfing.
One major perk of planning a surf trip to Ericeira is its proximity to Lisbon. Once you fly into the Lisbon airport, you can reach this picturesque seaside village by driving only 45 minutes to the north.
Ericeira has developed a strong surf industry in the past years, so it offers plenty of accommodations and restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightlife, all in a charming, walkable town center. This little once quiet town has become a hostpost for surfing in Portugal.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp in Ericeira offers a 7-night stay in this beautiful part of Portugal, including transfers from Lisbon. Beginner and intermediate surfers receive five lessons, a video analysis, a photo session, and outstanding accommodations.
For those seeking the surf experience in Portugal but perhaps with fewer vacation days available from their work, the four-day camp offered by La Casa Atlantica is also a good option.
Lisbon
Portugal’s bustling and charming capital city and it surroundings also offers plenty of beaches with fantastic surf, allowing visitors to ride the waves while being immersed in the cultural opportunities associated with a cosmopolitan environment.
If access to world-class shopping, dining, and historic sites is a must when traveling, you may prefer a Lisbon surfing trip to some of the smaller and more remote locations.
Cascais, Lisbon’s popular resort town, boasts numerous surf camps for all skill levels. This stunning seaside community was originally developed as a summer retreat for the nobility of Portugal, and today it draws surfers and other tourists from all over the world.
A bit more north from Cascais and facing west you have also Praia do Guincho.
Roots Surf House offers an incredible surf camp package for more experienced surfers who want to improve their skills. Their five-day sessions include five lessons, surf equipment, video analysis, and more, all while participants enjoy the charm and beauty of Cascais.
Far End Surf House has a package for beginner and intermediate surfers that includes meals and a four-day personalized surf course.
Peniche
Peniche is another great surf spot travelers can easily reach after leaving the capital. Located just 90 minutes north of Lisbon, and 1 hour or less away from the aforementioned Ericeira, Peniche is a charming, quiet, industrial small town with fewer than 20,000 residents.
Cobblestone streets and beautiful old buildings make it a picturesque destination, along with the majestic rocky cliffs overlooking pristine beaches.
The quality of the waves in Peniche is worlwide known. Spots like Supertubos are amongst the names that will pop-up in any guide about surfing in Portugal. Peniche is also home to the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal surf competition, but you don’t have to be a pro surfer to try the waves in this popular destination. Numerous surf camps in Peniche offer lessons and skill-building for beginner to advanced surfers.
Shark’s Lodge is just steps from Baia Beach and offers a four-night package with three surf lessons and three yoga classes. There is a pool onsite for relaxing after you hit the waves, or for those who never tire of thrill-seeking, you can try the climbing wall that has been installed in the surf camp.
Sagres
You will find another surf haven at Portugal’s southernmost point, the tiny town of Sagres. Surfers love that this remote, uncrowded destination boasts opportunities to surf on both the south and west coasts.
The main spots that offer surf almost every day are the beaches of Tonel and Beliche. If the swell is big, specially in winter, it can be totally maxed-out and unsurfable.
Surf culture permeates life in Sagres, a laid-back and friendly community. Visitors who enjoy the hustle and bustle of big cities may not be drawn to Sagres, but surfers passionate about exploring Portugal’s rugged beaches and challenging waves will love this tiny gem.
Wavesensations – Sagres Surf School offers an outstanding package for beginner surfers with four nights of accommodation and three jam-packed days of surfing. Skilled instructors provide the resources, know-how, and equipment for even first-timers to enjoy the thrill of riding Portugal’s amazing waves.
