If you are a surfer and you are looking for new destinations to visit, Portugal is definitely one of the places you should come and visit. Its territory has more than 900 km of coastline, and it has unbelievable beaches with ideal conditions not only for surfing, but also for touring and staying in a campervan if you are looking for an even more complete adventure.
The options to choose the perfect spot can vary according to the level you have, from the biggest waves in the world in Nazaré (ok, you sure don’t want to die trying), to the most benevolent on the south coast. Here we leave to you 5 destinations so that you can enjoy your next trip to Portugal to the fullest.
1- Praia do Norte – Nazaré
Among the most legendary in the surfing community, without a doubt this mythical town with around 15,000 inhabitants attracts thousands of tourists every year to enjoy the biggest waves in the world. And it is here that the biggest waves ever surfed have been recorded, currently the German Sebastian Steudtner holds the record of 26.21 m (86 feet). The big wave season runs from November to March, and although it is a spot dedicated to high-performance professional surfers, it is still an impressive show that worth seeing for any fan of the sport.
2- Supertubos – Peniche
Considered the “European Pipeline”, referring to the emblematic place on the north coast of Hawaii, Peniche has become a very famous spot in recent years, as it is the venue for many international competitions such as the WSL or ASP World Tour. If you plan to visit and surf the waves there, we recommend Baleal Beach, 5 km from Peniche, where the sea is on both sides between the beach. It also has good hostels or small hotels and a wide range of apartments for rent. The surfing level depends on the time of year, with winter being a bit more for advanced riders and summer a bit more geared towards beginners or intermediates.
3- Praia da Ribeira d´Ilhas – Ericeira
35 km north of Lisbon is Ericeira, a spot with a great surfing community, which combines strong waves with solid bottoms that create big tube waves up to 3.5 metres high on the beach of Ribeira d´Ilhas. The conditions are very consistent, which has led the place to become the venue for different competitions such as the Quicksilver Pro Ericeira or the EDP Billabong Pro. What you will find in Ericeira is the diversity in the waves which is a very good option if you are a beginner.
If you are thinking of a nearby place to relax a bit away from the waves, we recommend going to Mafra (a small town of 77,000 inhabitants) to discover its charm and delight yourself with some traditional Portuguese pastries; as well as visiting Sintra for a short romantic getaway. As for local cuisine, we recommend one of the city’s “marisqueiras” (seafood restaurants), where they serve the best fresh fish and seafood options in the area.
4- Arrifana, Costa Vicentina
Well-known in Portugal among surf and bodyboard lovers, the beach is shaped like a bay and is surrounded by cliffs that protect it from the wind to create good, consistent waves with a sandy bottom. The spot welcomes surfers of all levels throughout the year and after spending some time in the water, we recommend walking through the beautiful forests of the National Park and enjoying the impressive views of the sea from above.
5- Praia do Rodanho, Viana do Castelo
The beach, besides being our home, is home to dunes, vegetation and a friendly, family environment.. An ideal spot to spend the summer, but which also allows surfing in winter, for both beginner and intermediate riders. The orientation of the beach receives the swells of the Atlantic Ocean and allows for a good formation of waves that are usually more favorable in the fall or winter.
After surfing we recommend you take a tour of the Cathedral of Santa Luzia, one of the most touristic places in the North of Portugal, visit the historic center of the city and drink a beer with our friends from Bar Bernard. And if your intention is to try the local cuisine, do not forget to try the best “Francesinha” in the city at Restaurant Camada.
Whatever your level of surfing in this country you will always find a wave that suits your desires and your goals, so leave the excuses aside and plan this trip that we assure you will exceed your expectations!
We look forward to seeing you at our house!
