We are about to take you on a ride through the best surfing beaches in Portugal— perfect spots for catching some epic waves and having a blast!
Portugal is a country famous for its beautiful beaches, amazing waves, and perfect surfing conditions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will find the perfect surf spot in Portugal. Updated for 2025
Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal
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Top Surfing Spots In Aljezur
Located on the west coast of Portugal in the Algarve region, Arrifana Beach is a small fishing town known for its incredible surf conditions. The beach is famous for its powerful, fast waves, reaching up to 15 feet, making it a hotspot for professional surfers. Arrifana also offers a great surf community with surf schools, rental shops, and cozy restaurants to unwind after a session.
One of the most famous and the best surfing beaches in Portugal, is Praia do Amado is known for its stunning scenery and incredible waves. The beach has been featured in numerous Portuguese advertisements showcasing Portuguese beach life. With consistent surf conditions, Amado attracts surfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
The Best Surf Beaches in Ericeira
Ericeira is a picturesque fishing town located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. It is home to some of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, including Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas. This beach is a World Surfing Reserve, making Ericeira a mecca for surfers from around the world. The town is also famous for its seafood restaurants, lively bars, and friendly locals, making it a great place to spend a surfing vacation.
Three of the best surfing beaches in Portugal.
Praia da Foz do Lizandro is a must-visit surf destination. With a long sandy shoreline and consistent waves, this beach caters to all levels of surfers. The scenic beauty, highlighted by the Lizandro River flowing into the ocean, makes it a great spot for families and surf enthusiasts alike. The area is well-equipped with surf schools, restaurants, and bars.
Just south of Ericeira, Praia do São Julião offers fantastic waves and a less crowded surf experience. With its long beach break, it’s ideal for surfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
Another famous surf beach in Ericeira, Ribeira d’Ilhas is known as one of the best surf spots in Portugal and is part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. This beach offers long, powerful waves, making it an excellent spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. It regularly hosts national and international surf competitions, drawing surf enthusiasts from around the world. The area is well-equipped with surf schools, restaurants, and a welcoming surf culture.
Best Places to Surf In Peniche
Peniche is well known for being one the top places for the best surfing beaches in Portugal.
Situated in Peniche, Praia do Baleal offers a laid-back surf atmosphere with excellent waves. The beach is ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers, thanks to its various surf breaks. With a range of surf schools, restaurants, and bars, Baleal is a popular choice for a surf trip in Portugal.
Also located in Peniche, Supertubos Beach is one of the most famous surfing beaches in Portugal. It is renowned for its powerful, barreling waves, often compared to those found in Hawaii. Supertubos is a regular stop on the World Surf League tour, attracting top surfers from around the globe. This beach is best suited for experienced surfers due to its heavy and fast-breaking waves
Nazare
Praia do Norte in Nazaré is one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, renowned for its colossal waves that can reach up to 100 feet. This legendary surf spot attracts professional surfers and big wave riders from around the world. While the powerful waves make it unsuitable for beginners, the breathtaking scenery and the iconic Nazaré lighthouse create an unforgettable experience for any surf enthusiast.
Best Surfing Beaches in Lisbon
Lisbon is not known for having the world renowned surfing beaches but you can still find some of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, especially for beginners.
Praia do Guincho, located near Cascais, is one of Portugal’s windiest beaches, making it a fantastic spot for advanced surfers and windsurfers. The strong Atlantic swells create challenging waves, attracting surfers looking for an adrenaline rush. The natural beauty of the surrounding dunes and rugged coastline adds to the beach’s charm.
A short train ride from Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular surf in Lisbon. It offers consistent waves throughout the year and is great for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach has excellent infrastructure, including surf schools, rental shops, and a lively promenade with restaurants and bars. All year around this beach is full of surfers.
Located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Praia da Adraga offers a breathtaking setting with powerful waves. This hidden gem is great for intermediate surfers looking for a scenic and uncrowded surf spot.
North of Sintra, Praia do Magoito is another excellent surf beach near Lisbon. It has consistent waves, beautiful golden sand, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Carcavelos.
Praia do Guincho, located near Cascais, is one of Portugal’s windiest beaches, making it a fantastic spot for advanced surfers and windsurfers. The strong Atlantic swells create challenging waves, attracting surfers looking for an adrenaline rush. The natural beauty of the surrounding dunes and rugged coastline adds to the beach’s charm.
A short train ride from Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular surf in Lisbon. It offers consistent waves throughout the year and is great for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach has excellent infrastructure, including surf schools, rental shops, and a lively promenade with restaurants and bars. All year around this beach is full of surfers.
Located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Praia da Adraga offers a breathtaking setting with powerful waves. This hidden gem is great for intermediate surfers looking for a scenic and uncrowded surf spot.
North of Sintra, Praia do Magoito is another excellent surf beach near Lisbon. It has consistent waves, beautiful golden sand, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Carcavelos.
Best Surfing Beaches In Algarve
Praia da Rocha, situated in Portimão in the Algarve. Boasts a long sandy beach with clear water and consistent waves. Its breathtaking cliffs provide a stunning backdrop, making it one of the most picturesque and Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal. This beach is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers and has excellent facilities, including surf schools and rental shops.
Sagres is considered one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal, attracting surfers from all over the world. With a variety of surf spots and wave conditions, it offers something for everyone, from beginners to experts. This top-tier surfing destination is known for its diverse surf breaks, making it ideal for all skill levels. Sagres also boasts a vibrant surf culture, with numerous surf schools, rental shops, and lively bars perfect for unwinding after a day on the waves. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time surfer, Sagres is undoubtedly one of the best surfing beaches in Portugal.
Praia do Tonel – One of the most popular surf spots in Sagres, offering powerful waves and excellent conditions for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Praia do Beliche – A beautiful, sheltered beach with powerful, hollow waves, best for experienced surfers.
Praia da Mareta – A great option for beginners when other beaches have bigger swells, as it tends to be more sheltered.
Praia do Castelejo – Located slightly north of Sagres, it offers consistent waves and a stunning, rugged backdrop.
Praia da Cordoama – Close to Castelejo, this long beach provides excellent surf conditions with fewer crowds.
Porto Best Beaches to Surf
Porto again, is not known for having the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal but you can still find some good spots, especially for beginners but beware of the strong currents.
Considered the best surf beach near Porto, Praia de Matosinhos offers consistent waves and a vibrant surf scene. Just 15 minutes from Porto, it’s easily accessible by public transport, bus or metro. This beach is a favorite among locals and visitors, with surf schools and shops providing everything you need for a great surf session.
Located about 30 minutes south of Porto, Praia de Espinho is another of the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal. It is well-known for its consistent waves and hosts several national and international surf competitions. The beach offers multiple peaks, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels.
Considered the best surf beach near Porto, Praia de Matosinhos offers consistent waves and a vibrant surf scene. Just 15 minutes from Porto, it’s easily accessible by public transport, bus or metro. This beach is a favorite among locals and visitors, with surf schools and shops providing everything you need for a great surf session.
Located about 30 minutes south of Porto, Praia de Espinho is another of the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal. It is well-known for its consistent waves and hosts several national and international surf competitions. The beach offers multiple peaks, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels.
Situated north of Porto, Praia de Azurara offers clean waves and a quieter surf scene. It is a great choice for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy good surf conditions.
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Portugal Surfing Fun Facts
Surfing in Portugal is legendary! Here are some fun facts about the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal:
Biggest Wave Ever Surfed: In 2020, Sebastian Steudtner rode a record-breaking 101.4-foot (30.9 meters) wave at Nazaré Portugal, earning a Guinness World Record. Nazaré is famous for its monster waves, created by an underwater canyon. 🌊 It has to be the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal.
Oldest Surf Spot: Carcavelos Beach near Lisbon was one of the first places surfers hit in the 1970s. Its consistent waves make it a favorite even today. 🏄♂️
Famous Song: Did you know Bryan Adams spent 4 years living in Cascais, when he was a teenagerand was a big surfer. He often comes back, even if he doesn’t have a concert and it is rumoured that the song Summer of 69 was about being in Portugal.
Surf Capital: Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve and has 7 world-class breaks within 8 km. It’s a must-visit for surf enthusiasts. 🌍
Portugal’s Pipeline: Supertubos in Peniche is known for fast, hollow waves similar to Hawaii’s Pipeline. It hosts the MEO Rip Curl Pro, part of the World Surf League. 🏆It is one of the Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal
Surf Year-Round: Portugal’s mild climate and diverse coastline offer surfable waves every day of the year, from mellow summer swells in the Algarve to winter beasts in the north. ☀️❄️
Home-Grown Talent: Frederico Morais is Portugal’s surfing star, known for his powerful style and achievements on the World Surf League Championship Tour. 🇵🇹
Longest Wave: The river wave at Mira River in the Alentejo region can be ridden for over a mile during certain conditions—perfect for longboarders! 🏄♀️
Eco-Friendly Surfboards: Portuguese companies like Notox are pioneering eco-friendly boards using cork and recycled materials, aligning with the country’s sustainability push. 🌱
First Surf Film Festival: Portugal hosts the Portuguese Surf Film Festival in Ericeira every year, celebrating surf culture through films, art, and music. 🎬
Thanks for reading about the best surfing beaches in Portugal. We hope we’ve inspired you to grab your wetsuit and dive into the waves.
What are your favorite beaches to surf in Portugal?
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The Ultimate Portugal Guide On Youtube
Watch
The Ultimate Portugal Guide On Youtube
The Ultimate Portugal Guide On Youtube
