Why Portugal is the best country in Europe for surf lessons
July 5, 2023Learning to surf can truly be a fantastic experience, learning to surf in one of the most beautiful places in Europe makes it even better. Whether you want to learn to surf in Ericeira, experience the waves in Alentejo or take your first surf course in Peniche – you won't be disappointed. Here's why Portugal has the best surf in Europe!
What do some of the highest surfed waves in the world, a World Surfing Reserve and the host of world-famous surfing competitions have in common? They are all within the borders of Portugal. A beautiful country with a long coastline, green waves and laid back surfing culture. A must-visit for your next surf trip.
To claim the title of the best country in Europe to learn to surf is a bold move. There are many amazing places, but here are the reasons why our hearts beat the strongest for Portugal as #1. So let's break it down to the why, where and when Portugal is the best country for your surf lessons!
Why Portugal for surf lessons?
From the point of view of a surfer, Portugal is the ideal surfing destination. But why should you choose it? Here are a few quick reasons:
Portugal has a great diversity of waves for surfers at any level;
Portugal has around 300 sunny days a year, so you will probably have great weather during your sessions in the ocean;
The beaches are clean and well taken care of throughout the entire coastline. More than 370 beaches have the Blue Flag status in 2021. The Blue Flag is a standard with strict criteria for environmental responsibility and water quality;
The coastline of Portugal's mainland is massive, almost 950 kilometres! This gives countless opportunities to try out different surf spot locations alongside Portugal's coast. A suitable beach to surf is therefore never far away;
You can surf all year round;
If you plan your trip right, you may time it with a surf competition where you can watch the world-famous surfers take on the Portuguese waves;
The amazing food, rich culture and captivating history on its own will make the trip great;
Where to take surf lessons in Portugal
Portugal has the widest and most varied range of surfing locations in Europe, from some of the world's highest surfing waves in the cultural Nazaré to more forgiving surfing beaches along the warm Algarve coast. For the genuine surfing experience, there are many locations along the Silver Coast, such as the fishing village of Peniche with its fantastic beaches and the surfing metropolis Ericeira with a large and dynamic surfing community.
Some of the best surf locations in Portugal are:
Ericeira
Peniche
Alentejo coast
Lisbon coast
You can also find nice waves in Porto in the north and in Algarve in the south.
Ericeira — the surf capital of Europe
You can’t talk about surfing in Portugal without mentioning Ericeira, Portugal's (maybe even Europe's) surf capital. It is also Europe's first World Surfing Reserve, a title that protects the wave breaks and areas surrounding them. This village is also the home of Portugal's first national surfing competition that took place at Ribeira D'ilhas in 1977. Since then, Ericeira has hosted other large competitions, national and international.
On eight kilometres of coastline, Ericeira has seven world-class surf breaks. Ericeira offers diverse waves, so there's some for every level. A beginner surfer can surf in Ericeira all year around.
Peniche
An hour's drive up north from Ericeira is Peniche. Some of Europe's best waves can be found here, Peniche even became a stop for the WSL Champion Tour in 2010. Peniche's famous Supertubos also draws attention from the world each October with the Rip Curl Pro Portugal competition. A popular beginner surf spot in Peniche is Catingo da Baia.
Alentejo coast
South from Lisbon, you will find the long coastline of Alentejo. Alentejo Coast is around 130 kilometres long, which will provide plenty of good surf spots for surfers at all levels.
Lisbon coast
Portugal's capital is more than a colourful cultural centre. With only a 45 minute drive from Ericeira, the coast of Lisbon delivers good waves all year around. Breaks like Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica are nice to check out.
When to take surf courses in Portugal
Surfers are jumping into the ocean all year long in Portugal. The best time for beginners to learn how to surf is in the summer, between May and September. The waves are smaller and the temperature more enjoyable. The downside is that the beaches get more and more crowded closer to summer.
With the exception of Praia do Norte in Nazare, the waves are usually around 1–1,5 meters high during the summer on average. For more experienced surfers the winter and early spring is the best time for surfing, with more powerful swells and waves between 2–4,5 meters.
Although, there are spots where beginner surfers can enjoy the waves in winter as well.
Portugal is more than just the surf
Of course, Portugal is more than its waves. You won’t surf around the clock, so it's definitely worth taking some time to experience Portugal's culture and amazing food. Explore the authentic medieval towns, castles, museums and national parks. If you are a fan of daily fresh seafood, locally grown veggies and delicious wine from the region, then you'll enjoy the Portuguese cuisine! You will find traditional food and drinks in Portugal at cheap prices. Portugal is actually Western Europe's cheapest country.
Check out our surf camps for more information.
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