Meer over Surfvakanties in Portugal

About Surfing in Portugal


Portugal stretches along the entire length of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in an abundance of surf spots in this beautiful Southern European country. The variety of surf spots is immense, catering to surfers of all levels, making Portugal the ultimate surf haven in Europe. It is no coincidence that the world record for surfing the highest wave was set here by American Garrett McNamara. But beginner surfers are also well catered for in Portugal. Besides excellent surf conditions, Portugal boasts a delightful climate, great value for money, and delicious food and drinks. In short: a fantastic destination for your surf holiday!

Surfing in Portugal in Brief

  • Surf Spots: Portugal’s entire coastline lies along the Atlantic Ocean. Surfers from all corners of the world flock to Portugal for some of the best surf spots globally.
  • Affordable Prices: On Portugal’s Atlantic coast, prices for food, drinks, and accommodation are often much lower than in other parts of Europe.
  • Climate: The Portuguese climate is mild, sunny, and very pleasant for various types of holidays. Especially in the summer months, there is very little rainfall throughout Portugal.
  • Food and Drink: A surf holiday in Portugal wouldn’t be complete without trying the local cuisine. Each region has its own delicious specialties.
  • Surf Holiday Options: The excellent Portuguese waves attract surfers from all over the world each year, leading to a significant increase in the availability of surf holidays.
  • Unique Cities: Along the Portuguese coast, you will find several ancient, beautiful cities. The most famous city is, of course, Lisbon, but Porto is also well worth a visit.


History of Surfing in Portugal


The earliest mention of one of the precursors of surfing in Portugal was in 1946 when the first “Bodysurf club” was established. The members of this club would move while lying on cork boards. Modern surfing in Portugal began in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Surfboards were purchased from Biarritz, which was the surfing hub of Europe at that time. Generally, a surfer named Pedro Lima is considered the forefather of Portuguese surfers.

De beste surfspots van Portugal

Portugal is a country with around 900 kilometers of beautiful beaches with favorable waves. The country offers an abundance of surf spots. Some surf spots are excellent for experienced surfers, but Portugal is also a great place for beginner surfers. This can make it challenging to find the perfect spot for learning to surf. Below are five excellent surf spots for beginner surfers. Even if you have never surfed before, these are great options.

Porto and Surroundings


Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and also an important port city. Both in and around this northern Portuguese city, you can enjoy excellent surfing. The main surf spot in Porto is Matosinhos, an excellent spot for surfers of all levels. Porto is an ideal choice if, besides surfing, you are also looking for a rich cultural and culinary experience during your surf holiday.

Ericeira


Ericeira is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal for surfers. This is partly because there are many different surf spots in this town for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Costa da Caparica


Caparica, also known as Costa da Caparica, is located in the Portuguese municipality of Almada in the Setúbal district. It is a former fishing village located near Lisbon. Since Caparica consists of a large beach divided into smaller beaches, there is a spot for everyone with the right conditions, making it an ideal spot for beginner surfers.

Aljezur


Aljezur, located in southern Portugal, is known for its beautiful villages, stunning bays, and fantastic surf beaches. This makes it a popular place for a holiday and learning to surf. Besides the fantastic surf beaches, you can also enjoy cozy Portuguese cafes and restaurants.

Carcavelos


Carcavelos is the most famous beach in Lisbon. From the center of Lisbon, it takes about 20 minutes by car and 30 minutes by public transport to reach the beach. The excellent accessibility, great surf conditions, and wide sandy beach make Carcavelos very popular.

Alentejo


Located along the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find the beautiful region of Alentejo. With a coastline of over 100 kilometers, you’ll find sandy beaches with stunning rock formations. Along the endless coast, you’ll find numerous surf spots that are very suitable for beginner surfers. This can be done at various surf accommodations in this beautiful region.

Wanneer surfen in Portugal

What is the Best Time to Surf in Portugal?

Portugal has hundreds of surf spots, and it is important to have a good idea of where and when you can surf best. Of course, your skill level is essential here. The southern coast of Portugal is almost flat during the summer, while it can receive some swell during the winter season. If you look at Portugal’s west coast, beginners are best off going on a surf trip between May and early October. Between October and March, the waves are at their highest in Portugal. This is when advanced surfers from all over Europe flock to Portugal.

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Isabel

Dreamsea Surf Camp Moliets

"Dankzij de hulp van SurfaWhile de beste reis gemaakt die ik mij kon wensen. Het was mijn eerste solo trip en door onnodige angst voor het onbekende had ik deze trip bijna aan mij voorbij laten gaan. Dankzij de snelle reacties en hulp bij het uitkiezen van het (voor mij) juiste kamp kwam ik terecht bij dreamsea surfcamp in Moliets, dit is een perfecte match gebleken. Ik heb zo ontzettend genoten en ik kan nu al niet wachten om terug te keren, ik ben een familie en talloze waardevolle herinneringen rijker. Nogmaals mijn dank, ik had dit voor geen goud willen missen.. 💛"

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Ian

Surf Cascais

"Een geweldige surfvakantie gehad in Cascais! Fantastische lesgevers in een prachtig verzorgde surfvilla. Aanrader! Opgelet: je kan wel terugkomen met een surfverslaving :-) "

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Bente

Dreamsea Surf Camp Moliets

"Geweldige surftrip met leuke instructeurs, gekke feestjes en de vrijheid om ook te doen wat je wilt! 10/10 zou het aanbevelen!"