The Guide to Surfing in Portugal: History, Top spots & Surf Culture

Why Portugal is a Surfer’s Paradise

Portugal is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. We boast over 1,800 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, consistent waves year-round, and rich surf culture. Whether you're a beginner looking for surf lessons or an experienced surfer chasing big waves in Nazaré, Portugal has something for everyone.

A Brief History of Surfing in Portugal

The first recorded instance of surfing in Portugal dates back to 1926 in Leça da Palmeira, near Porto, where local fishermen were filmed riding wooden boards. However, surfing only gained traction in the 1960s when American and Australian surfers traveling through Europe discovered Portugal’s coastline.

By the 1970s, surf schools and national competitions emerged, marking the country’s growing enthusiasm for the sport. The first national surfing championship took place in 1977, solidifying Portugal’s reputation in the global surf scene. International competitions soon followed, with Santa Cruz hosting the first in the 1980s. Today, Portugal is home to world-class surf events like the MEO Rip Curl Pro in Peniche and the Big Wave Challenge in Nazaré.

Famous Portuguese Surfers

Portugal has produced some of the world’s best surfers who continue to shape the sport. Some of the most notable names include:

Tiago “Saca” Pires – The first Portuguese surfer to qualify for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
Frederico Morais – One of Portugal’s most successful competitive surfers on the world tour.
Teresa Bonvalot – A rising star in women’s surfing and an inspiration to young surfers.
João Macedo – A big wave specialist who has tackled the legendary swells of Nazaré.
Nic Von Rupp – An international competitor known for his fearless approach to surfing.
Joana Rocha – A pioneer of women’s surfing in Portugal.

Best Surf Spots in Portugal

Portugal has a diverse range of surf breaks catering to all skill levels. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

1. Ericeira – The Surf Capital of Portugal

Best for: All levels

Waves: Reef and beach breaks

Recognized as a World Surfing Reserve in 2011, Ericeira is a must-visit destination. It boasts famous waves like Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, and Pedra Branca, offering perfect conditions for both beginners and pros. Every year around September, there is a WSL competition going on in Ribeira d'Ilhas. We heavily recommend the surf enthusiast to go there for the vibrant atmosphere, celeb surfers, and, of course, the beautiful people.

2. Peniche & Supertubos – The Pipeline of Europe

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers

Waves: Heavy barrels

Go to Peniche to enjoy multiple surf beaches - from big to small waves.

Peniche is home to Supertubos, one of Europe’s heaviest beach breaks, known for its fast, hollow waves that rival Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline.

3. Nazaré – The Home of the Biggest Waves on Earth

📍 Best for: Big wave surfers (NOT for beginners!)

🏄 Waves: Massive, record-breaking swells

Go to Nazaré for the biggest waves in Portugal.

Nazaré has become legendary for hosting the biggest waves in the world, with swells reaching over 100 feet (30 meters). Garrett McNamara put it on the map in 2011 when he surfed a record-breaking wave.

4. Carcavelos – The Best Surf Spot Near Lisbon

Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers

Waves: Beach break

Visit beginner-friendly Carcavelos to have fun close to Lisbon.

Located just 20 minutes from Lisbon, Carcavelos offers fun waves and easy access, making it perfect for those looking to combine surfing with city life.

5. Algarve – Warm Water & Year-Round Surf

Best for: All levels

Waves: Variety of beach and reef breaks

Praia Arrifana is perfect to go surf in the summer.

The Algarve region is a dream destination for winter surfing, with warm temperatures and waves at Sagres, Arrifana, and Amado.

Surf Culture & Lifestyle in Portugal

Surfing is more than just a sport in Portugal—it’s a way of life. Sounds cliché, but hey, in some ways clichés are clichés for a reason. The country’s laid-back beach towns, vibrant surf communities, and delicious food make it the perfect place for a surf trip.

Many surf camps and schools operate along the coast, offering lessons and surf retreats for all skill levels. If you're looking for a place to stay, surf hostels in Ericeira, Peniche, and Sagres are great options for meeting fellow surfers.

For food lovers, no surf trip is complete without trying fresh seafood, pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and local wines after a day in the waves. From the historic waves of Ericeira to the monstrous swells of Nazaré, let’s dive into Portugal’s deep-rooted surf history and explore the best spots to catch a wave

When to Surf in Portugal

The best time to surf depends on your skill level:

Summer (June–September): Smaller, beginner-friendly waves with warm weather.
Autumn (September–November): Ideal conditions with consistent swells and fewer crowds.
Winter (December–March): Big waves and prime time for advanced surfers.
Spring (March–May): Similar to autumn, with a mix of swell sizes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re catching your first wave or chasing the biggest swells in the world, Portugal offers a world-class surfing experience. With its rich surf history, diverse coastline, and welcoming surf community, it’s no surprise that Portugal is a top choice for surfers from around the globe.

Looking to plan your surf trip? Check out local surf schools like us, guided surf tours, and the latest wave forecasts before heading out. Book your class here.