The best surf spots in Portugal
Portugal has the most consistent surf in Europe, and the best of it is packed into three stretches: the reefs of Ericeira, the peninsula at Peniche, and the beaches of the Lisbon coast. Below, the breaks worth knowing from north to south, what each one is, who it suits and when it works - and where to go if you are learning.
Porto's city beach: a long, soft beach break with surf schools on the sand, protected by the harbour wall. The north's beginner wave.
Jetty-shaped peaks south of Porto that hold more size than Matosinhos. Consistent, uncrowded by Lisbon standards.
A long left off the river jetty at Figueira - the best wave on the central coast when a west swell lines it up.
The canyon: the biggest ridden waves on earth in winter. A spectacle for almost everyone, a surf spot for almost no one.
Portugal's most famous wave - a hollow, fast, shallow beach break that hosts a world tour event. Experienced surfers only.
A fast right beside Peniche's harbour pier, working on the same south-side days as Supertubos with a little more shelter.
The north side of the Peniche isthmus - sandy, forgiving, full of surf schools. Where most of Peniche actually surfs.
A mellow left over a rock slab at the tip of Baleal. The gentle reef that intermediates graduate to.
The best right-hand reef in Europe on its day: long, hollow, shallow and heavy. Expert territory, and treated as such by the locals.
The forgiving Ericeira reef - a long right with a deep channel that hosts World Surf League longboard events. The intermediate's wave.
A shallow, powerful reef next to Ribeira d'Ilhas that barrels over sharp rock. For experienced surfers who know it.
A sandy rivermouth south of Ericeira with surf schools on it - the town's beginner beach.
Lisbon's open-Atlantic beach: takes every swell and every gust. Powerful, windy, best in autumn mornings.
The city's wave, on the train line from Lisbon. Soft and school-friendly on a small day; heavy and crowded on a winter swell.
A long open beach across the bridge that picks up more swell than the Estoril coast - the reliable option, and where much of Lisbon learns.
A sheltered bay on the west Algarve with a right-hand point at its north end and a beach break below - the coast's best all-rounder.
A wide, exposed beach break with surf schools and room for everyone. The Algarve's beginner beach.
The south coast's best wave - a hollow right that only breaks when a big swell wraps round Sagres, and is crowded when it does.
A powerful, rocky beach break at Sagres, sheltered from the north wind. Experienced surfers, on a day with size.
Today's forecast by area
Where should a beginner surf in Portugal?
Three places. Baleal at Peniche, the sandy north side of the isthmus, which stays surfable when Supertubos is doing its worst and has more surf schools per metre than anywhere in the country. Foz do Lizandro and São Julião south of Ericeira, both sandy, both sheltered from the reefs' power. And Costa da Caparica across the bridge from Lisbon, a long open beach with peaks along its length.
In the Algarve, Amado on the west coast. Stay off Supertubos, Coxos, Cave, Pedra Branca and Beliche while you are learning, whatever the forecast says: they break hard over shallow sand or rock and are crowded with people who know them.
Portugal by month
Common questions
What is the best surf town in Portugal?
Ericeira for reefs and quality, Peniche for consistency and choice, Lisbon for surf with a city attached. Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve for a reason; Peniche's peninsula means something works on almost any wind.
Where should a beginner surf in Portugal?
Baleal at Peniche, Foz do Lizandro near Ericeira, or Costa da Caparica near Lisbon - all sandy, all with surf schools, all sheltered from the reefs' power. Amado in the Algarve.
When is the best time to surf Portugal?
September to November: autumn groundswell with the year's warmest water and lightest wind. Winter is bigger and colder; summer is small and better for learning.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Portugal?
Yes, most of the year. A 3/2 from April to November, a 4/3 in winter. Only August and September are warm enough for a spring suit on the Lisbon coast.
Is Portugal good for intermediate surfers?
The best in Europe for it. Ribeira d'Ilhas, Lagide, Arrifana, Carcavelos and the Baleal beaches on a swell all give an intermediate a real wave without the consequences of the heavy reefs.
How big are the waves at Nazaré?
On its biggest days, over 20 metres - the largest waves ever ridden. Most winter days are far smaller but still not a surf spot for anyone reading this; the town beach south of the headland is the surfable Nazaré.