Did you know that the biggest wave to ever be surfed was in Nazaré? Portugal has it all—hidden coastal trails, breathtaking waterfalls, stunning countryside landscapes, vibrant city life, ancient castles, and some of the best surfing spots in the world. Some of these waves can easily rival the legendary breaks of Hawaii and Indonesia.
Several factors influence the perfect surf session—wind, tides, waves—but some beaches never disappoint. Check out our top picks for a truly epic surfing experience! Before heading out, we recommend visiting beachcam.pt for real-time weather and water conditions.
01 | North
The north of Portugal offers some fantastic surf, though be prepared for colder water and rougher seas—not always ideal for swimming or kids, but perfect for thrill-seekers.
01.1 | Praia do Moledo (Caminha)
With stunning panoramic views and crystal-clear waters, Moledo Beach is great for all levels. The waves vary, offering a mix of easier and more challenging rides. Why not turn it into a surf trip? Wrap it up with a sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant.
01.2 | Praia do Mindelo (Vila do Conde)
Want to mix tourism and surfing? Stay in Vila do Conde, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, and hit Mindelo Beach. The best wind direction here is east-northeast, making conditions great year-round, though summer can get crowded. Stay with us in Póvoa de Varzim at Casa do Pescador or this seaside flat, and you’ll be just 20 minutes away from these waves.
01.3 | Praia de Espinho (Espinho)
Espinho Beach is just a mere 30-minute drive from the bustling Oporto, which makes it an ideal place to visit if you’re planning to get to know the surroundings. This coastal city preserved a lot of historical buildings, and it’s nice to take a stroll around. Espinho is known for its lively beach culture – it was one of the country’s most popular spots during the 60s – so we recommend visiting during summertime. Bear in mind the water will still be cold, around 17ºC. Planning to surf the Espinho waves? Stay with us in Vila Nova de Gaia – at this riverside oasis or the Ruah V – and take the chance to visit the surrounding towns and villages – the north awaits!
02 | Centro & Área de Lisboa
This region includes amazing towns and cities worth visiting for their history and culture, but also some cool surfing spots, like Nazaré, Peniche, and Guincho.
02.1 | Praia da Nazaré
Nazaré became famous for its massive ripples (between 20 and 27 meters high) after Garrett McNamara put it on the map back in the mid-00s. Sebastian Steudtner now holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed: 28,6 meters in Nazaré. Every year, crowds flock to this fishing village to witness experienced surfers ride what can be described as incredible water towers, especially between November and February. If you want to try surfing the Nazaré waves instead of watching from the sidelines, head there between March and October. This cute town is just an hour away from Figueira da Foz, which is a gorgeous place to visit too – stay at LovelyStay’s Casa Rosas do Mondego.
02.2 | Medão Grande ou Supertubos (Peniche)
Popular amongst surfers and bodyboarders, Supertubos is also called the European Pipeline and is a spot where several international surf contests take place, namely the World Surf League’s World Tour. The waves are tubular and fast, perfect for adventurous people. We recommend heading there between September and November.
02.3 | Ericeira e Santa Cruz
Home to a rough sea, Ericeira and Santa Cruz are great surfing spots. These coastal towns are known for their seafood restaurants, quaint houses, and panoramic views of the Atlantic shore. There’s a strong community of expats flocking to this area. Don’t know where to stay? We’ve got you covered! There are plenty of LovelyStay homes located nearby. We have two lovely places in Sintra – Kochab Sintra and a wonderful two-story house – just 30 minutes away from Ericeira.
02.4 | Guincho (Cascais)
Sitting between Cascais and Cabo da Roca, it boasts a rough sea that’s usually not for the faint of heart. It’s very popular amongst seasoned surfers, but there are also several schools offering classes. For surfers, quality waves usually come with low tides. It can get very windy in Guincho, which is great news for windsurfing and kitesurfing practitioners. There are also restaurants nearby that are worth trying. Looking for a place to stay in Cascais? There are a few LovelyStay properties in the area, including the Green Oasis and the home in Estoril will swimming pool.
02.5 | Costa da Caparica
Costa encapsulates some of the most well-known beaches in Portugal. With its endless stretch of sand going all the way from Trafaria to Fonte da Telha, it’s the perfect place to catch some waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. One of Caparica’s advantages is that you can choose the vibe you’re looking for: some places are filled with families with kids, others are mostly made of surfers – there are even nudist-friendly areas! Caparica is full of restaurants and beach clubs too. We’ve got three lovely homes in Almada that will surely be perfect to visit Caparica – this coast apartment, this amazing one-bedroom flat, or this seaside getaway.
03 | Sul
The Algarve is quite popular for its luxury hotels, sandy beaches, and warm(er) waters, so if you’re heading to areas like Tavira, Faro, or Albufeira, you probably won’t be very lucky when it comes to surfing. However, there are two spots we highly recommend!
03.1 | Arrifana
Arrifana is teeming with surf schools and hangouts, perfect for solo travelers on a mission to meet like-minded people and have fun. Nestled in the picturesque town of Aljezur, it’s a rugged beach surrounded by mountains. Arrifana has the beach break, where most surfers gather, and the reef, which takes patience but rewards you with epic waves. Lagos, in the Algarve, is less than an hour away from this gorgeous coastal town. Stay with us at the Corte Velada Guest House.
03.2 | Sagres
Sagres is very famous amongst seasoned surfers. Located on the far left side of the region, where two coasts meet. If the waves are too strong on the west side, all you have to do is move south, and you’ll be protected from the wind and the big swells. If you’re visiting Sagres, why not take a trip across the region, explore different beaches, have great seafood, and even discover some of the hidden gems in the inner Algarve? Lovely Stay has homes in Portimão as well – this dreamy apartment, Vale da Ribeira, or a beautiful oceanfront view flat. if you’re eager to get to know a bit more of this area.
