The 8 best surf spots in Portugal for beginners
The 8 Best Surf Spots in Portugal for Beginners
Portugal has rapidly become a premier destination for surfers worldwide, boasting an incredible coastline, consistent swell, and a vibrant surf culture. While many spots cater to advanced riders, the country also offers numerous gentle breaks perfect for those just starting their surfing journey.
This guide highlights eight of Portugal's most forgiving and enjoyable surf spots, ideal for beginners looking to catch their first waves or improve their basic skills. These locations combine manageable conditions with excellent infrastructure, making them perfect for a surf-centric vacation.
Praia da Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira
Located near the charming surf town of Ericeira, Praia da Foz do Lizandro is a fantastic spot for beginners. Its wide sandy beach and rivermouth setup create consistent, mellow waves, especially during low tide. The sheltered nature of the bay often provides smaller, more manageable conditions compared to other Ericeira breaks.
The area is well-equipped with surf schools, rental shops, and beachside cafes, ensuring a comfortable and convenient learning experience. The gentle rolling waves here are perfect for practicing pop-ups and riding straight to the shore, offering a safe environment for new surfers.
Consistent Mellow Waves: Ideal for learning to paddle and stand up.
Sandy Bottom: Reduces risk of injury from rocks, common in other spots.
Excellent Facilities: Surf schools, rentals, and cafes readily available.
Sheltered Location: Offers protection from larger swells, keeping waves manageable.
Praia do Amado, Aljezur (Algarve)
Down in the wild and beautiful Algarve region, Praia do Amado stands out as a top beginner spot. This expansive beach, nestled within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, offers multiple peaks and a forgiving sand bottom. The consistent Atlantic swell ensures there are almost always waves to ride, but they tend to be less powerful here than on the west coast further north.
Several surf schools operate directly on the beach, providing lessons and equipment rentals. The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, makes Praia do Amado an incredibly appealing place to learn. It's truly a gem for those seeking an uncrowded and scenic surf experience.
Praia de Carcavelos, Cascais
Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular beaches in the Lisbon area and a great spot for beginners. Its long stretch of sand and consistent beach break waves make it accessible for those new to surfing. While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the sheer size of the beach means there’s usually space for everyone.
Carcavelos is well-serviced with numerous surf schools, board rental shops, and ample amenities like showers, restaurants, and parking. The waves are generally soft and rolling, perfect for getting comfortable on a board. Its accessibility from the capital makes it an ideal choice for a day trip or a quick surf session.
Easy Access from Lisbon: Perfect for urban dwellers and tourists.
Wide Sandy Beach: Plenty of room for learners and less risk of collision.
Numerous Surf Schools: High availability of lessons and instructors.
Consistent Beach Break: Reliable waves suitable for all skill levels.
Praia da Arrifana, Aljezur (Algarve)
Another fantastic option in the Algarve's Costa Vicentina, Praia da Arrifana offers a picturesque setting with a sheltered bay that often produces gentler waves. While it can also cater to intermediate surfers on larger days, the northern end of the beach typically provides smaller, more manageable conditions for beginners. The stunning cliff backdrop adds to the charm.
Arrifana has a few surf schools and accommodation options nearby, making it convenient for longer stays. The crescent-shaped bay helps to funnel the swell, creating clean, predictable waves suitable for learning. It's a slightly more secluded option than Carcavelos, offering a tranquil learning environment.
Praia da Baleeira, Peniche
While Peniche is famous for its powerful Supertubos, the region also offers excellent beginner spots, particularly Praia da Baleeira. Located within the sheltered bay of Peniche, this beach is protected from the larger Atlantic swells by the Peniche peninsula itself. This protection results in much smaller, gentler waves, even when other spots nearby are roaring.
The soft, sandy bottom and consistent, manageable waves create an ideal learning environment. Several surf camps and schools in Peniche utilize Baleeira for their beginner lessons, ensuring professional guidance. It's a great spot to gain confidence before venturing out to slightly more challenging breaks in the area.
Sheltered Bay: Provides excellent protection from strong winds and large swells.
Soft Sandy Bottom: Ensures a safe landing for falls.
Dedicated Surf Schools: Many Peniche-based schools teach here.
Consistent Small Waves: Perfect for building foundational skills.
Praia do Cabedelo, Figueira da Foz
Further north, Praia do Cabedelo in Figueira da Foz is another excellent choice for beginners. This beach break, situated on the south side of the Mondego River estuary, benefits from a long sandbar that helps to shape clean, rolling waves. The waves here are often less powerful than those on exposed Atlantic beaches, making them more approachable for novices.
The area is less touristy than some southern spots, offering a more authentic Portuguese experience. There are surf schools and rental options available, and the expansive beach means plenty of space to spread out. It’s a fantastic location to enjoy long, gentle rides and improve your technique without feeling overwhelmed.
Praia da Comporta, Grândola
For those seeking a more upscale yet equally beginner-friendly experience, Praia da Comporta, located south of Lisbon, offers vast stretches of pristine sandy beach and gentle waves. This area is known for its chic vibe and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for a surf trip. The absence of strong currents and the generally mellow swell make it very safe for new surfers.
While not as densely packed with surf schools as Ericeira or Carcavelos, a few reputable operations offer lessons here. The wide-open beach ensures a relaxed atmosphere, even during peak season. Comporta is ideal for those who appreciate tranquility and beautiful surroundings while learning to surf.
Pristine Sandy Beach: Beautiful and safe environment for learning.
Gentle, Rolling Waves: Perfect for long, easy rides.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Less crowded than more popular spots.
Natural Beauty: Stunning scenery enhances the learning experience.
Praia de São Torpes, Sines
Finally, Praia de São Torpes, near Sines, is a unique beginner spot due to its slightly warmer waters, thanks to the nearby power plant's outflow. This makes it a comfortable option for year-round surfing, even in cooler months. The beach boasts a long, sandy stretch and generally produces very gentle, consistent waves, especially on smaller swells.
Several surf camps and schools operate in the vicinity, leveraging the favorable conditions for beginners. The vastness of the beach ensures that even when there are lessons underway, there’s ample room for everyone. São Torpes offers a welcoming environment for those taking their first steps in surfing, combining comfortable conditions with reliable waves.
Portugal truly offers an unparalleled variety of surf spots, and these eight locations stand out for their beginner-friendly characteristics. From the bustling beaches near Lisbon to the wild coasts of the Algarve, new surfers can find the perfect wave to start their adventure. With consistent swells, beautiful scenery, and excellent infrastructure, Portugal is an ideal destination to fall in love with surfing.