Destination Surf: Portugal

A photo is worth a thousand words, and back in 2011 when Garrett McNamara of Hawaii towed into the biggest wave ever ridden, people flocked to Portugal to catch waves big and small. Beginner surfers stood up for the first time during their summer holidays and experienced surfers traveled to this beautiful country during the winter, when the swell is on. Here are a few good surf spots not to be missed while in the warmest countries of Europe.

Photo Credit: The Daily Mail

Peniche

With the wind and tide rising and falling, Peniche, was once an island turned into a peninsula. A perfect wave for beginners, this 3km beach works well on any tide and offers a less-crowded surf spot for those looking to ride a wave for the first time.

Coxos

Just north of Ericeira, this right hand barrel smoothly breaks over flat rocks. It takes some time to get to the break, as there’s a long stretch you need to walk along flagged with sea urchins and jagged rocks, but once you do, the careful walk to the beach is worth the wait. Coxos is best during low tide and is a good break for beginners.

Photo Credit: Surf Camp in Portugal

Carcavelos

The place where surfing was born in Portugal (according to all the locals you can imagine), Carcavelos offers a few different waves to surfers of every level. This fast, city beach break holds its size throughout the year. If you’re coming here for a surf trip in the summer be mindful of the hordes of tourists and locals alike chilling on the beach.

Ericeira

Recently been deemed a World Surf Reserve, Ericeira is one of the world’s best surf spots. Head here to surf Europe’s only protected beach break, you will seriously be happy you made the trip.

Photo Credit: Matador Network

Arrifana

This world-class right point-break picks up a whole lot of swell that are long, heavy and fast with barrels and shallow boils. If you’re an experienced surfer enjoy the ride, just be mindful of the rocks, sea urchins and rip tides.

Photo Credit: Alvor Beach Cam

Nazare

A once sleepy fishing village, and now how to the biggest wave ever ridden, Nazare is for expert big wave surfers, especially when it’s going off. Tow-surfing is a popular pastime here as when winter hits the ‘North Canyon’ breaks against the cliffs and the waves are on fire. If you love to watch big wave surfers, make a pit stop at Nazare to watch surfers from around the globe taking to big waves.

Portugal is one dreamy place. People from across the world take to enjoy the sun, surf and sand here any day of the year, and we know why, it’s a little bit of European perfection.