Imagine a place where excellent food, 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect coastlines, constant wild waves, and affordable holidays meet. Yes, Portugal exists, and it gives you the best of all worlds. Portugal is popular for one other thing, and that is surfing; the country hosts the best surf towns. What are the best surf towns Portugal if you want a surf vacation whether as a beginner or a pro surfer?
Check this out, too: Top Things to Do in Lisbon, Explore Portugal’s Gem
Portugal’s coastline is full of waves for all levels, from big waves at Nazaré to quiet spots at Odeceixe. Additionally, Portugal is quite safe for surfers; no shark attacks have been reported on the mainland, so you can enjoy the amazing waves and views to the fullest.
I’ve seen that Portugal lives up to its name as a top surf spot. Places like Peniche, Ericeira, and Sagres attract surfers with their great waves and culture. For a surf trip to Portugal, once you choose the best surf town in Portugal, you can also find endless options for surf camps, surf hotels, surf hostels, and other options that allow you to stay and surf in one place.
Introduction to Portugal’s Surf Scene
Portugal’s surf scene is famous worldwide, attracting surfers to spots like Nazaré, Supertubos, and Coxos. Portugal is perfect for surfing, with 1794 km of coastline and over 300 sunny days a year. The coast has waves all year, and the types of waves are perfect for both new and experienced surfers. The beginner season is mostly from May to September. The peak summer season is generally the best for flat and surfable waves. Expert and intermediate surfers choose to go off-season between October and March.
Lisbon, Peniche, Ericeira, Sagres, and Nazare are top surf spots in Portugal. These places offer great surfing and cultural experiences. Ericeira has Europe’s best point breaks and is also Europe’s Only World Surfing Reserve.
In the south, the Algarve has two coasts, each with its own surfing style. Autumn and winter bring big waves for advanced surfers, while spring and summer are better for beginners. Arrifana and Zavial are great for all skill levels.
Nazare is famous for its huge waves. Nazare is where the biggest wave ever surfed in the world. On top of all the great spots, reaching these destinations, wherever you are, is a maximum of three to four hours, with easy transportation from one of the big cities, Lisbon and Porto.
Nazaré: Home of the Giant Waves
Nazaré doesn’t even need introductions. This city is a top spot for big wave surfing. It’s famous for its huge waves, like the 86 ft wave a German surfer caught – which was the biggest wave ever surfed in the world. Most pro surfers come here during winter to surf those big waves, but the summer is also quite active.
Due to its geographical condition, there are almost always those big waves if you go at the right time. Of course, those big waves are for pro surfers who know how to deal with it. Beginners or intermediates shouldn’t even get close to them because there is a huge security risk, and many people have drowned.
Best Times to Surf in Nazaré
The best time for surfing is from October to March, sometimes starting in September and going into April. Staying for two weeks or more increases your chances of catching these huge waves. Big waves need certain conditions, like a wave size over 3 meters and a wave period over 13 seconds. Nazaré gets 1 to 6 large swells during peak season, making those famous giant waves.
Activities and Amenities in Nazaré
In addition to the famous waves and great surfing places, Nazaré offers more than that. It’s full of culture and maritime history. With a population of 15,000, it’s a tight-knit community that welcomes surf tourism all year. The Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo drew 335,000 visitors in 2019. It shows the level of tourism this city gets in addition to the surf tourism.
You can also enjoy activities like 4×4 Buggy Tours, jet ski rentals, and e-bike rentals. There’s also the Veado statue and a funicular ride in Upper Nazaré for about 1.50 EUR each way. Nazaré is a great place for surfers and non-surfers. Whether you’re surfing the giant waves or exploring the town, every moment is exciting.
Ericeira: The World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira is an amazing little surf town, around 60 minutes away from Lisbon by bus and 35-40 minutes by car. This city used to be a fisherman’s town, but it evolved into a surfer’s own over the years, and now it is a little quiet surfer town with great beaches, food, and waves. Ericeira is the first European World Surfing Reserve. It got this title in October 2011. This helped to increase Ericeira’s awareness and became one of the best surf towns in Portugal.
Ericeira has some of Portugal’s top surf beaches, like Pedra Branca, Ribeira d’Ilhas, and São Lourenço. These spots suit all skill levels, making it great for new and experienced surfers. You shouldn’t miss the Quiksilver Pro Portugal ASP men’s prime event if you are there in time.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Like any other little town in Portugal, Ericeira is no exception to the amazing local culture and especially the food. In any restaurant you sit in, you are guaranteed to have either amazing seafood or cuisine from other countries. They’ve got a lot of Italian restaurants. Its little town center is right in the middle of the city, and you can walk everywhere from there to the beach, viewpoints, markets, restaurants, and everything in between.
Accommodations and Surf Packages
One thing that is quite good in Ericeira is that it has a lot of accommodation specialized for surfers. A lot of surf camps, surf hostels, and surf schools with surf packages. My first surfing experience was at a surf camp in Ericeira in 2023. It was an amazing and budget-friendly experience.
Peniche: Consistent Waves All Year Round
Another extremely popular surf town among locals and tourists is Peniche. Peniche is a dream spot for surfers, thanks to its unique location. It catches swells from every direction, so there is a wave at any season or type of weather. It’s perfect for surfing all year, in this way, it’s very similar to Sagres (I’ll come to it after Peniche). With over 10 different breaks, surfers of all levels can find their ideal wave.
Supertubos: The Pipeline of Portugal
Supertubos is known as the “Pipeline of Portugal.” It has powerful, hollow waves that draw experienced surfers worldwide. These waves are best during winter, and southern swells offer a big challenge for skilled surfers. October is a key month in this town. It hosts the Rip Curl Pro event, a major surf event in Portugal.
Surf Schools and Rentals
Peniche is great for beginners and those wanting to improve. Because it’s such a popular surfing spot among many people, there are a lot of surf schools, surf camps, rental shops, and others. You can either rent your own gear at these shops or just get a standalone class from the surf schools. Beginners can find life here thanks to them because they cater to them mostly during the summer months.
Events and Competitions
One special thing about Peniche is that the city is full of surf events. That’s why it’s a key spot in Portugal and attracts more tourists than other best surf towns Portugal. The Rip Curl Pro and other local and international competitions are a highlight. These events showcase Peniche’s top surfing conditions and turn it into a lively center for surf culture, music, and friendship.
Sagres: The End of the World
Sagres Portugal is a different world and a true surf town. It’s a whole different experience than Ericeira, Nazare, or Peniche. Sagres surf city sits at the southwestern tip of Europe, offering a unique setting for surfers. Sagres has access to both coasts, so it’s a top spot for catching some of Portugal’s best waves. Historically, Prince Hanry, the Navigator, found Sagres and thought that it was the end of the world in the early 15th century. That’s why many still see Sagres as the ‘end of the world’.
Praia do Tonel and Beliche are the most famous beaches in Sagres, and they are top picks for all surfers. Each has its own wave conditions, and they are surfable year-long. Due to its geography, Sagres is perfect for surfers at any level. It has beaches looking literally at every side, so there is a constant wave of surfing on at least one or two beaches. That’s why it offers great surf conditions for everyone, from beginners to experts. Plus, surf schools provide lessons and gear at good prices, so everyone can join in. Whether you’re after the best waves or just want to surf for fun, Sagres has it.
Free Camping and Local Bars
What makes Sagres Portugal special is that the city is not crowded at all. The city has 2,000 population. Plus, the city is mostly cultural heritage, so there aren’t a lot of houses. This means that the city is mostly full of locals and has a great chill vibe.
There are many free camping spots, which makes the city an affordable surf spot if you are on a budget. It has a small-town feel with cozy bars and places to eat, perfect for relaxing after surfing. Nights are lively with music and celebrations, which adds to the surf adventure in Portugal.
Odeceixe: Hidden Gem Surf Spot
Odeceixe in the Costa Vicentina region, and it offers a peaceful surfing spot because it’s a bit hard to get to, and there aren’t a lot of tourists. This city is a hidden gem for surfers in Portugal. The waves at Praia de Odeceixe are great for all surfers, from beginners to pros. The beach has sand and rocks, making the surf even better. Praia de Odeceixe is known for its beautiful waves and stunning beaches. It’s a Blue Flag Beach, which means it’s safe and clean. The Algarve Coast has some of Portugal’s most stunning surf spots, and Odeceixe is one of them. As you might already have seen, Sagres, one of Algarve’s other surf spots, is known for having great surf spots in Portugal.
When the surf is flat, and you can’t seem to catch a wave, check out the Rota Vicentina. It’s an amazing hiking route that spans 750km of trails through nature. The Fisherman’s Trail is a 225 km journey along the coast, perfect for surfers and hikers. April, May, and October are the best months to visit for great surfing and hiking.
Getting to Odeceixe takes some effort, which adds to its charm. It’s two and a half hours from Lisbon and 1.5 hours from Faro Airport. There’s a bus from Lagos that makes getting there easy. Rede Expressos is your other bet from Lisbon, generally.
You have the option to camp near Odeceixe, which lets you enjoy nature and peace. I definitely recommend that option if you like camping. If you don’t like it, you can stay in hotels, guesthouses, farm stays, or campsites, some near the beach in Odeceixe Mar. For a true Portugal surf experience, Odeceixe is perfect with its secluded spots and stunning views.
Lisbon Region
If you don’t know the surf towns in Portugal I mentioned above, you definitely know how big of a surfing scene Lisbon and the surrounding areas are. The Lisbon region is a paradise for surfers, with spots for all levels. In my opinion, Lisbon is not the best surf town in Portugal, but it’s definitely a top surf spot in Portugal. Lisbon is a big city, you have everything you need and also the waves. The surrounding areas are close to the city and have different waves for everyone. This makes it perfect for surf lovers.
You can surf in Lisbon one day and the next, you can take a day trip from Lisbon and find yourself in a small town for surfing. You get the best of both worlds.
Carcavelos: Birthplace of Portuguese Surf
Carcavelos is famous as the birthplace of Portuguese surfing. It’s just 15 minutes from the city center and has sandy waves for all levels. It’s the closest beach to Lisbon, making it easy to get to for a quick surf. There are multiple peaks at Carcavelos. That’s why Carcavelos is a great surfing spot in Lisbon. It’s also great for surfers at any level. You can surf here all year, whether it’s for summer fun or winter challenges.
Guincho Beach: Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Guincho Beach is about 30 minutes from Lisbon, and on top of normal surfing, it is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The big waves and strong winds are great for experienced surfers, especially in winter. It’s close to Cascais, just 10 minutes away, so you can have a day trip there to see this small city for a day of fun. I think Guincho Beach is for those who love big waves and seek thrills. It’s a top spot for intermediate and more experienced surfers rather than beginner surfers.
Costa da Caparica: Surf-Friendly Beach Town
Costa da Caparica is another top spot in Portugal for surfers. It has 30 km of beach for surfing. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Lisbon and has waves for all levels. There are surf schools for beginners and great waves for advanced surfers most of the year. You can find everything from easy waves to challenging ones here.
Cascais: Upscale Surfing
Many people don’t see Cascais as a surf town in Portugal. It’s got great history, local charm, and cute little-town vibes. However, it’s one of the top surf spots in Portugal, and it has way more great waves than any other. You get a top-notch surfing experience with fancy amenities. For those who love big waves, Praia do Guincho is perfect, just 5 km from town. It has waves for all skill levels. Near the town, Sao Pedro is great for intermediate and advanced surfers. It adds more fun. Cascais is also close to Lisbon’s airport, so it’s easy to get there for a surf trip.
If you are open to a full experience, consider a surf camp in Cascais. The 8-day surf camps generally offer 5 to 6 surf classes, and there are also yoga classes and other activities, including accommodation for less than €500. Most surf camps are great for improving your surfing and enjoying the area’s luxury.
Hidden Gems of Bars and Restaurants
Cascais is known for its secret spots for eating and partying. There are over five sushi places there that serve fresh, amazing food after surfing. The town’s bars and restaurants make it a go-to for luxury surf trips in Portugal. You can find everything from cozy cafes for breakfast to fancy restaurants. The vibe is high-end, with visitors wearing British peacoats, Tibetan robes, and Lululemon pants.
Discovering the Best Surf Towns in Portugal: A Personal Journey
Personally, I think exploring Portugal’s surf towns has been an unforgettable adventure. It was always a mix of personal surf journey milestones and the discovery of hidden gems along the coastline. My surf journey started in Ericeira, Europe’s Only World Surfing Reserve. Many call Ericeira the “surfing capital of Europe,” with its 11 surf spots. The vibes attracted me right away, and I found myself in the more southern part of Portugal, in Sagres, the next year. My Portugal surf trip in Sagres was another amazing success with amazing waves, views, people, vibe, and culture. The energy of surfing here is just amazing. The crisp and windy weather also adds to the fun. You don’t get sweaty and don’t feel like it’s summer. It feels like a different world.
Conclusion
Learning about the best surf towns in Portugal is a long journey. There are just so many options; it’s not easy to cut it off with one or two popular surf towns in Portugal. Ericeira, Lisbon, Nazare, Sagres, Cascais, and many others are amazing surf spots you shouldn’t miss in Portugal.
There is a reason why the country is a top choice for surfers all year. Nazaré draws big-wave surfers with its huge waves. With its surf reserve status, Ericeira adds charm to Portugal’s surf scene. The Algarve region shines with its mild climate and over 50 surf spots close by. Lagos and Sagres offer adventures and social fun with surf schools and lively nights. *Odeceixe* is ideal for those wanting peace and beauty.
Portugal’s surf towns are more than just surf spots. They blend local culture, tasty food, and stunning views for an unforgettable trip. I hope this short tour through Portugal’s best surf towns has helped you a little to shape your next surfing holiday in Portugal.
FAQ
What are the best surf towns in Portugal?
Nazaré, Ericeira, Peniche, Sagres, Odeceixe, Lisbon Region, and Cascais are some of the best surf towns Portugal.
When is the best time to surf in Nazaré?
Surfing in Nazaré is best during winter. This is when the North Canyon creates huge waves. It’s perfect for experienced surfers looking for a big wave challenge.
Why is Peniche a popular surfing destination year-round?
Peniche is great for surfing all year. Its unique shape captures swells from any direction. Supertubos is famous for its barrel waves and hosts the Rip Curl Pro event every October.
Where can I find affordable surf trips with camping options in Portugal?
It depends on what kind of vibe you are looking for. Nazare is affordable but has a lot of tourists, high and low-end bars, and restaurants. Sagres and Ericeira are calmer, have fewer tourists, and are cheaper.
What is special about surfing in Odeceixe?
Odeceixe is peaceful, with a beautiful left-hand beach break. It’s on the Algarve Coast, offering quiet waves and a serene spot.
What surf spots are popular in the Lisbon Region?
The Lisbon Region is a surf paradise. It has Carcavelos, known as the birthplace of Portuguese surfing. Guincho Beach is great for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Costa da Caparica has long sandy beaches.
Are there surf schools and rental options available in Peniche?
Yes, Peniche has many surf schools and places to rent gear. The place you should go depends on your budget, level, what you are looking for, and other details. Take a look at Google Maps or other review sites to see which places people go to.
What are some must-visit surf spots in Sagres?
Don’t miss Praia do Tonel and Beliche in Sagres. They’re great for surfers of all levels. I surfed on both of these beaches this year in 2024. Tonel was amazing. It has great views and super nice waves.