Surfing in Portugal

Useful Information

  Surf Schools in Portugal

Holidays in Portugal

Portugal

Weather in Portugal

Leisure Activities in Portugal

Getting to Portugal

Accommodation in Portugal

Self Catering Accommodation

Popular Days Out

  Lisbon Zoo

  Bull Fighting in Portugal

  Grutas (Caves) de Mira de Aire

If you are thinking of going surfing in Portugal then you will be spoilt for choice over the number of locations to catch a wave in this small, Iberian country, which has become something of a surfer's paradise over the past 30 years.

With over 1,500 kilometres of Atlantic coastline Portugal has hundreds of locations to catch a wave from the northerly  Costa Verde down to the Algarve in the south.

Due to it's geographical location as the most south westerly country in Europe, Portugal picks up north, south and westerly winds. It is these winds which provide some great swells, consistent throughout the year.

Add Portugal's relatively mild climate into the mix with sunshine almost guaranteed year round, and you can understand why more and more international surfers - from beginners through to experts - are choosing to surf in Portugal.

It is perhaps because of these favourable year round conditions Portugal is considered the best place in Europe to catch a wave. The prestigious Association Surfing Professional hosts one of the 11 rounds of the World Tour at beaches just north of Ericeira on Portugal's Silver Coast.

However surfing in Portugal is not just for the professionals, but for every level and ability with a variety of waves and sizes.  If you have never been on a surf board and want to experience riding a wave, then there are also plenty of surf schools in Portugal, ready to help teach you the right moves. Most of these schools offer equipment hire, scheduled lessons and in some cases accommodation as part of their packages.

Although you can catch some great waves throughout the year in Portugal, if you are looking to learn to surf, then perhaps the best time to wax down your board is in the summer when the swells are not too demanding. For more proficient surfers the spring and autumn provide better swell heights with the added breezes blowing in off the Atlantic.

It is during the winter months though, when the swells are larger, particularly around the beaches of SuperTubos, Consolação and Molhe Leste just south of the Silver Coast port town of Peniche as well as Meia Praia and Amado on the Algarve. Swells sizes can reach up to six feet, though have been known to rise to 15 feet at times, ideal for only experienced surfers looking for a challenge.

So if you fancy following in the footsteps of Portugal's own, professional surfer, Tiago Pires, then why not sign up for surf lessons at one of the many schools, which line the Atlantic coast of Portugal. The Ericeira born surfer is currently ranked number 23 in the world and was at the time of writing (April 2011) joint third in the 2011 championship.