Portugal is arguably the best surfing destination in Europe and it is not surprising to see so many surfers coming all around the world to chase some dreamy Portuguese waves.

With many surf towns to chose from, it may be hard to hit the nail on the head and decide where to go on a surf trip to Portugal in order to score the best possible waves.

Here is a breakdown of some of Portugal’s best places to surf depending on the conditions and your skill level.

1. Peniche

Read our complete surfing guide to Peniche

Peniche is a surf town located halfway between Nazare and Lisbon, on the Portuguese Atlantic coastline.

Its popularity in the surfing world has significantly increased since the World Surf League made it one of its annual stop on the Championship Tour.

Supertubos is Peniche’s flagship surf spot which is often compared to Hawaii’s Pipeline.

Book a surf camp in Peniche, starting at US$328

2. Cascais

Read our complete surfing guide to Cascais

Just outside of Lisbon is a popular surf town called Cascais which has several awesome surfing beaches for surfers of all skill levels.

Book a surf camp in Cascais, starting at US$206

3. Azores

The Azores archipelago is often forgotten when it comes to chosing a surfing destination in Portugal. However, this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the journey…

Many high quality surf spots are located across the 9 islands, usually with only a fraction of the crowd you will find on the mainland.

Read our complete surfing guide to the Azores

4. Ericeira

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira

Located about 35km out of Lisbon, Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. With surf spots like Coxos, The Cave and Pedra Branca, the town of Ericeira attracts surfers from all around Europe whether they are experts or beginners.

Book a surf camp in Ericeira, starting at US$211

5. Sagres

Sagres is strategically located on a peninsula in the southern end of Portugal which gives it exposure to many different swell and wind angles.

Therefore, on any given day, you are almost certain to find great waves in Sagres. The town itself is also extremely charming with an awesome surfing vibe and historic appeal.

Find a Surf Camp in Sagres, starting at US$125

6. Lagos

Lagos is a bit more secluded on the south side of Portugal meaning it will not get most of the NW swells. However, it remains a great place for beginners to catch some south swells and enjoy the world-class beaches or Algarve.

Read our surfing guide to Algarve

The post 6 Best Places to Surf in Portugal appeared first on My Wave Finder.

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Surf Camps

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

   

Summary

Surfing in Algarve is a very unique experience. Unlike Ericeira, Portugal’s premium surf town, the Algarve region is a peninsula strategically positioned on the south-western tip of Portugal. This feature allows the surfers to find good conditions on almost any given day as long as you chose the right side of the peninsula depending on the swell and wind direction.

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

The Algarve region includes the cities of Faro, Sagres and Lagos amongst many others, which are all very popular surf towns. It is also a busy region for holidayers because of its year-round sunshine and picturesque beaches and cliffs. Algarve is a top destination for surfers from all around the world and particularly for Europeans because of proximity reasons.

As this region is blessed with very consistent surfing conditions, rarely will you find a day without anywhere to surf. Many young travelers rush to Algarve in summer leading to some very good social life and opportunities to meet fellow surfers.

When to go

The best time to surf in Algarve Porugal is in autumn and winter from September to April. Even during those colder months, climate and water stay relatively warm while the waves are peaking in height and consistency making it the best time to surf.

Summer obviously brings many more tourists while the waves mellow down which is perfect for learning how to surf.

Also read: Our full surf guide to Ericeira, Portugal

Where to stay in Algarve

The best place to settle on a surf trip to Algarve is probably Sagres for its accessibility to several surf spots and general great vibe within this small town. Another good option is Lagos, which has great accommodation, restaurants and beaches.

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Algarve!

Surf Camps in Algarve

Find a Surf Camp in Algarve, starting at US$237

7-day Multilevel Surf Camp in Lagos, Algarve

• Surfing lessons
• Board hire including wetsuits
• Complimentary surfari weeks on certain dates
• Beach transfers in 4×4 vehicle
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• Homemade lunches
• Breakfasts

Getting there

Faro airport is the best way in from overseas. Trains and buses are also very reliable for anyone on the European continent.

Safety/things to know

• For information about visas and required documents, visit the official tourism department website.
• More than 300 days of sun annually
• Can get very crowded over summer (June-July-August)

Surf spots in Algarve

Tonel

A nice beach break for all level of surfers located on Sagres’ west coast. It remains more sheltered than Costa Vicentina due to Cape Sao Vicente.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Beliche

A high-level, hollow wave that doesn’t catch the usual W-NW swell. Needs some south to start working and should not be attempted by beginners.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Martinhal

Located east of Sagres, Praia do Martinhal is a wide beach that catches south swells and remains fairly uncrowded.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Sagres (south)

Located on Praia da Mareta, this beach break is sheltered by Cape Sagres which prevents any north swell from getting into the bay. It takes a south swell or a gigantic NW to break properly. Good beach for any level of surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Zavial

This one is located a little further away from Sagres but is one of the region’s most popular break. It is a high-level point that works not so often and needs a well-oriented swell.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low to mid
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Meia Praia

Widest beach in Lagos, Meia Praia offers a nice set up for surfers of all skill levels. It can get crowded but there are several peaks along the beach which helps spreading the crowd.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Porto de Mos

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : N

Arrifana

A nice beach break with a pretty backdrop that catches most of the swell and offers solid peaks. It also has a point break at the north end of the beach for advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Castelejo

Probably Algarve’s most consistent surf spot, Castelejo is a very exposed beach break located just a few minutes from Vila do Bispo.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

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