The Best Surf Towns in Portugal 🌊
Fabio GoncalvesPortugal has exploded onto the world surf scene, offering an incredible mix of surf towns, city-and-surf culture, and stunning beaches. From laid-back fishing villages to bustling coastal cities, some of the best surf towns in Portugal deliver consistent waves year-round and plenty of adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore Portugal’s top surf locations – each with its own flavor – and share travel tips, local secrets, fun facts, where to stay, how to get there, and more. Whether you’re chasing giant swell at Nazaré or mellow beach breaks in the Algarve, Portugal’s surf beaches promise something special for every level. (Tip: The Atlantic waters here stay cool even in summer, so pack a good wetsuit – check out The Atlantic Wave’s Surf Collection for gear before you go!)
Ericeira – Surf Reserve of Europe 🏄♂️🌅
Aerial view of Ericeira’s coastline – a historic fishing village turned surf mecca.
Overview: Ericeira is often called the ultimate Portugal surfing town, and for good reason. This picturesque village north of Lisbon is Europe’s first and only World Surfing Reserve, designated in 2011(nationalgeographic.com). In just a 4 km stretch of coast, Ericeira packs in seven world-class surf breaks, from rippable reef points to punchy beach breaks (ericeirawsr10.com). The town itself charms visitors with whitewashed houses perched on cliffs above the Atlantic, a mix of old-world fishing culture and modern surf vibes. It feels like a surf town – you’ll see boards everywhere and waves in the air. In fact, Ericeira has 9 quality surf beaches within 8 km of town (surfholidays.com), making it second to none for variety. The surf works all year (the winter brings bigger swells for experts, while summer offers smaller, fun surf for beginners). No wonder Ericeira has established itself as “the ultimate playground for European surf culture” and often tops the list of best surf towns in Portugal.
Surf & Waves: Thanks to its orientation and abundant breaks, Ericeira can cater to all levels. Beginners love beach breaks like Foz do Lizandro or São Julião on the town’s edges, while advanced surfers flock to the famous reefs like Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos. Ribeira d’Ilhas is particularly iconic – a long, right-hand point/reef that hosts world competitions and breaks reliably with clean shape (americansurfmagazine.com). (If you’ve watched a surf contest in Portugal, chances are it was at Ribeira d’Ilhas!) Coxos, on the other hand, offers one of Europe’s best right-hand barrels when it’s on – a heavy, fast wave for the experienced only. A fun fact: the name Ericeira means “land of sea urchins,” and you can even find local pastries called ouriços (shaped like urchins) in town. Ericeira’s surf culture runs deep; surfing began here in the 1970s, and now the sport is woven into the fabric of the community (nationalgeographic.com). Don’t be surprised to find surf shops, schools, and board-toting visitors on every corner!
Travel Tips: Ericeira sits about 45 minutes’ drive northwest of Lisbon. It’s easily accessible by highway or by bus (direct buses run from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station roughly every hour). Having a car isn’t strictly necessary – Ericeira is one surf town you can enjoy without one, since beaches and the village are close and there are regular bus connections. Still, wheels give you freedom to roam up and down the coast. Once there, explore beyond the surf: stroll the cobbled old town streets, try fresh seafood (don’t miss the grilled sardines and ceviche at local restaurants), and enjoy the sunsets from the clifftop by the iconic “Guardian” surfer statue. A local secret: head to Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) in late afternoon to watch fishermen mend nets and catch a gorgeous sunset with the harbor as backdrop. Also, swing by the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center to learn about the seven legendary breaks and the area’s ecology – it really highlights what makes this surf zone special.
Where to Stay: Ericeira has accommodations for every budget, from surf hostels to upscale retreats. For a true surf vibe, consider a surf house or camp – there are over 50 surf schools/camps in the area. Hostel options like Selina Ericeira or Laneez Ericeira Surf House are popular for their community atmosphere and ocean views. If you’re looking for comfort, check out You and the Sea Ericeira, a stylish oceanfront hotel with its own surf center. Staying in the town center is convenient (walk to cafes, nightlife, and some breaks), but if you have a car, you might find peaceful guesthouses on the outskirts near beaches like Ribeira or São Julião. Either way, you’ll wake up to the sound of waves. Ericeira truly embodies the ideal Portugal surf town – friendly, scenic, and soaked in surf stoke.
Peniche & Baleal – Peninsula of Endless Waves 🏖️🤙
Supertubos in Peniche – Europe’s answer to Pipeline.
Overview: Peniche is perhaps the most famous of all Portugal’s surf towns (thesurfatlas.com). This traditional fishing town turned surf hub lies on a rocky peninsula about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon. What makes Peniche special is its geography – the town juts out into the Atlantic, with beaches facing multiple directions (north, west, and south). In practical terms, that means no matter the swell or wind direction, “there’s almost always somewhere with a decent offshore wave” around Peniche. It boasts one of the widest swell windows in Europe and over 10 surf breaks in the vicinity (americansurfmagazine.com) (stormrider.surf). From September through November, Peniche becomes the epicenter of European surfing when the world’s top pros arrive for the Rip Curl Pro Portugal at Supertubos – a World Surf League championship event held here annually (usually in autumn). The vibe in town blends workaday fishing port (you’ll see colorful boats and nets in the harbor) with a growing surf tourism scene – surf camps, board factories, cafes, and bars buzzing with international surfers. It’s not the prettiest town architecturally (parts of Peniche are a bit drab and utilitarian) (thesurfatlas.com), but what it lacks in looks it more than makes up for in waves and energy. Plus, just north of Peniche proper is Baleal, a chill village on a little island connected by a causeway, surrounded by beach breaks – effectively Peniche’s surf suburb and a surf town in its own right.
Surf & Waves: Peniche’s marquee wave is Supertubos, often dubbed the “European Pipeline.” It’s a world-class beach break producing dredging, hollow tubes that can rival Hawaii on a good day. Supertubos works best on medium to large swells with offshore winds – when it’s firing, expect expert-only, thumping barrels (and photographers lining the beach). But Peniche offers far more than just heavy waves. On the north side of the peninsula, around Baleal, you’ll find user-friendly surf beaches like Cantinho da Baía, Prainha, and Lagide (which is a reef break peeling long lefts that’s an alternate contest site and great when Supertubos is too wild). Beginners and intermediates will love the sandy bays of Baleal, where softer waves break year-round. In fact, Baleal Beach is known as a go-to spot for surf schools – a softer, forgiving wave ideal for learning. What’s great is you can almost always find a wave to suit your level: if a big northwest swell is closing out Baleal, drive 5 minutes to the south-facing Praia do Molhe Leste or Consolação for sheltered conditions. Conversely, if the wind is onshore at one break, another nearby might be offshore – Peniche’s peninsula shape creates wind/swell protection from most angles. Local tip: if you’re experienced and the swell is huge, check north of town at a break called Papôa (near an old shipwreck) – it can hold XL waves when everything else is maxing out. And for a fun day trip, consider a ferry to the Berlengas Islands off Peniche; you might not surf there, but the scenery and snorkeling are fantastic.
Surf Tshirt inspired in Peniche
Travel Tips: Getting to Peniche is straightforward: it’s ~100km from Lisbon. By car, take the A8 highway (about 1hr 15min drive). Buses also run from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station and typically take 1h 30m to 2h. Once in Peniche, you can explore a lot on foot or by bike, but to surf the full range of spots (spanning a 20-minute driving radius), having a car or staying at a surf camp that provides shuttles helps. The town itself has a historic fortress (which infamously was used as a political prison), and it’s worth walking the old quarter to see the Peniche Fortress Museum and sample local seafood – ** Peniche is famed for its fresh fish and “caldeirada” (fish stew)**, a perfect post-surf meal. In the evenings, Baleal’s beachfront bar scene comes alive (don’t miss a sunset drink at Bar da Praia or a dance at Danau). Wherever you go, that salty surf-town spirit is in the air.
Where to Stay: Peniche and Baleal offer a wide range of accommodations tailored to surfers. There are surf camps like Peniche Surf Camp and Baleal Surf Camp that package lodging, lessons, and board rentals – great for meeting fellow travelers. If you prefer to do your own thing, Surfers Lodge Peniche is a popular boutique hotel with a surf boutique vibe (rooftop pool and all). For budget travelers, hostels like Green Hostel Peniche or Captain’s Log House in Baleal are highly rated. Baleal is quieter at night and literally steps from the beach, whereas Peniche town has more restaurants and services – they’re only 5km apart, so you can’t go wrong. One thing is sure: you’ll never be far from a wave. Fun fact: Peniche used to be an island until the 16th century, when silt formed the land bridge that now connects it to the mainland (visitportugal.com). Today that “island vibe” remains – you’re surrounded by ocean, and as locals say, “Peniche é uma península de ondas” (Peniche is a peninsula of waves). Enjoy the surf and seafood in this best surf town in Portugal contender!
Nazaré – The Big Wave Wonderland 🌊🌁
A wide golden beach and towering promontory define Nazaré – calm in summer, ferocious in winter.
Overview: Nazaré is a once-sleepy fishing village that’s become world-famous for one thing: jaw-dropping giant waves. This town on the Silver Coast (about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon) shot into the spotlight when surfers began towing into the colossal breakers at Praia do Norte, now known as the home of 100-foot waves. In fact, Nazaré holds the record for the largest wave ever surfed – riders have conquered monsters up to 30 meters (100 ft) high here (awavetravel.com). Thanks to the underwater Nazaré Canyon (a deep trench pointing at the shore), winter swells get magnified into mountains of water that pound Praia do Norte, turning Nazaré into a spectator’s wonderland and a proving ground for big-wave surfers (awavetravel.com). But there’s more to Nazaré than just huge surf – it’s a charming town with a rich culture. Stroll the main town beach (Praia da Nazaré) on a summer day and you’ll see fishermen’s wives in traditional multi-layered skirts sun-drying fish on nets, as they’ve done for generations. Ride the funicular up to Sítio, the clifftop old quarter, for panoramic views and to visit the small chapel linked to the legend of Nazaré’s founding. Nazaré balances two identities: tranquil seaside resort in summer, adrenaline-fueled big wave capital in winter. As one travel writer put it, Nazaré transforms into a bustling surf town each winter when the world’s bravest watermen (and women) descend to chase the biggest swells (ourcrossings.com). If you’re a surfer, you might not surf Praia do Norte (very few can or should), but watching it is an unforgettable experience. And if the giant waves aren’t breaking during your visit, Nazaré still offers plenty of stoke and beauty.
Surf tank inspired in Portugal's iconic Galo Barcelos
Surf & Waves: Let’s be clear – Nazaré’s giant waves only break from roughly October through March, and only under specific swell conditions. If you come in summer, Praia do Norte might look like a placid, empty beach (as the American author of Moby Dick once observed, “calm Nazaré” in summer belies the fury of its winter surf). But in winter, when a massive North Atlantic storm swell marches in, Nazaré becomes the Super Bowl of surfing. Crowds gather on the Fort São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse at Sítio (the famous red-roofed lighthouse) to watch chargers tow into skyscraper-size waves – it’s as much a show as a surf session. The biggest ride ever (as of 2020) was an 86-foot wave surfed by Sebastian Steudtner, a world record. For perspective, these waves are as tall as a 7-story building and move with terrifying speed and volume. Needless to say, big-wave surfing at Nazaré is for elite professionals only – most surfers will be content to observe or maybe surf elsewhere nearby. And there are other surf options: on smaller days, the beach Praia da Vila (Nazaré’s main town beach south of the headland) can have fun beach break waves that intermediate surfers enjoy, and it’s patrolled by lifeguards in summer. To the north, there’s Praia do Norte (when under 10 ft it’s sometimes surfable for very experienced paddlers) and further north sheltered spots like São Pedro de Moel on big days. But generally, Nazaré’s allure is watching the spectacle or attending the annual Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge (a big-wave contest with no fixed date – it’s called on short notice when a perfect swell pops up). If you aim to see the XXL waves, plan to visit in winter and stay flexible – you might have to wait days or weeks for the right conditions. A local tip: follow forecasts (the NazareWaves website and Surfline provide big-wave alerts) and try to stay at least a week. When it does turn on, get up to the lighthouse early to claim a viewing spot (it can get crowded on epic days). And bring binoculars – surfers look like tiny ants on those moving mountains!
Travel Tips: Getting there: Nazaré is roughly 120 km north of Lisbon. The easiest way is by car (about 1h 20m on the A8 highway). There are also direct buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal to Nazaré, taking around 2 hours. Once in town, everything is walkable between the beach, restaurants, and hotels at sea level, and the Sítio district above (connected by the funicular or a steep walk). Driving in Nazaré’s narrow lanes can be tricky, so park and explore on foot if you can. When to go: If your goal is sunny beach days and maybe small surf, summer (June–Aug) is lovely – the town is lively with Portuguese holidaymakers, the water is calmer (but still chilly ~18°C), and you can swim. If your goal is to witness (or surf) the big waves, come between late fall and early spring. Peak big-wave season is November through February – but remember, there are no guarantees with nature. Some winters have more giant swell days than others. What to do: Beyond surfing, Nazaré offers cultural charms. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré at Sítio, a beautiful church tied to a medieval miracle. Check out the small museum in the fortress where they display the surfboards from record-breaking rides and explain the Nazaré Canyon phenomenon. Stroll the beachfront promenade and perhaps buy a locally made Gorete (traditional fisherman’s sweater) or a jar of barnacles (a local seafood delicacy). And definitely take the funicular up for the sunset – watching the sky turn gold over Nazaré’s sweeping bay from the cliff is magical. For a local food tip, try the bolo de berlim (Portuguese donut) sold on the beach, or have dinner at a seaside restaurant with grilled catch of the day. Nazaré may be globally famed for extreme surf now, but at heart it’s still a welcoming Portuguese town with a unique mix of adrenaline and authenticity. If you’re not aiming to surf the monster waves, you can still soak up the surf aura and maybe get inspired for the more human-sized waves elsewhere. After all, experiencing Nazaré’s roar from the safety of the lighthouse is a bucket-list item for any surf traveler!
Lisbon & Cascais – City Buzz and Surf Breaks 🏙️🏄
If you’re looking to mix city and surf in Portugal, the Lisbon region is unbeatable. Lisbon itself is often cited among the world’s best surf cities thanks to its proximity to a diverse selection of waves. Imagine exploring a vibrant European capital by night and catching waves by day – that’s Lisbon’s allure. Within 15–30 minutes from downtown, you have multiple surf spots: the famous Carcavelos Beach on the Cascais coastline to the west, and the extensive Costa da Caparica beaches just across the Tagus River to the south. This means you can stay in Lisbon (enjoying its history, food, and nightlife) and still score quality surf sessions on the same trip – the ultimate Portugal city-and-surf combo. Alternatively, base yourself in Cascais, a charming coastal town 30 km west of Lisbon, which offers a relaxed resort vibe and quick access to breaks like Guincho. Let’s break down the surf scene here:
Surf & Beaches near Lisbon: On the “Linha de Cascais” (train line from Lisbon to Cascais), the standout surf spot is Praia de Carcavelos. Carcavelos is a long sandy beach only ~20 minutes drive or a short train ride from the city, and it’s one of the best-known surf breaks in the Lisbon area (surfholidays.com). In winter, Carcavelos pumps: it can serve up hollow, fast beach-break barrels (locals affectionately compare it to Supertubos on its day). It’s popular and can get crowded with talented locals and surf schools alike. Moving west along the coast, spots like São Pedro do Estoril and Praia da Poça offer smaller waves sheltered by jetties – good options if Carcavelos is too big or blown out. Further west by Cascais, you reach Praia do Guincho, a gorgeous wild beach backed by dunes and the Sintra hills. Guincho picks up a lot of swell and is known for strong winds (it’s a kiteboarding hotspot too). In summer, Guincho is often surfable in the mornings before the notorious afternoon wind (the Nortada) kicks in. The water here is a bit cooler and the setting scenic – dramatic cliffs and often a misty haze from the crashing waves. On the south side of Lisbon’s Tejo River lies Costa da Caparica, often just called “Caparica.” This is Lisbon’s surf playground with a 26 km stretch of sandy coastline facing the Atlantic (surflisbon.com). Caparica is lined with numerous beach breaks (many divided by piers) offering waves for all levels. In summer it’s gentle and great for beginners; in autumn/winter it can fire with peaks up and down the coast. Because of its length, you can almost always find an uncrowded peak if you’re willing to walk a bit. The town of Costa da Caparica itself is a small beach town with a laid-back vibe – in season it’s buzzing with beachgoers, and off-season it’s pretty sleepy. Surf-wise, Caparica is very consistent (a true wave factory) and has become known as “the city of surf” for Lisbon residents (surflisbon.com).
Travel Tips: Staying in Lisbon gives you the best of both worlds – world-class culture and easy day trips to surf. In the morning, you could be touring Belém or Alfama in the city, and by afternoon, catching waves at Carcavelos. A convenient way to hit the surf from Lisbon is taking the train from Cais do Sodré station to Carcavelos (it drops you 5 minutes’ walk from the beach). For Costa da Caparica, a car or bus is needed (there’s a direct bus from Praça de Espanha in Lisbon to Caparica, or you can ferry across to Cacilhas and bus from there). Cascais town is another great base – it’s connected to Lisbon by a scenic train ride (~40 minutes). Cascais itself isn’t a surf spot in the town center (it has a harbor and a sheltered bay), but it’s close to Guincho (10 min drive) and Carcavelos (15 min drive/train). Cascais offers a unique blend of Portugal surf town meets cosmopolitan flair: you’ll find surf shops and schools, but also fine dining, a marina, and even a casino in neighboring Estoril. If you have a non-surfing partner or family, Cascais is ideal since it has beaches for swimming, biking paths, museums, and the picturesque Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of Europe) nearby. A fun fact: Cascais was a royal vacation spot in the 19th century, and today you can stroll its cobbled streets and see former palaces – all while wearing flip-flops and carrying a surfboard, a true Portugal city and surf experience! For local eats after surf: in Carcavelos/Cascais area, try the local pastry areias de Cascais (buttery cookies) and grab a bifana (pork sandwich) or fresh bowl of açaí at a beach café. In Caparica, join locals for a seafood lunch – the beach shacks serve amazing grilled fish.
Where to Stay: If your priority is surf, consider staying in Costa da Caparica – it’s not far from Lisbon but you’ll wake up by the waves. There are several surf hostels and camps there (e.g. Surf Lisbon House in Caparica) and even a designated “surf campground.” If you prefer city life, stay in Lisbon or Cascais and commute to surf. Lisbon has endless accommodation options; areas like Cais do Sodré or Carcavelos (if slightly outside the city) might appeal to surfers. In Cascais, you’ll find everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels. A notable mention: Selina Cascais offers a hip, surf-friendly hotel right in town. Also, some surfers base out of Ericeira or Sintra and do day trips into Lisbon – but if you want that dynamic city-and-surf vibe, staying near Lisbon proper is the way to go. Ultimately, the Lisbon/Cascais region might not feel like a tight-knit “surf town” since it’s more spread out, but it’s undeniably one of the best surf locations in Portugal for those who want culture, nightlife, and waves all in one trip. Where else can you enjoy a live Fado music performance at night and be cruising down a glassy wave the next morning?
Sagres & The Algarve – Surfing at Europe’s Edge 🏝️🚐
Arrifana Beach (Aljezur) on the west Algarve – one of the many gorgeous surf spots near Sagres.
Overview: Welcome to Sagres, the end of the world – and the start of an epic surf adventure. Sagres sits at the south-western tip of Europe, in Portugal’s sunny Algarve region. This small, laid-back town has a wild, windswept charm; think dramatic cliffs, a historic fort on the headland, and pristine beaches in every direction. Sagres is renowned as one of Portugal’s top surfing destinations, with cliff-protected bays offering some of the best waves in the south (portugal.com). What makes Sagres truly special is geography: it’s perched on a cape that divides two very different coastlines – west coast and south coast. This unique setup means two swell exposures and plenty of options. On one side, you have the full force of the Atlantic hitting the west-facing beaches; on the other, the gentler swells of a south-facing coast (thesurfatlas.com). In practice, this dual coast access gives Sagres fantastic consistency and a wave for every skill level (thesurfatlas.com) (thesurfatlas.com). It’s often said that in Sagres, if the surf’s flat on one coast, just drive 20 minutes to the other! The town of Sagres itself is mellow – a few surf shops, cafes, and bars catering to surfers and backpackers. It hasn’t been overdeveloped, retaining a bit of that frontier vibe. (You might hear roosters crowing in the morning and see vans with international plates parked up for the season.) With more than 300 sunny days a year, the Algarve climate is incredibly inviting (thesurfatlas.com) – think blue skies, golden cliffs, and turquoise water. Sagres is not just about surf, either: it’s steeped in history, being the legendary launch point of many 15th-century Portuguese explorers (Henry the Navigator set up a navigation school here, and the Fortaleza de Sagres fortress still stands tribute). But for modern explorers with surfboards, Sagres is the gateway to an Algarve surf safari.
Surf & Waves: The surf around Sagres breaks into two zones: West Coast (north of Sagres) and South Coast (around Sagres and eastwards). West Coast: This is the heavy-hitter, open to Atlantic swells. Just a short drive north from Sagres are a string of world-class beach breaks and reefs. For example, Praia do Castelejo and Praia da Cordoama (about 20–25 min drive) are beautiful long beaches back-dropped by cliffs, offering peaks up and down – great in autumn/winter when NW swells roll in. Further north, Arrifana (near Aljezur, ~30-40 min from Sagres) is a favorite: a picturesque bay with a consistent right-hand point/reef at one end and a beach break, making it ideal for beginners on smaller days and intermediates when it’s bigger (thesurfatlas.com). (Arrifana’s scenery is stunning – as seen in the photo above – a must-visit for the vibe alone.) Another gem is Praia do Amado and Praia da Bordeira (near Carrapateira, ~25 min from Sagres). Amado hosts surf schools and has friendly beach break waves, whereas Bordeira (just adjacent) can hold larger surf, including a famed left point on big swells (thesurfatlas.com). Basically, the west coast is a playground of breaks: beach breaks like Amado, point breaks like Arrifana, reefs like Ponta Ruiva (advanced surfers love this semi-secret left north of Vila do Bispo), and more. In winter, the west coast can get huge – if it’s too challenging, that’s when Sagres’ south side shines. South Coast: The south-facing beaches around Sagres point toward the relatively calmer Algarve waters. They need bigger winter swells (or southwest swells) to really break, but when they do, they provide shelter from north winds. Mareta beach is right in Sagres town – it’s a curved bay that’s usually small and perfect for beginner lessons (it works best on a rare south swell or when west swells wrap in during winter) (americansurfmagazine.com). On the other side of the point, Praia do Tonel sits just west of Sagres under the fortress – Tonel picks up more west swell and is a punchy break favored by intermediate to advanced surfers (it gets rippy when big). Just east of Sagres, Martinhal Beach has softer waves and is good for beginners on moderate days (thesurfatlas.com). Further along the south coast (heading toward Lagos) you find gems like Zavial – a gorgeous south coast spot that, with a strong winter swell, produces long right-handers and has a bit of local crowd. Because Zavial faces south, it’s offshore in northerly winds (which are common in summer), making it a go-to when the west coast is blown out (thesurftribe.com). The bottom line: Sagres area surf is versatile. As Surf Atlas succinctly put it, “two coastlines – so there are waves for all levels and something working no matter the season” (thesurfatlas.comthesurfatlas.com). It’s like having a big wave and a small wave spot next door. Many surf road-trippers base themselves here in campervans, chasing the best conditions day by day. One moment you’re dropping into a powerful Atlantic wall at Cordoama, later that day you might be logging a mellow longboard wave at Mareta. Few places offer that range so nearby.
Travel Tips: Getting to Sagres: It’s about 3.5 hours drive from Lisbon. Many travelers pair an Algarve surf trip with a visit to Lagos (the nearest bigger town, ~30km away) or fly into Faro (the Algarve’s main airport, ~1.5 hours from Sagres). Having a car is highly recommended in the Algarve – spots are spread out and public transport is limited to bigger towns. If you’re doing a surf camp, they often provide transport to the waves. The scene: Sagres town is small and relaxed – don’t expect crazy nightlife (though there are a few fun bars like Three Little Birds and Dromedário where surfers congregate). What you can expect is a super chill atmosphere, inexpensive restaurants serving grilled catch of the day (sardines, octopus), and plenty of parking lots with surf vans from all over Europe. Local secrets: Make sure to catch a sunset at Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) just outside Sagres – it’s literally the southwest tip of Europe, with a lighthouse on the cliffs, and sunset there feels almost mystical (people applaud as the sun dips, and it’s sometimes dubbed the “End of the World” by locals). After an evening surf at Tonel or Beliche, heading there for sunset is a ritual. Another tip: if you’re in Sagres in late autumn, keep an eye out for the annual migrations of storks and other birds – Sagres hosts a birdwatching festival and you can often see storks nesting on sea cliffs (the only place in the world where storks nest on ocean cliffs, apparently (portugal.com)). As for surf tips, flexibility is key – check both coasts each day if you can. Mornings often have lighter winds for glassy conditions. The Algarve water is warmer than the rest of Portugal, especially in summer (you might get away with a 3/2 wetsuit or even a shorty in August), but in winter it still drops to ~15°C, so a 4/3 wetsuit plus booties is wise December–March.
Where to Stay: Sagres offers everything from campsites to swanky resorts. If you’re on a budget or a solo traveler, Sagres Sun Stay and Funky Monkey Hostel are popular choices, offering dorms, private rooms, and even yoga classes and pool dips in between surfs. For a bit more comfort, check out Mareta Beach Boutique Hotel (overlooking Mareta beach) or Memmo Baleeira Hotel, a stylish hotel with a spa and sweeping bay views. Traveling with family or seeking luxury? The Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort is a 5-star option that blends family-friendly amenities with a surf-able beach right out front (awavetravel.com). Many surfers also base in Lagos (a larger town east of Sagres, with a lively nightlife and lots of lodging) and drive to Sagres and west coast spots each day. But staying in Sagres keeps you close to the action and immersed in the surf vibe. Waking up in Sagres, you truly feel at the edge of the continent – rugged beauty all around. And when the swell is up and you score perfect waves with just a few friends out, you’ll understand why Sagres is a best surf town in Portugal in its own right. It may be remote, but it’s a slice of surf paradise where adventure meets tranquility.
Wrap-Up: From the cold-water reefs of Ericeira to the sun-baked beach breaks of the Algarve, the surf towns of Portugal offer an amazing diversity of experiences. In this small coastal nation, you can find Portugal surf beaches suited for every style – whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle waves or an expert chasing world-class barrels. Each town we’ve explored has its own character: Ericeira is a cozy surf sanctuary steeped in culture; Peniche/Baleal is a wave-rich playground and contest venue; Nazaré is an awe-inspiring big wave arena and vibrant fishing town; Lisbon/Cascais blend urban excitement with surf convenience; and Sagres is a sunny frontier where two coasts collide. The common thread? A welcoming surf culture and the ever-present Atlantic providing consistent surf year round
When planning your trip, consider the seasons (winter brings the biggest swells and smallest crowds, summer the mellow waves and livelier beach scene (awavetravel.com)). Mix and match destinations if you can – a road trip from north to south, hitting multiple surf towns in Portugal, is the adventure of a lifetime. And don’t forget to savor the non-surf highlights too: the grilled seafood and pastéis de nata, the historic castles and cobbled streets, the friendly locals who are proud of their surf heritage. Portugal truly marries surf and travel in a special way. So pack your board (or rent one locally), secure that wetsuit, and get ready to explore the coastline. The best surf towns in Portugal are waiting with open arms, endless waves, and maybe a few Sagres beers at the end of the day. Até logo e boas ondas – see you in the water! 🏄♀️🌞
