Best Surf Spots Portugal: 2025 Guide with Map

Portugal has earned its reputation as a haven for surfers worldwide, offering miles of breathtaking Atlantic coastline packed with surf spots for everyone—whether you’re a pro chasing the massive swells of Praia de Nazaré or a beginner catching gentle waves in the Algarve.

However, it’s not just about the surf; Portugal’s vibrant surf culture, welcoming locals, and stunning scenery provide everything you need for an unforgettable surf trip.

For those looking to surf in Portugal, this guide covers everything from discovering where to ride the biggest swells to finding gentle waves perfect for beginners. Ready to dive in? Let’s take a closer look!

Hotspots for Portuguese Surf

Portugal’s coastline offers a wide range of waves and conditions across seven primary surfing regions from north to south. Here’s an overview of these must-visit spots:

1. Porto and the Costa Verde

Within central Portugal, Porto and the Costa Verde region, including Espinho and Matosinhos, offer some of the most accessible surf spots along the Portuguese coast.

Matosinhos features a consistent beach break suitable for both beginner and intermediate surfers, while Espinho provides more powerful, challenging waves for the experienced surfer.

This unique blend of urban convenience and coastal surf life, with golden sand beaches just a short distance from the city, offers an ideal setting for those who want to enjoy vibrant city attractions and the thrill of nearby waves.

2. Costa da Prata (Silver Coast)

Stretching from the north coast near Porto down toward Ericeira, the Costa da Prata is renowned for world-class waves, offering a variety of beach breaks and challenging surfing conditions. This region is home to some of Portugal’s most famous surf spots, where surfers brave some of the heaviest waves, particularly at the legendary Praia de Nazaré.

Nazaré is particularly famous for its monster waves, which draw experienced surfers during the winter season, eager to conquer some of the largest swells on the planet.

Similarly, Peniche, especially at the beach of Supertubos, is known for its famous wave conditions that deliver fast, powerful barrels. Elsewhere, Santa Cruz, nestled between Ericeira and Peniche, features a range of beach breaks suited for surfers of all levels. Meanwhile, Figueira da Foz offers a more relaxed experience with forgiving waves that cater to surfers at various skill levels.

3. Ericeira

As a designated World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira offers a long stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline brimming with legendary surf spots and quality waves. Here, surfers can take on iconic point breaks like Coxos, where fast, hollow right-handers create a thrilling ride for the most experienced surfers.

At the heart of Ericeira’s surf scene is Ribeira d’Ilhas, the main beach where surfers of all skill levels can enjoy a classic, welcoming wave. This surf spot is perfect for beginner surfers eager to catch their first waves and immerse themselves in Portugal’s surf culture.

Beyond its stunning beaches, Ericeira blends traditional fishing village charm with a lively surf vibe. With cozy cafés, surf shops, and family-run seafood restaurants, this town captures Portugal’s authentic surfing spirit.

4. Lisbon and the West Coast

Just outside Lisbon, along the beautiful West Coast, lies Costa da Caparica, where surfers can enjoy miles of sandy beaches and consistent waves. It’s the perfect surf spot for anyone who wants to try their hand at surfing without venturing far from the city.

With easy access, a buzzing surfing culture, beach cafés, and tons of surf schools and equipment rentals, Costa da Caparica offers everything you need for an unforgettable surf experience right on Lisbon’s doorstep.

Further, along the coast, two beaches are worth a visit. Praia de Carcavelos offers a classic beach break known for quality waves catering to all skill levels, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. Moving up the coast, Guincho in Cascais is ideal for advanced surfers, as it offers powerful waves and is known for its strong winds, adding an extra challenge to the ride.

Lastly, Praia Grande in Sintra is a more relaxed surf experience with consistent waves, fewer crowds, and a friendly environment that’s excellent for both beginner and intermediate surfers.

5. Alentejo

In contrast to the bustling Algarve, Alentejo offers a quieter surf experience along the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Known for its peaceful surf prairie spots, Alentejo is perfect for those seeking fewer crowds and natural beauty. While its waves are less consistent, it still offers a mix of beach break and point break options, with spots like Odeceixe providing good waves and scenic views for all levels of surfers.

6. The Algarve

Portugal’s southern coast, the Algarve, is a top surf destination known for its variety of reef, beach, and point break options along beautiful golden sand beaches. With consistent swells, a sunny climate, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, the Algarve attracts casual visitors and expert surfers worldwide.

Towns like Sagres and Arrifana offer something for every surfer, making the Algarve a versatile spot for all skill levels. With its long beach breaks, Sagres provides gentle waves that are ideal for beginners looking to build confidence.

In contrast, the rocky reef break at Arrifana offers steeper, faster waves that challenge experienced surfers seeking a thrill.

7. The Islands (Azores Islands and Madeira)

Portugal’s islands—primarily São Miguel and Terceira in the Azores, along with Madeira—offer a rugged surfing adventure.

The Azores are rugged and remote, with challenging waves and beautiful volcanic landscapes. São Miguel and Terceira are popular for their consistent swells and a mix of beach and reef break options.

Elsewhere, Madeira’s Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar offer powerful barrels for advanced surfers, while São Vicente boasts mellower waves

Other Surf Spots on the Portuguese Coast

We’ve already mentioned a few of Portugal’s best surf spots and breaks in the above section on Portugal’s surfing regions, but we’ve selected some of the best spots while trying to include something for everyone from beginner to expert.

1. Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, Ericeira

Ericeira’s best-known break, Ribeira d’Ilhas, is known for its perfect barrels and as a stop on the ASP World Tour Surf Championship. Situated just 2km from the village of Ericeira, the clean and beautiful Blue Flag beach of Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas also benefits from ample parking, also disabled access and smaller crowds.

2. Supertubos, Peniche

Known as the perfect barrel, Supertubos or “Supertubes” is a racing tubular wave suitable for advanced surfers with experience with similar breaks. It is also the home of the Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Due to the spots quality and reputation, expect large crowds, especially in the summer.

3. Praia do Norte, Nazaré

The site of many world-record big wave surfing feats, Praia do Norte’s massive swell, which culminates at its reef, is the result of the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater continental fault that stretches 230km / 143mi long and 5km / 3mi deep. Though internationally famous for killer, monster waves that are only suitable for extreme daredevils, these only happen once a year. When the swell at Praia do Norte is “small” it becomes a perfect beach break, offering nice lefts and rights, but is still only suitable for experts and pros.

4. Praia de Carcavelos, Carcavelos

This massive sand-bottom beach break is probably the birthplace of Portugal’s surfing culture. Moreover, with a 1.5km stretch that is popular with Lisbonite beach-goers and hosts several local, national and international surf competitions local surfers, the left and right breaks here provide something for everyone. Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Lisbon and close to other top regional surf spots like Estoril and Guincho, Carcavelos blends excellent waves with convenience and fun.

5. Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira

Sometimes simply called Praia do Lizandro or even “Foz”, this spot, like Ribeira d’Ilhas, is another Blue Flag beach situated very close to the village of Ericeira, which lies just 2km to the north. In contrast to its neighbor, Foz is a river-mouth break and much milder, attracting all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. This picturesque beach is popular with families and sunbathers as well as surfers. The long, gentle, medium-sized waves of Praia da Foz do Lizandro make it an ideal spot for surf lessons.

6. Praia de Buarcos, Figueira da Foz

A carving right-hand point break with some tubular sections, Buarcos is considered to be the longest wave in Europe. This ultra-long wave is actually formed when three or more point breaks combine. When conditions are right it can provide whopping rides of 200 meters or more. Praia de Buarcos is also suitable for all skill levels. Its rural location in central Portugal means this spot is less likely to get very busy in the water.

7. Coxos, Ericeira

Finally, another incredible wave in Portugal’s surfing capital — and there are several more in Ericeira that we haven’t included. Many think Coxos to be the best in the land of plenty. Coxos is a reef/point break recommended for expert surfers only. Since this right-hand barrel breaks directly over rocky shelves into a small bay. Beware: Coxos is tricky and powerful. In addition to having jagged rocks and sea urchins-a-plenty! 

8. São Julião beach, Ericeira

Surrounded by tall cliffs, São Julião Beach is one of the more picturesque spots on the Ericeira stretch of coastline. Popular with surfers, bodyboarders and sunbathers alike, it covers a long stretch of sand that begins around 8.5 kilometers from Ericeira and extends to the south up to the council of Sintra.

On top of being a perfect place for sightseeing and for walks along the shore, the strong waves breaking on São Julião Beach create very favorable conditions for surfing, mostly at low tide.

9. Cantinho da Baia, Peniche

This spot offers the most consistent wave during the summertime. is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. It’s a left and right peak, starting slow but as it gets to the inside becomes faster. Works best with North West winds and North West swells. Right-hand and left-hand beach break, ideal for beginners.

10. Praia do Sul, Ericeira

Unlikely to be too crowded, even when the surf is up Praia do Sul it is a reef break located just a few kilometers south of Ericeira. It can work at any time of the year, but when the swells are bigger it can offer fat but very long and strong wave. The break can be divided into two different waves: a right point/reef break that is only suitable for experienced surfers and a mixed (sand and reef) break that is also suitable for less experienced surfers with smaller swells. 

11. Praia do Guincho, Cascais

Praia Guincho is certainly one of the most consistent beach breaks in the Lisbon area. The northern part of the beach has favorable conditions for wind and kite surfers while the southern one is more suited for surfers. The beach breaks offer lefts and rights and good surf at all stages of the tide at any time of the year. When the surf is up, wedgy, powerful rights break off the cliffs at the northern end. Mid-low tide on a NW swell is better, but it gets blown out very easily. The beach has a constant breeze, which blows from the seaside in the summer months.

The beach is the location for the Portuguese National Surfing and Body Boarding Championships and has appeared on the windsurfing world championship circuit.

Praia do Guincho in Lisbon is an exposed beach break that has reliable surf and can work at any time of the year. Offshore winds are from the east. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the optimum swell angle is from the west northwest.

12. Praia do Amado, Lagos

Praia do Amado it is a gorgeous beach located south-east of Carrapateira in the Costa Vicentina natural park. Due to the perfect conditions for surfing with consistent waves all year round this spot, it is recognized as one of the best places for surfing in the Algarve. Thanks to the cliffs that surrounds the area, the beach is protected from the north wind particularly dominant in summer, but still catches a lot of swell.

The surf at Amado starts working from an easy-going 2-3ft waves, both left and right, making it an ideal summer destination for beginners surfers. Beginning surfers should avoid this beach during the winter because the waves can be quite dangerous reaching up to 10ft size. Also if you plan to surf there be aware that at Praia do Amado there are some serious rock formations hidden underwater that are not always visible, not even at low tide. 

13. Arrifana, Costa Vicentina

Surrounded by cliffs and in close proximity to a small fishing village, Arrifana beach is a popular destination among surfers and bodyboarders. Accessible by car and on foot, it is a peaceful beach with sweet waves, perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Ready to enhance your surfing experience in Portugal? Join Rapture Surfcamps for an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Portugal’s waves with our expert instructors, stunning locations, and vibrant surf community. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Rapture Surfcamps offers the perfect blend of instruction and camaraderie.

Why Choose Rapture Surfcamps Portugal?

• Experienced Instructors: Learn from skilled surf coaches dedicated to enhancing your skills.
• Prime Surf Spots: Explore iconic surf locations like Supertubos in Peniche and the breathtaking beaches of Ericeira.
• Welcoming Community: Immerse yourself in a supportive surf culture, connecting with like-minded individuals.
• Varied Accommodations: Choose from comfortable dorms, private rooms, or beachfront villas for a laid-back stay.

Your Portuguese surfing adventure awaits! Book now and ride the waves with Rapture Surfcamps.

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