Surfing Holidays in Portugal
A guide to Surfing in Portugal
Surfing in Peniche - João Barbosa
Drive along just about any part of coastline within Portugal, and you are soon sure to find surfers and windsurfers riding the Atlantic waves that crash onto the beaches. Ask a dozen different surfers about their favourite surf spots and you are likely to hear the names of a dozen different waves.
The appropriately named Supertubos (Supertubes) beach off the coast of Peniche is regularly sited as the best in Portugal, its powerful barelling waves attracting surfers from all over Europe.
However others claim that Coxos, in Ericeira, is the best, generating 3 metre waves in perfect conditions.
The top professionals from around the globe venture further out to the islands of Madeira and the Azores, to experience the really big waves (6ft as standard, rising to 15ft in the winter months). Here powerful Atlantic swells come crashing down on the rocky seashores along the coastline, making for some of the most exciting surfing in the world.
Windsurfers at Guincho - Antonio Sachetti
For those looking for slightly less demanding surf experiences, or those wanting to try surfing for the first time, there are plenty of surf instructors and surf camps along the length of the mainland coastline.
Below we provide some information about each of these regions with links to surf camps.
The Azores
Riding the Atlantic swells
Surfing in Portugal - Fernando Soares
The best surf spots in the Azores are found off the island of São Miguel. The north coast of São Miguel provides a surf that is powerful, occasionally dangerous and mostly deserted.
In the summer the standard surf is around 6 feet, reaching up to 15 feet in the winter months. The most highly rated surf spots are Anjos, Areias, Baixa da Viola, Ponta dos Mosteiros, Populo, Praia Formosa, Rabo de Peixe, Ribeira Grande, Santa Iria.
The main difficulty can be in reaching some surf spots using public transport alone, therefore car hire should be considered essential.
Madeira
High adrenalin surfing
Surf - Justyna Furmanczyk
Madeira was only recently discovered by the surfing community, who have since taken to the big riders with a passion. Large Atlantic swells hit the island throughout the year, the best time being between the months of November to Febuary. The swells are powerful and can rise and fall very quickly.
Jardim do Mar is the most highly-rated spot, with waves reaching up to 8 metres! These crash onto the shore line and the rocky bed, making the waves suitable for only highly-advanced surfers. Ponta Pequena is also home to some spectacular waves, only hampered by being extremely difficult to access (a lot of rocky precipices to climb/walk). Paul do Mar receives most of the tubular waves to hit the island, again its rocky shoreline makes it a very tricky place to surf.
The north side of the island contains some excellent surf spots, including Madona and Bruxas beaches and Feijã da Areia in São Vicente, as well as Ponta Delgada further east.
Alentejo
Surfing in heart of Portugal
Going Home - Frank Nijs
The coastline along the Alentejo offers a consistent surf in several spots including Malhão, Odeceixe, Porto Corvo, Porto das Barcas, São Torpes and Sines. Cabo de Sines is generally regarded as the best beach for begnners.
The average water temperature is between 14C - 20C. The beaches can get crowded, especially during the months of July and August, but the Alentejo can be accessed easily from Lisbon.
Sines Surf Camp
Twelve miles north of Sines and less than an hour south of Lisbon, Lagoa de Santo Andre is a protected natural area formed by vast expanses of dunes and pine forests surrounding a large lagoon. The Surfhouse is located in the "Fragateira", a typical inn on the banks of a canal between the wide sandy beach and the lagoon, and comprises six rooms and a bar with snooker and TV. This surf camp is ideal for complete beginners or advanced surfers who want to improve their surfing. The wild stretch of coast extending south of Sines lies within the Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina. It offers some of the best surfing conditions in Portugal, with consistent swell, good waves and large sandy beaches nestling between tall cliffs and dramatic rock formations.....(More info.)
Algarve
Surfing along the southern coastline
Surfing at Dawn
With over 20 well rated surf spots, and good weather throughout the year, the Algarve is a very popular region of Portugal for surfers.
Amado, Carrapateira, Carriagem, Castelejo, Lagos, Mareta, Monte Clerigo, Playa Azul, Praia de Falésia, Praia da Rocha and Praia de Faro are all regarded as good for beginners.
Arrifana, Beliche, Praia do Ponta Ruiva, Praia Zavial, Sagres and Tonel tend to be regarded as more suitable for intermediate surfers.
Algarve Surf & Kite Camp
Algarve Surf & Kite Camp is located in the tranquil village of Raposeira, between Algarve’s South and West Coast and the town resorts of Sagres and Lagos. It is the perfect location to get easy access to the best surf on any of the two coasts and enjoy the night life of Sagres and Lagos after a day at the beach. Nice Surfhouse with all modern comodities, clean and comfortable guestrooms, lounge with TV/DVD and surf videos, terrace with barbecue for parties! The camp offers both surf and kitesurf packages including accommodation and courses for all levels.....(More info.)
Atlantic Riders
The Atlantic Riders surf camp is operated from Bordeira, a small village in the South-West Algarve. From our surf camp we have quick access to the many beaches in the Algarve and the Southern part of the Alentejo. Our staff bring you to the surrounding beaches daily, different spots can be visited on a day, dawn patrolling, sunset surfing, you name it.....(More info.)
Lagos Surfhouse & Surfaris
It’s all happening here at Lagos Surfhouse! Embark on a journey to Algarve’s surfing Mecca with three men and a dog, a fine mix of qualified English and Aussie know-how with 45 years of surfing experience combined. The staff will strive for you to surf great waves in beautiful locations, tone up, feel fitter and tanned, relax, chill out or just surf hard. You will become a real surfer or just remember how it was like to be one ! Daily cruising in Land Rover to the best surf spots of the south and west coast of the Algarve in search of the best conditions to suit your level of surfing ability.....(More info.)
Marlon Lipke Surfcamp & Surfaris
One of the regions in Europe that receives most swell in summer, the Algarve offers you the chance to enjoy beautiful beaches, trendy bars and a good nightlife. The Luz surfcamp is situated in the renowned seaside resort of Lagos, on the southern coast of the Algarve, just east of Sagres. The camp was founded in 1993 and has been stylishly developed into a combination of surfing and partying. The owner's son, Marlon Lipke, is the European Pro Junior Champion 2004 and 3rd in the World Pro Junior 2004 ranking. The Surfhouse offers great villa accommodation 5 minutes from downtown Lagos, with double rooms with private bathrooms, garden with swimming pool and social area with bar, pool and satellite TV. The camp offers tuition for beginners and guided tours for experienced surfers to the best spots in the area......(More info.)
Nomadsurfers
Nomadsurfers run two special training camps for kids in Carrapateira, end of June - beginning of July and of one week duration each. We recommend to do both weeks for maximum progress. There is a maximum of 30 kids per week and camps are for boys and girls between 12 and 16. Courses are split into two levels: Level 1 for total beginners and intermediate surfers, who will learn the easiest way to surf and improve their technique, and Level 2 for advanced surfers and competition training. The staff is formed by qualified coaches who speak several languages and all the elements are combined to provide kids with professional, pleasurable and efficient training. This year, kids will be able to take an optional Spanish or English language courses, held at the end of the day.....(More info.)
Sagres/Carrapateira Surf Camp
One of the European surf camps which receives most swell in summer, Sagres/Carrapateira Surf Camp offers you the chance to enjoy beautiful beaches, trendy bars and a exciting nightlife. Accommodation is at two surfhouses; in the lively town of Sagres and at the quiter beachside location of Carrapateira. Surfschool for beginners, Surfaris for the experienced and accommodation only for the independent surfer. The clients and Staff are multicultural and many different languages are spoken (English, Spanish, German, Italian, etc.). Private parties are regularly organised at the two surfhouses, with Mexican or Brazilian food, barbecues, DJ’s and even Brazilian and belly dancers! Sagres’ coastline is a Peninsula that provides good surfing conditions on one of twenty different surf spots, regardless of the size of the swell or wind direction.....(More info.)
Vale Figuerias Surf House
Vale Figuerias Surf House is a traditional Portuguese country house in the middle of Alentejo Nature Park. There is very few houses here and it is the closest house to the beach of Vale Figueiras, one of the best beach breaks of Portugal ! Breakfast is at the house. Lunch bags at the beach and dinner at local restaurants or at home. Camps are for all levels of surf but recommended for intermediate-beginners to experienced surfers. The instructors will take you in the school vehicles in search for the beach with the best conditions of the day. You will have a short board, mini malibu or long board and wetsuit at your disposal for the entire week....(More info.)
Ericeira
Possibly the best surf spot in Portugal
Although Ericeira remains primarily a small fishing village, along the coastline there are several highly rated surf spots. The waves found at Coxos, Cave, Pedra Branca and Reef have earned Ericeira the reputation of being one of the best places to surf in Portugal. Coxos in particular is claimed by some to be the best wave in Portugal, although strictly for professionals!
These spots tend to be crowded and the waves break on shallow reefs, so inexperienced surfers may prefer Ribeira de Ilhas which has deeper waters and is a safer surf.
Rapture Surf Camp Ericeira
Ericeira is known throughout Europe as being one of the best spots for surfing all year round. Majority of Portugal's Professional surfers come from Ericeira. One of the longest breaks here in Ericeira ,Ribeira d'llhas host two world surfing competitions yearly in which grego competes and I my self take photo's of for the local Surf Magazines. Ericeira has many beach's for beginners to learn on , and also offers many perfect left and right hand reef breaks for the more challenged surfers . All of these breaks are within a 20km radius of our camp.....(More info.)
Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach Surf Camp
The surf camp is located in Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, between Ericeira and Ribamar. Nestling on the Atlantic coast a short drive north of Lisbon, Ericeira is a traditional fishing village and Portugal’s surfing Mecca, internationally renowned as one of the best surfing spots in Europe. Since 1985 it has played host to the ASP (WQS) world championship. Five minutes away from the centre of Ericeira and next to the beach, Ericeira Surf Camp features several wooden bungalows, a camping area and a bar-restaurant, as well as a range of leisure activities. The facilities are situated in front of a beach break with perfect waves for all levels, and a short distance from several of Portugal's best surfing breaks, such as Coxos and Pedra Branca. At night the restaurant also works as a bar, where parties and surfing movies sessions are held. During the WQS contest, the area in the centre of the camp also hosts concerts and DJ's, when people dance all night long!......(More info.)
Leira
A prime surf location
Cut Back - Camilo Jimenez
The Leira coast contains a number of surf spots with the attractive village of Nazaré regarded as one of the finest spots, with extreme waves throughout the winter season. Further north, close to Figueira do Foz, Buarcos, Cabedelo and Praia de Quiaios are also highly regarded.
Careca Surfcamp
Careca Surfcamp is located in Figueira da Foz (a seaside location in the centre of Portugal) between Lisbon and Oporto. Here, in a straight line of 100 Km you can find different beaches with excellent conditions to practice surfing. You will learn how to surf in nice and peaceful beaches, in close contact with nature. Teachers with knowledge and experience will be available, ensuring a high level of training, as well as a quick learning process. Our itinerary will take you to alternative beaches that will be chosen in accordance to the wind and swell condition.....(More info.)
The Lisbon Coast
Surf spots close to the capital
Windsurfing at Guincho, Cascais
João Barbosa
A cheap train service connects Lisbon to Cascais, making it very easy to reach the beaches that are along the way. These include Santo Amaro de Oeiras, Carcavelos, São João, São Pedro. These beaches can get very busy, especially at weekends, but some good waves can be caught at Parede, which tends to attract fewer crowds.
Further up from Cascais is Guincho, a very popular spot, although the midday high winds can sometimes make surfing impossible - best to get there early.
Costa da Caparica is south of Lisbon and can be reached by crossing the 25th April bridge. This is the most highly rated surf spot in the region.
Aerial Surf School
For the surfer who wants to experience one of the best surf spots in Portugal. The sandy bottom, clean water and fast and powerful waves, make this an unforgettable beach break. Come and learn how to surf on a file day course at Aerial Surf School with qualified and experienced instructors and all equipment provided.....(More info.)
Peniche
Home to the Supertubos
Surfing - Christopher Bruno
Many surfers claim that Supertubos is the best wave along the Portuguese coast, and it is rated as one of the best in Europe. It is a hollow barreling wave and only suitable for experts. A little further up the coast lies Cantinho, an excellent spot for beginners and intermediates with good consistency.
Peniche Surf Camp
Imagine waking up everyday to surf perfect conditions. This is a reality in Peniche. Widely recognised as the best and most consistent surf sport in Portugal, the peninsula of Peniche offers a north and south-facing coastline. The result is finest surfing conditions everyday regardless of the swell and wind direction. You will always find a spot where the wind is blowing offshore, creating perfect shaped waves. Within a 15 Km stretch of coastline you'll find more than 20 spots for every type of surfer, ranging from beginner to expert level. Our surf camp is within walking distance from all the waves in the peninsula of Peniche.....(More info.)
Tribo do Mar
Accommodation for surfers in the most consistent spot of Europe:
Peniche. Tribo do Mar is located in Consolaçao, on the South side of
Peniche. With several reefbreaks on its doorstep, the famous wave of
Supertubos only ten minutes away and some 20 more spots within a driving
distance of 15 minutes it is the perfect place to stay. Next to all kinds of
accomodation Tribo do Mar also offers surfguiding, surfclasses and board
rental. Come and enjoy good waves, excellent food, good vibes and cheap
beers.....(More info.)
Porto
Surfing in the north of Portugal
Surfing in Portugal
Fernando Soares
The coastline around Porto contains a number of surf spots each providing different waves suited to different degrees of surf proficiency. Just further up from Porto are dozens of empty beaches and uncharted surf spots. Just a few miles south of Porto the beaches of Espinho and Cortegaça are the most highly-regarded surf spots in the region.
Oporto SurfCamp
With more than 20km of surrounding beaches, Oporto SurfCamp has the right conditions for all levels of surfing. From beach breaks for beginners to reef breaks for more advanced surfers, it has it all nearby. The most famous point break is Espinho, which is known for its long and barrelling right-hander and host of several European and world competitions. Apart from the surf, Portuguese north coast is also popular for its gastronomy, wine making and night-time entertainment.....(More info.)
Surfivor Surf Camp
Adventure Surf Camp in Cortegaça, North Portugal, Oporto Surf Region! Surf Camps and Surf Guiding for Beginners and Advanced. Great location right behind the dune. Uncrowded surf and great atmosphere! Check out our website at www.surfivorcamp.com....(More info.)
Miguel Pereira - Surfivor Surf Camp
http://www.surfivorcamp.com
info@surfivorcamp.com
TEL: +351 939336434