Surfing in Portugal

Located to the west of Spain, Portugal experiences swells from the north, south and west. This makes for a range of surf conditions which are ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
In winter, the swell is usually about 1.8 metres but can reach as much as 4 metres or more, and as surf conditions become progressively more difficult, they can start to present a real sporting challenge.
If you surf in summer, you can expect waves ranging from 1 to 1.5 metres. And because there is wave activity around the entire coast, you can also expect to encounter some very different wave types. The area around Peniche is an ideal location because the peninsula helps to make the most of the prevailing weather conditions.

With a coastline oriented both west and south, the country experiences swell from every direction. So yes, Portugal can be considered an all year surf destination. However, each season has its own particular features.
For beginners, the best time to holiday is in the summer, between May and September, because at this time the swells are less frequent and the waves are much smaller. But note that the best surf spots tend to be very popular indeed, especially throughout July and August.
For more experienced surfers, the most regular and predictable surf conditions occur between September and April. The winter season is renowned for its powerful swells which can produce some heavy waves. Fortunately, there are also some sheltered places where beginners and experienced surfers can feel safe, even in winter.

Between March and May, you can surf pretty much anywhere. This is probably the best time of the year to go surfing in the north of the country and try out popular Porto surf spots like Matosinhos and Espinho.
 
Then, from late spring onwards, the massive influx of tourists begins to gather pace. From June through to August, the crowds are manic, especially on the central coast and even more so on any of the surf beaches near Lisbon. Your best chance of some decent surfing in summer is the Algarve, which has some of the best surf spots in Europe.

From September to November, almost all spots are much more accessible. The large crowds have dispersed and you can start to feel the swell. The water also stays warm, there is still a lot of sun at this time of year, and the waves are bigger than in summer. This is the perfect time to discover some of the central coast surf spots, such as Peniche, Ericeira, Nazaré and the waves near Lisbon.
From December to February, the swell is almost unsurpassable. Strong storms can occur in winter, which can often make many surf spots impossible to attempt. Look for places facing south which will offer you more protection from the storms. And if you are looking for more friendly waves at this time of year, Cascais and the Algarve are your best choices.

Despite its world class waves and year round surfing, Portugal’s surf scene only really started to take off during the 1990s. But the last decade has seen exponential growth, and today almost all the surf beaches today are lined with surf camps, schools, board hire shops and bars.
 
Each year in October, the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal event attracts an international crowd of surfers to the world-famous Supertubos beach. Guests from all parts of Peniche and the surrounding surf camps gather on the beach to watch their favourite professional surfers fight for a chance to win the coveted title.
 
Late autumn and winter is the time the best big-wave surfers in the world come to tackle the gruelling waves of Nazaré. Along this 8 km of coastline, you will find a high concentration of huge waves and 7 world class surf breaks. Included among these are Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos and Cave, which is considered to be the heaviest and most difficult wave in Portugal.