Surfing in Portugal: The Best Surf Spots & Surf Camps

Why surf in Portugal?

Still not quite sure if Portugal is the right surfing destination for you? We’re personally quite convinced — there are simply so many reasons to choose it.

• probably the largest selection of surf spots in Europe
• breaks for every level, from beginner to expert
• no long travel time and often very affordable flights
• a huge surf scene with a wide range of camps, shops, and schools
• fairly consistent conditions year-round
• relatively low cost of living

How to organize your surf trip to Portugal

There are many different ways to plan a surf trip to Portugal. Which one works best depends on your current surfing skills. Here are your options.

#1 Surf camps: ideal for beginners and solo travelers

One tip from experience: under no circumstances should you try to learn to surf on your own. Instead, look for a surf school or, better yet, a surf camp. At a surf camp, you get the full surfing experience — you’ll be staying in a surf house with like-minded people and taking lessons together.

Learning on your own means slow progress, bad technique, and frankly, it’s dangerous. You also won’t be popular in the water if you don’t know the rules (priorities, right of way, and so on).

Surf camps are also a fantastic option if you’re traveling solo, since you quickly get to know people. They also mean less organizational hassle, because everything is included — accommodation, equipment, transfers, and activities like surf skating and excursions.

Even if you’re no longer a beginner, surf camps are worth it. There are special camps that cater to families, for example, or offer coaching for advanced surfers.

#2 By Campervan: 100 Percent Surfer Lifestyle

Taking a road trip along the Algarve with your surfboards in a campervan is truly the epitome of the surfer lifestyle — and for good reason. You’re the first surfer in the water in the morning, you’re mobile and can try out many different spots, and you never have to play Tetris with your boards in a tiny rental car.

That said, we only recommend this type of surf trip if you’re already an experienced surfer. Trying out new spots on your own is simply a no-go for beginners!

If you don’t have your own campervan, you can easily rent one locally in Portugal.

Rent a campervan from Tui Camper

#3 Hotel and Rental Car: For the more discerning individualist

If sleeping in the wilderness doesn’t appeal to you, there’s always the classic option: booking accommodation and a rental car separately.

In most surf towns, you’ll find plenty of cool guesthouses and surf lodges that are nothing like your typical tourist hotel. We’ve linked suitable places to stay for each spot.

A rental car is pretty much essential unless you find accommodation right at the break. If you want to explore different spots and don’t feel like hauling your gear around on public transport, you’ll need one.

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The best surf spots in Portugal on a map

In our opinion, there are four major hotspots for surfing in Portugal: two regions — the Algarve in the south and northern Portugal — plus the famous surf towns of Peniche and Ericeira. Here’s a map to give you an overview.

The Algarve: Portugal's Surfing Hotspot

The Algarve has arguably the widest selection of surf spots in Portugal — there’s simply no way to cover them all here. The short distances between breaks mean plenty of variety, and there are plenty of suitable waves for beginners too!

What makes the Algarve special is that it has both a west coast and a south coast. When a big swell hits the west in winter and it gets too heavy for most “weekend warrior” surfers, you can simply head to the south coast, which tends to be a bit gentler and smaller.

For accommodation in the Algarve, we particularly recommend the towns of Arrifana, Sagres, and Lagos. While you’re there, you can also explore some great highlights in Portugal.

Our hotel pick in Arrifana: Casa Codebò – a beautiful, maritime boutique hotel

Our hotel pick in Sagres: Mareta Beach House – pool, 50 meters from the beach

Our hotel pick in Lagos: The Salty Lodge – a unique surf house right in the center
What can you do on non-surfing days in the Algarve?

There are several larger cities in the Algarve — Lagos, Sagres, and Faro — well worth a visit. But smaller towns like Tavira or Vila do Bispo are also great for a detour. A stroll through town is the perfect way to recharge on rest days.

Our favorite surf camps in the Algarve

There are countless surf camps in the Algarve. We’ve done the legwork and picked our top three.

For those seeking peace and quiet: Algarve Adventura — a cozy surf camp perched above the cliffs, just a short walk from Praia de Arrifana. They offer lessons for all skill levels, video analysis for advanced surfers, and special classes for kids.

For young people and partygoers: The Surf Experience — a surf camp with accommodation in lively Lagos. Various surf packages and group activities like SUP and yoga.

Specifically for women: Chicks on Waves – women-only surf retreats in a villa near Burgau. Surfing, healthy eating, yoga, and above all, unwinding.

The best surf spots in the Algarve

Rather explore the Algarve on your own without a surf camp? Here are our top five Portugal surf spots in the region.

#1 Praia da Arrifana

• Intermediate, Expert
• Beginner in summer

Arrifana is one of the most popular spots on the west coast. In summer, the beach break gets busy with many surf schools when the waves are small and beginner-friendly. The village itself has a wide range of courses on offer.

In winter, the waves get much bigger but often close out. Experienced surfers are then drawn to the beautiful right-hand point break, which breaks over a reef with a large rock.

#2 Praia do Barranco

• Beginner to Expert

Barranco is a very laid-back break right at the southwestern tip of Portugal. You’ll find plenty of RVs and free spirits here. It’s not one of those spots for ambitious shortboarders — instead, there are quite a few longboarders and intermediate surfers in the water. The wave breaks over sand-covered rocks.

#3 Praia do Bordeira

• Beginner to Expert

Bordeira — sometimes called Carrapateira after the nearby town — is a genuine smorgasbord of breaks. At the southern end, you’ll find a right-hander running over the reef that packs a serious punch. It’s reserved for locals and experienced surfers.

Head north, though, and you’ll find countless other breaks that are also great for intermediate surfers. Keep an eye on landmarks on the beach to hold your position — the current here often pulls quite strongly northward.

Surf schools also like to use this spot for beginners, as there’s plenty of whitewater for practice.

#4 Praia do Zavial

• Intermediate, Expert

Zavial is a break on Portugal’s south coast. The waves break beautifully clean here during very strong west swells or during the summer’s south swells. It’s a fast and hollow right-hander.

Zavial is only suitable for experienced surfers — the spot is very popular with locals, and anyone paddling in the way or ignoring right-of-way may be asked to leave the water.

#5 Ingrina

• Intermediate, Expert

Right next to Zavial, Ingrina is more of a local favorite among Portugal surf spots. A perfect left-hand wave breaks over a pointed reef — it gets very steep, and sometimes even barrels form. For this reason, the spot is only suitable for experienced surfers.

Ericeira: the surfing capital of Europe

Ericeira is known as the surfing mecca of Europe and has more than 30 beaches for surfing. It’s even one of just five World Surfing Reserves worldwide — regions where surfing is specially protected from ecological, economic, and cultural perspectives.

Big brands like Quiksilver are represented here, and you’ll find surf shops, surf camps, and surf schools on every corner — probably three at a time. Honestly, the whole place just screams surfing!

Although Ericeira started out as a small fishing village, it now has a pretty lively nightlife and plenty of bars. So if you like to party after a day in the water, Ericeira is a great fit. Further down, we’ll also introduce you to nearby Peniche, which is better suited for those who prefer a quieter vibe.

Our hotel pick in Ericeira: Soul Guesthouse – pool, just 100 meters from the beach
What can you do in Ericeira on non-surfing days?

An absolute must for every surfer is a visit to the Boardriders Quicksilver Skate Park. Whether you’re there to skate or just to watch, the park is seriously impressive!

Need a change of scenery? Lisbon, Portugal’s top city destination, is just a half-hour drive away — packed with great things to see and perfect for a day of exploring.

Surf camps in Ericeira

Don’t feel like wading through the sea of surf camps in Ericeira? Here are our three recommendations.

For even more surfing: Rapture Surfcamp Lizandro – Located right at the Foz do Lizandro surf spot. Beginner and intermediate courses plus surf coaching for advanced surfers.

For plenty of variety: The Salty Pelican – a surf lodge in the heart of Ericeira with a wide range of activities including surfing, yoga, SUP, meditation, BBQs, and wine nights.

For city lovers: Magikvanilla Surfcamp – a family-friendly surf camp right in Ericeira. Especially cool: the camp also offers aerial yoga.

The best surf spots in Ericeira

With so many great breaks to choose from, where do you even start? Here are our five favorite beaches for surfing in Ericeira.

#1 Foz do Lizandro

• Beginner, Intermediate

A beach break with gentle waves over a sandy bottom. Many new surfers take their first lessons here and catch their first green waves. There’s a surf school right in the town next to the bay. The only downside: it can get quite crowded.

#2 Praia de São Julião

• Beginner, Intermediate

São Julião sits a bit south of Ericeira and is therefore often less crowded than many other spots. The beach break is considered a “swell magnet” — there’s almost always a rideable wave here, and it’s suitable for beginners too.

The beach itself is simply beautiful. There’s plenty of parking and a nice café where you can watch the surfers between sessions.

#3 Ribeira d’Ilhas

• Beginner to Expert

Ribeira d’Ilhas is one of the most famous spots in Ericeira — a right-hand break over a reef with several different sections. Both surf schools in the whitewater and advanced surfers on the outside share the lineup. The spot works pretty much year-round, but it can get very crowded.

Surf contests are also held here regularly, so you might catch some seriously good surfing from the cliffs.

#4 Coxos

• Expert

Coxos is considered by many to be the best wave in all of Portugal. The right-hand break runs over an unforgiving reef but delivers steep sections and tubes. When Coxos is firing, the spot is primarily reserved for locals. The strong current makes it particularly challenging. To be clear: only experienced surfers should paddle out here.

#5 São Lorenço

• Intermediate, Expert

The São Lorenço spot, just outside Ericeira, gets overlooked by many visitors — which means it usually offers a sparse lineup with no surf schools. A beautiful right-hand wave breaks over a reef near the cliffs. Beginners and inexperienced surfers should stay out. Watch out for currents and the shorebreak.

Peniche: A fishing village with world-class waves

Peniche was originally just a small fishing village in central Portugal. But surfers quickly realized the waves here are seriously good, and the town has since become a real magnet for surf tourism — while still keeping its original charm.

In our opinion, Peniche is perfect for anyone seeking peace and quiet and for nature lovers. Party animals will likely get bored with the cozy bars in this small town.

The highlights are, of course, the world-class waves and beautiful natural surroundings. Peniche even hosts World Surf League events — so there’s a real chance you might run into World Champ John John Florence.

Our hotel pick in Peniche: The Wave – wake up to a view of the surf spot
What can you do in Peniche on non-surfing days?

Just a 45-minute drive from Peniche, you’ll find the world-famous big wave spot Nazaré. In 2020, Sebastian Steudtner set the world record here with a 28.57-meter-high monster wave. So if sore muscles force you to take a day off, a trip to Nazaré is absolutely worth it.

Our best surf camps in Peniche

Looking for the right surf camp in Peniche? Here are our favorites.

For eco-fans: Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort – glamping in Canadian-style tents and treehouses with its own small skate park, a sauna, massage rooms, and a saltwater pool.

For individualists: Ferrel Surf House – a small, quiet surf house in Ferrel. You can book surf lessons separately from the accommodation on-site, or as a package.

The best surf spots in Peniche

Peniche has some truly world-class waves and stunning beaches in Portugal. Here are five surf spots in Peniche for every level, from beginners to pros.

#1 Cantinho da Baia

• Beginner to Expert

Cantinho is arguably the most famous spot in Peniche, located between the Peniche Peninsula and Baleal. There are always plenty of surf schools here, teaching students to ride whitewater and their first green waves. The sandy bottom means a soft landing when things go wrong.

When larger swells roll into the bay in winter, even advanced surfers can really let loose here.

#2 Lagide

• Intermediate, Expert

Lagide is one of the best waves in Peniche, located next to Cantinho on the other side of Baleal. A very clean left-hand break forms here, offering long rides over the reef. The wave is mostly reserved for locals — so if you surf here, observe surf etiquette. Not recommended for beginners or inexperienced surfers.

#3 Gigi

• Beginner, Intermediate

A little further north of Lagide, you’ll find Gigi. Laid-back lefts and rights make this spot particularly attractive for longboarders and inexperienced surfers. Plus, the sunsets here are seriously beautiful — perfect for an evening session.

#4 Foz do Arelho

• Beginner to Expert

Half an hour from Peniche, Foz do Arelho offers an incredibly wide variety of breaks. The spot is popular with surf schools and has surfable conditions practically year-round.

The lineup is rarely crowded, since the crowd spreads out across the entire beach. Great for a full day at the beach if you want to see something other than Baleal.

#5 Supertubos

• Expert

Supertubos is a very fast and steep wave located south of the Peniche Peninsula. You’ve probably heard of it — the wave has a permanent spot on the World Surf League tour. As the name suggests, there are incredible tubes here (tunnels that the surfer rides through).

Supertubos is really only suitable for very experienced surfers. A take-off over the shallow shorebreak can break bones and boards.

The North: Portugal's Hidden Gem for Surfing

When it comes to surfing in Portugal, very few people think of the north of the country. In our opinion, that’s exactly what makes it so worthwhile — you can expect partially empty lineups and spots that are just as good, but without the crowds you find in the Algarve.

The region around Porto, with its green valleys, vineyards, pine forests, lakes, and rivers, looks completely different from the rest of Portugal. If you enjoy other outdoor sports, this is really the place for you.

The surf infrastructure here isn’t as developed yet, but you’ll definitely find suitable places to stay and surf shops. What we also love: Porto is so close to the sea that you can combine a surf trip with a city break. How often does that happen?

If you don’t want to stay right in Porto, we recommend the towns of Moledo and Esmoriz.

Our hotel pick in Esmoriz: Behappy Lodge & Brunch — great location and stylish decor
What can you do on non-surfing days in northern Portugal?
Definitely check out Porto! The city is a bit like a smaller, more authentic version of Lisbon — less touristy and seriously charming. We love wandering the narrow streets, checking out street art, and enjoying delicious fish and port wine.

Surf camps in northern Portugal

Finding a surf camp in northern Portugal takes a bit more research than in the other surf towns. Here are three solid options.

For water sports all-rounders: ElementFisch Surf Camp – In addition to surfing, you can book SUP, kiteboarding, and yoga in one package. A really cool offer we haven’t seen anywhere else.

For yogis: Golden Waves Surf Lodge – Surf camps, yoga camps, and mixed camps all on offer. Sustainability is a top priority at the lodge.

For nature lovers: Esmoriz Surf Hostel – A surf camp right on Esmoriz Beach. You’ll surf for at least three hours a day and can use the equipment outside of class hours too.

The best surf spots in northern Portugal

Surf tourism in northern Portugal is far less developed than in the rest of the country, so it’s worth doing your research before you go. Here are our top five picks.

#1 Matosinhos

• Beginner to Expert

Matosinhos is one of the most famous surfing spots near Porto — the “city wave” for all the locals. The bay is sheltered by the breakwater, making it less prone to wind. The closer you get to the harbor wall, the smaller and more beginner-friendly the waves become. Several surf schools also offer lessons here.

#2 Espinho

• Expert

Espinho is one of the better-known waves in northern Portugal, located slightly south of Porto. A hollow right-hand wave breaks here, producing fantastic tubes during larger swells. On those days, the locals naturally drop everything to get in the water — don’t get in their way. The spot is only recommended for experienced surfers.

#3 Esmoriz

• Beginner to Expert

Esmoriz is a small town with surf camps and surf schools on hand. The surf spot of the same name is great if you’re after variety — beginners through advanced surfers all share the water. It’s a typical Portuguese beach break that does have a reputation for being somewhat inconsistent, just so you know.

#4 Azurara

• Beginner to Expert

Azurara is a long, narrow bay just north of Porto with various breaks that suit every skill level. Surf schools operate here too. Even on windier days, the northern end of the bay stays surfable thanks to the protective harbor wall. Families also come just for a day at the beach or to watch the sunset.

#5 Moledo

• Beginner to Expert

Moledo is truly the far north — the last spot before the Spanish border. Surfers of all levels will find something here, and there are several surf schools nearby. Moledo rarely gets crowded lineups, which is great — but if you’re surfing alone, keep a close eye on currents.

If you do other water sports, even better: on windy days, Moledo is also fantastic for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Questions and Answers about surfing in Portugal

To wrap things up, here are a few questions that beginners — and even more experienced surfers — often have before a surf trip. We hope it makes planning a little easier.

#1 What gear do you need to bring?

As a beginner at a surf school, you don’t need to bring anything — the school provides all the equipment. You can of course bring your own wetsuit if you prefer.

If you have your own board, the “bring it or rent locally” question is genuinely hard to answer and comes down to personal preference.

Board transport with the Portuguese airline TAP costs about 60 euros per flight — though you should always check the exact terms with your airline. Board rental for a week starts at around 120–150 euros. If you’re staying for a while, bringing your own board can easily be worth it.

Of course, everyone prefers to surf on their own board. But there’s always a risk of damage during the flight — and if you don’t have a rental car for your transfer, lugging a board from bus to bus is a real pain.

#2 How thick should the wetsuit be?

If you bring your own wetsuit, a 3/2 is sufficient in the summer. In the winter months between October and March, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended. As a general rule, northern Portugal is always cooler than the Algarve — in the south, a 2mm shorty is sometimes enough in summer.

Surfing in a bikini rarely works out in Portugal, unfortunately. The Atlantic is simply too chilly!

#3 When is the best time to surf in Portugal?

The best time to go surfing in Portugal depends entirely on your skill level. Summer is ideal for beginners, with its small to medium-sized waves.

If you’re more advanced, aim for winter — between late October and March. That’s when serious swells reach the Portuguese coast, producing large, powerful waves and sometimes even barrels.

#4 Do you need a surfing license?

You don’t need a surfing license — unlike kitesurfing, for example — to rent equipment.

That said, if you don’t have much experience yet, we strongly recommend taking a few lessons with a local school first. Your instructors can walk you through the spots, assess your level, and point you toward the right board.