With its 450 miles of Atlantic coastline, a series of fantastic unspoilt beaches and some of the best waves in Europe, it’s absolutely no surprise that surfing in Portugal is in a league of its own. Furthermore, the charming remote villages peppered along its coast, the friendly locals and the low prices there, are all contemplating to make Portugal a world-renowned surfing destination.
SurfingAt the beginning of 2013, Hawaiian surfer Garret McNamara, who was invited by the Government of Portugal to explore and examine the unique environment of Nazare, managed to surf the biggest wave in history (100ft), shattering its own Guiness Book record. But that’s not all, in addition to Nazare, whose 16,00-foot- deep undersea canyon makes it ideal for extreme surfers, the tiny Iberian country boasts a wide variety of surf spots ideal for all skill levels.
Some of the most popular surfing areas in Portugal are Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica in Lisabon; Subertubes in the Peninsula of Peniche; as well as Coxos, Reef and Pedra Branca in Ericeira – a lovely resort whose coastline has been endorsed as the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe.
The amazing coastline of Algarve, with its excellent weather, beautiful beaches and tremendous waves, makes for an ideal year round destination for surfing enthusiasts, while Northern Portugal, especially the regions of Minho and Douro, offers plenty of quality surfing for those looking to escape the crowded south.
Despite of being one of the finest (if not the best) surfing destinations in Europe, Portugal offers wave riders the chance to complement their surfing holiday with plenty of culture, fun activities and gorgeous traditional food.
Best time to surf in Portugal is November – February (April-August for beginners).
