Surf in Portugal 2026:
Best Spots, Towns & Beginner Guide
Portugal is Europe's most consistent surf destination. Whether you're a first-timer looking for gentle beach breaks or an experienced surfer hunting barrels, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip.
Find the right surf experience →Why Portugal for Surfing
Portugal sits directly in the path of North Atlantic swells generated thousands of kilometres away. The result is a coastline that receives surf year-round — not occasionally, but reliably, with swells arriving every few days even in the calmest summer months. Combine that with 1,000+ km of coast, cheap flights from most of Europe, mild year-round temperatures, and some of the most welcoming surf culture on the continent, and you have a destination that justifies the hype.
For learners, the sheer number of certified surf schools (ISA and Portuguese federation accredited) means you'll find structured, safe instruction almost everywhere. For experienced surfers, breaks like Supertubos, Ribeira d'Ilhas, and Coxos offer world-class waves that hold their own against any destination in the world.
Surfing in Portugal is also genuinely affordable compared to similar quality destinations. A week-long all-inclusive surf camp in Peniche or Ericeira typically costs €350–€700, including accommodation, meals, and daily lessons. That's hard to beat in Western Europe.
Best Surf Spots in Portugal
Portugal has hundreds of surf breaks. These are the ones that matter most for surfers choosing where to base themselves.
Supertubos, Peniche
One of the heaviest beach breaks in Europe. The Rip Curl Pro Portugal WSL event runs here every autumn for good reason — hollow barrels that spit hard. Advanced surfers only. Nearby Baleal beach is the complete opposite: a sheltered bay perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, Ericeira
Ericeira is Europe's only World Surfing Reserve — an area protected for its concentration of world-class breaks within a 4 km stretch. Ribeira d'Ilhas is a long right-hander that hosts the Meo Rip Curl Pro. Coxos is a powerful, heavy right reef only for experienced surfers. Foz do Lizandro nearby is the go-to beginner beach.
Costa da Caparica, Lisbon
30 km of beach breaks just south of Lisbon, accessible by bus. Multiple surf schools operate here year-round, and the breaks get less crowded the further south you walk. Good for all levels, excellent infrastructure.
Peniche vs Ericeira: How to Choose
These are Portugal's two main surf hubs, and the debate is real. Here's the honest breakdown for surfers choosing between them.
Peniche / Baleal
- ✅ Best beginner beach (Baleal bay)
- ✅ Largest selection of surf schools
- ✅ Cheaper surf camps overall
- ✅ World-famous Supertubos nearby
- ✅ Lively camp/hostel social scene
- ⚠️ Less reef break variety
- ⚠️ Can feel touristy in peak season
Ericeira
- ✅ World Surfing Reserve status
- ✅ More reef and point break variety
- ✅ Charming village atmosphere
- ✅ 30 min from Lisbon
- ✅ Great for intermediate+
- ⚠️ Fewer beginner-safe beaches
- ⚠️ Pricier accommodation
Bottom line: If you're a beginner or want the most surf-camp-style experience with the best value, go to Peniche/Baleal. If you're intermediate or advanced and want more break variety and a more authentic feel, choose Ericeira.
Best Time to Surf Portugal (by Level)
Portugal has surf year-round. The best time depends entirely on your skill level and what you want out of the waves.
| Period | Wave size | Crowds | Water temp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | ★★★★★ | Low | 14–16°C | Advanced |
| Apr–May | ★★★☆☆ | Low | 15–17°C | Intermediate |
| Jun–Aug | ★★☆☆☆ | High | 18–20°C | Beginners |
| Sep–Oct | ★★★★☆ | Medium | 17–19°C | All levels |
| Nov–Dec | ★★★★★ | Low | 14–16°C | Advanced |
Summer (Jun–Aug): Smaller, cleaner waves and warm water make this the best time for beginners. Schools are fully staffed and lessons run daily. Downside: it's busy, especially in Ericeira.
Autumn (Sep–Oct): The consensus "sweet spot" — swells building, water still warm, crowds thinning. Great for all levels.
Winter (Nov–Mar): For the serious surfer. Powerful, consistent swells, empty lineups, and lower prices. Not for beginners unless you're supervised.
Surf Portugal by Skill Level
Beginners
Portugal is ideal for first-timers. Baleal (Peniche) and Foz do Lizandro (Ericeira) are safe, mellow beaches with qualified instructors nearby. Book a surf school package — typically 5 lessons over 5 days — and you'll be riding waves by day two or three. For the full beginner guide including safety, gear, and what to avoid, see our beginner surfing in Portugal guide.
Intermediate surfers
Ericeira is the destination for intermediates wanting to progress. The variety of breaks — reef, point, and beach — means you can find the right size and shape for your level. Surf camps offering video analysis, coaching, and small groups are common in both Ericeira and Peniche. September and October offer the best conditions for progression.
Advanced surfers
Supertubos in Peniche and Coxos in Ericeira are world-class. Both break best October through March. Nazaré is a separate beast entirely — Praia do Norte holds the world record for biggest wave ever surfed. Not a learner destination, but a bucket-list spectator or experienced surfer stop.
Portugal Surf Trip Planning
Getting there
Lisbon airport (LIS) is the main hub — 1 hour from Peniche/Baleal and 30 min from Ericeira. Budget airlines fly direct from most European cities. Faro (Algarve) is better for southern destinations.
How long to stay
A week is the minimum to make progress if you're learning. 10–14 days is ideal. Surf camps typically run 5-day or 7-day packages, so plan around those.
What to pack
3/2mm wetsuit (summer), 4/3mm (winter). Rash vest, reef boots if you're surfing reef breaks, and sunscreen. Most camps provide boards and wetsuits if you're on a package.
Budget
Budget surf holidays start from around €80–120/night (lessons, accommodation, some meals). A realistic all-inclusive surf camp budget is €500–€900 for 7 days. See our full price guide.
For full price detail on lessons and camps, see Surf camp prices in Portugal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about surfing in Portugal