5 places to surf in Portugal

Choosing your next surf holiday destination can be tricky sometimes.

There are so many amazing breaks around the world that what you need is

some good advice. So we’ve picked our 5 favourite surf destinations in the

beautifully sunny country of Portugal to get you inspired.  It has some of

the best surf in Europe, its cuisine is delicious, and it has some of the

most affordable shopping in Western Europe. So get ready to pack your

board-bags and experience surfing holidays in Portugal.

1. Lagos

Head to Amado beach in the Lagos region for some of the warmest water

temperatures around Portugal.  The region is blessed with 8 months a year

of 20+ sunshine, and has miles upon miles of beaches to choose from.

Lagos itself is enchanting, what will cobblestone streets and superb

restaurants and bars that will be a perfect way to end the day after your

surf session.

2. Peniche

If there was one surf spot in Portugal that people will have

heard of, it will be Peniche.  Rip Curl first visited this beautiful town

three years ago when it brought it’s ‘The Search’ contest.  The

event proved so popular that they have since set up a permanent contest here on the

world championship surf tour.  The pro surfers have made Supertubos their home,

however for us mere mortals Cantinho da Baia, Beleal is the perfect spot

to learn to surf.

3. Ericeira

This beautiful Portuguese fishing village has excellent surf all

year round, and is a only 40 minutes from Lisbon.  So when the waves are

great head to Foz do Lizandro if you are a beginner surfer, or for more of

a challenge take a look at Ribas D’Ilhas.  This beach is where the ASP’s

world qualifying series takes place for the Quiksilver Pro Portugal each

year.

4. Cascais

Along Cascais protected shores lies countless surf breaks.  At

only a short 30km train ride away from Lisbon, Cascais is an ideal surf holiday

destination for people who want to get away from busy city life,

but still want to do a spot of shopping in Portugal’s capital. When you’re

not making the most of the promenade or visiting the stunning old town,

head to the beach break Guincho that’s perfect to learn to surf in.

5, Azores Islands- If you fancy something completely different to main land

Europe, plan a trip to the Portuguese Azores islands.  Lying 1500km west

from Lisbon, these Atlantic islands are often overlooked as a prime surf

destination.  Each year Billabong hold a highly rated contest as part of

the world tour on the main island of Sao Miguel.  The contest takes place

towards the end of September, so if you can, coincide your trip with the

contest for some great surf.