The over 900 kilometers of sea cost, the Mediterranean climate, the only World Surf Reserve in Europe, the food and the sympathy of its people have placed Portugal in the international surfers map, with the country hosting one of the world championship event sites.
The possibility of getting into a car or a camper van and just cruise the coast, in an adventurous search for beaches and the best wave, is one of Portugal’s best assets and the country has often been considered as the best surfing destination in Europe.
World Surf Reserve
At Mafra’s council, the surf reserve extends along 4 kilometers of coastal strip and offers seven world class spot waves: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and São Lourenço.
Nazaré
The North Beach (Praia do Norte) is a must, having become famous for the super wave surfed there by McNamara that placed the town in the world map for this sport.
Peniche
The ‘Supertubos’ beach is an unavoidable stop for all surfers; the beach’s name says it all.
Viana do Castelo
At Arda beach, it’s also possible to practice paddle surf along with regular surf, while Cabedelo is the favorite destination for all kite-surfers out there.
Caves
It’s possible to visit the caves in Algarve while practicing paddle surf, departing from ‘Formosa’ beach near Lagos and heading towards Sagres.
Arrábida
It’s possible to row through Arrábida’s protected area, departing from Figueirinha beach until you get to Portinho da Arrábida.
Guincho
One of the country’s windiest beaches, heaven for kite-surfers and a surfers’ favorite spot.
Vicentine Coast
In São Torpes, the long sand strip and the wind conditions make it a preferred destination for kite-surfers, while paddle surf aficionados will rather go to Vila Nova de Milfontes or Odeceixe.
At Aljezur, Arrifana Beach always delights surfers, as it combines great waves with amazing views. Amado Beach, known for the strong currents, is also a not-to-be-missed, all-year-round surfing location, while just 5 kilometers away there is another must stop site, Carrapateira Beach.
In the south, one can surf from January to December at Sagres, with tubular reef breaks for the most experienced and beach breaks for the beginners.
Costa da Caparica
Praia Nova (New Beach) and other spots at CDS and Barbas’ beaches have garnered attention and many new surf adepts. The beach at Nova Vaga is the preferred one by kite-surfers.
Ermal
At Vieira do Minho, Ermal’s Damn offers great conditions to practice paddle surf while discovering the natural scenery of the Cabreira Hills.
Article in partnership with INS
