Beginner Surfing in Portugal: Safest Areas, Best Months & Gear
Never surfed before? Portugal is one of the best places in Europe to start. This guide covers everything a first-timer needs to know — from safest beaches to wetsuit thickness, rip currents to gear basics.
Is Portugal Good for Beginner Surfers?
Portugal is arguably the best country in Europe for learning to surf. Here's why:
✅ Consistent gentle waves
Beach breaks like Baleal and Foz do Lizandro offer small, slow-breaking waves in summer — ideal for first-timers.
✅ Warm summer water
Water temperatures reach 18–20°C by August. You can take 2-hour lessons in a shorty without discomfort.
✅ Certified surf schools
Portugal has hundreds of FPS/ISA-certified surf schools — higher density of qualified instruction than almost anywhere else in Europe.
✅ Affordable
Group lessons from €30–50/session. Week-long beginner camps from €250. Among the cheapest quality surf instruction in Western Europe.
Safest Beaches to Learn to Surf
Not all beaches are equal for beginners. These are the safest and most recommended for first-timers in Portugal.
Baleal, Peniche
Why it works: Sheltered peninsula bay — waves wrap around from both sides creating mellow, slow-breaking whitewater. Sandy bottom. Dozens of surf schools directly on the beach. The #1 beginner beach in Portugal.
Be aware: None — this is specifically designed for learning
Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira
Why it works: Long sandy beach with consistent beach-break waves. Less sheltered than Baleal but still gentle enough for beginners in smaller swell. Several surf schools operate here.
Be aware: Large swell days (2m+)
Praia da Areia Branca, near Peniche
Why it works: Long open beach with multiple sections at different sizes. Good backup when Baleal is too small or too crowded. Sandy bottom.
Be aware: Exposed to stronger swells — check conditions first
Costa da Caparica, Lisbon
Why it works: 30 km of beach breaks south of Lisbon. The northern sections near the town are best for beginners. Lifeguards in summer, easy to access by bus.
Be aware: Windier than Peniche/Ericeira — afternoon sessions often choppy
Best Months for Beginners
June–August
★★★★★ BestWarm water (18–20°C), smaller consistent waves, full surf school programmes, lifeguards on beaches. The ideal window for first-timers. Downside: higher prices and busier beaches.
May & September
★★★★☆ Very goodShoulder season — still good wave conditions, fewer crowds, slightly lower prices. Water around 16–18°C (3/2mm wetsuit). A great compromise if you can avoid peak summer.
October–November
★★★☆☆ ManageableSwells are building — conditions are suitable for beginners on smaller days, but bigger swell periods should be avoided. Water cools to 15–17°C. Most schools still operating.
December–March
★☆☆☆☆ Not recommendedPowerful winter swells make most beginner beaches unsuitable for first-timers. Some schools still run lessons on sheltered days, but this is not the time to learn. Water 14–16°C.
What Wetsuit Do You Need?
☀️
Jun–Sep
17–20°C
🌤️
Apr–May, Oct
15–17°C
🌊
Nov–Mar
14–16°C
Cold hands? Add 3mm neoprene gloves from November. Cold feet? 3mm booties prevent numb toes in winter. Most beginners in June–August need nothing beyond a wetsuit.
Wetsuit included: All reputable surf schools in Portugal include a wetsuit as part of lesson and camp packages. Check before packing your own — you'll save luggage space.
Rip Currents and Safety
Rip currents are the #1 hazard for beginner surfers. They are present at almost every beach in Portugal. Understanding how to spot and respond to them is non-negotiable before entering the ocean.
How to spot a rip current
- → Look for areas where waves are NOT breaking — water looks calmer in a channel between breaking waves
- → Darker, choppier, or discoloured water in a line running away from shore
- → Foam or debris moving steadily out to sea
- → A visible ripple or disturbance in the water surface
What to do if caught in a rip
- ✓ Stay calm — rips rarely pull you far underwater
- ✓ Float on your board — conserve energy
- ✓ Swim parallel to shore until out of the current, then angle back to shore
- ✗ Do NOT swim directly against the rip — you'll exhaust yourself
- ✗ Do NOT panic and drop your board
Beginner Gear Basics
Softboard / foam board (8–9 ft)
The only board worth using as a beginner. More buoyant, more stable, and much safer if it hits you. Your surf school will provide one — don't worry about buying.
Wetsuit (appropriate thickness)
Provided by surf schools. If buying your own, a 3/2mm full suit covers most of the year in Portugal.
Leash
Attaches the board to your ankle. Prevents the board from washing away and hitting other surfers. Schools provide these. Never surf without one.
Rash vest / lycra
Worn under or instead of a wetsuit. Protects against board rash on your torso (common when paddling). Optional in summer if wearing a wetsuit.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Use on any exposed skin — face, neck, hands. Opt for mineral sunscreen to protect the ocean ecosystem.
Ready to Learn to Surf in Portugal?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything a beginner needs to know about surfing in Portugal