Portugal is becoming one of the most popular surf destinations in Europe. With an extensive west and south coasts, it is abundant with epic surf spots. Most of the Portuguese surf spots are suitable for both beginners and intermediate level surfers. Expert surfers and those looking for big waves also have various surf spots to choose from.
In this blogpost we aim to share with you our favorite surf spots, the best conditions to surf them in, and our favorite surf schools in the area.
The locations will be named from north to south to make it easier to locate on the map.
- Praia de Ofir
This is a beautiful beach surrounded by an extensive pinetree forest located in the Litoral Norte natural park. It is located at the meeting point between the Cávado river and the Atlantic ocean. Along 18kn of protected land and ocean area, a variety of birds and other wildlife can be found here.
This is one of the best Portugueses beaches for beginner surfers. The beach is protected from large swells, and the waves are soft and slow.
With a sandbar break, with both lefts and rights. This location works best with northwest swells and offshore winds incoming from east- Northeast. This spot is very consistent and works throughout the whole year.
Surf school: Element Fish
- Póvoa do Varzim
Is located in the north of Portugal on a sandy coastal plain. It is located between the Minho and Douro rivers.
It is a fairly exposed beach with reef and beach breaks. The best conditions to surf here are with a west swell and offshore winds from east. The break offers both left and right waves which are best around high tide. This spot is fairly consistent and works at any time of the year.
Surf School: Estela Surf & Hostel
- Praia de Matosinhos
This is the largest beach in Porto with easy access from the city center by a 15 min metro ride. The beach is located in the town of matosinhos next to the fishing and container ports. The proximity to the ports comprises the water quality, but it is still suitable for surfing and swimming.
Matosinhos has a beach break which is fairly consistent and works well throughout the year. The most suitable conditions are with west swells and offshore winds from the east. Surfing is best around low tide. It is great for beginner surfers in the summer given the small waves.
Surf schools: Flower Power Surf School, Onda Pura, Linha de Onda.
- Figueira da Foz
Situated in the center-western coast of Portugal, at the end of the Mondego River. Praia do Cabedelo is one of the three main beaches in the area. Its beach break is pretty consistent and works throughout the whole year. A west swell with an offshore wind from the east provides the most favorable conditions. Some people claim it is one of the best waves in Portugal especially for bodyboarders.
Surf School: isurf
- Praia da Areia Branca
Located 15 km south from peniche with a view over ilha das berlengas. It is a very beautiful and clean beach located at the end of the Grande river. It is an exposed beach break with consistent waves all year round. Most favorable surf conditions are with a west swell and offshore winds from the east. The break provides both left and right waves. The best part about this beach is that it is rarely crowded.
Surf School: Uprise surf school
- Praia do Guincho
Integrated in the Sintra natural park, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Surrounded by white sand dunes contrasting against the forest’s background. It has an exposed beach break with reliable conditions year out. It is suitable for surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing due to its strong north winds. Most favorable conditions include a west-northwest swell and offshore wind from the east. The beach is best for intermediate and advanced surfers, with some days being beginner friendly.
Surf School: Guincho Surf School
- Praia de Carcavelos
One of the most popular beaches in the Lisbon area given its close proximity to the city. It has a reliable beach break with waves all year round. Most favorable conditions include swells from the west- northwest and offshore winds from the east. Good waves can be found at all stages of the tide. Suitable for all surf levels.
Surf School: Lisbon surf connection, Carcavelos surf school
- Costa da Caparica
A surfer’s paradise just south from Lisbon. Here you will find 30 kms of beach breaks for all surf levels. Most favorable conditions include a west swell and offshore winds from the east.
Suitable for surfing at all tides. Waves are either long or short and hollow.
Surf Schools: Caparica Surf School, Lufi Surf School
- Praia de São Torpes
Located in the Sudoeste do Litoral Alentejano Natural Park. Although it is not one of the most beautiful beaches, its warm waters are a plus. A very well known beach in the area due to its beginner friendly waves, although it is suitable for all levels.
Most favorable surfing conditions include a southwest swell and northeast offshore winds. Beach break offers both left and right and the quality of the waves isn’t affected by the tide.
- Praia da Arrifana
Located in the south of Portugal, It is one of the most iconic beaches of the region. It is ideal for beginners given its wave consistency, but it is also quite pleasant for more advanced surfers as well.
Works best with northwest swell and offshore winds from the northeast. The beach offers good shelter from north winds given its high cliffs. Beach break offers both left and right waves, and a consistent right reef break as well. Good surf can be enjoyed at all stages of the tide.
Surf School: Arrifana surf school and camp
- Praia do Tonel
Located in Sagres the southernmost point of Portugal, also known as “the end of the world”. Best conditions occur with a west swell and east winds. Winter is the best time of the year to surf here. Surfers can expect to ride a left hand point. More suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers given the strong rips.
Surf School: Algarve Surf Clube
- Praia da Rocha
This is quite an unreliable spot, making winter the best time of the year to surf here. Work best with offshore winds from the north. Ideal wave direction is from the southwest. Beach break offers both left and right and can get easily crowded.
Surf School: Future Eco Surf School
