Surfing in Portugal: 13 Best Beaches to Catch a Wave

I’ve been visiting Portugal on and off for the past seven years, always chasing waves, sunshine and a good vinho verde. 

But now that I’ve actually moved here, I finally get to surf this coastline properly on a regular basis. From heavy reef breaks up north to mellow rollers in the Algarve, there’s always a new beach to explore and a different kind of wave to ride. 

Heading to Portugal and not sure which beaches to hit up for a surf sesh? I’ve got you covered with 13 of my favourites! 

The first time I stood on the cliffs above Praia do Norte, I genuinely couldn’t believe the size of the waves rolling in. It’s wild. 

This is the place where world records are broken — the kind of surf that’ll leave you breathless, whether you’re in the water or just watching. I’ve never paddled out here (and honestly, I value my limbs too much), but I’ve watched some of the best in the world tackle those walls of water. 

If you’re just here to soak it all in, grab a spot near the lighthouse for the best views. And for a more manageable surf, the main beach in town is way more chilled and still fun, just not terrifying.

I’ve been coming to Arrifana for years and it still gives me that little jolt of excitement every time I catch a first glimpse from the clifftop. 

The bay’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with waves that break clean and steady — great for all levels, depending on the swell. On small days, it’s mellow enough for beginners. On bigger swells, it gets punchy and fast. 

After a session, I usually head to the tiny café above the beach for a tosta mista and a cold Sagres. It’s basic, but the views are unbeatable. And if you’ve never tried percebes (goose barnacles), this is the coast to do it — they’re weird-looking but seriously tasty! 

Supertubos is the real deal: fast, hollow, powerful. It’s one of the few beach breaks in Europe that properly barrels, and when it’s on, it really fires. 

I’ve had both the best and worst sessions of my life here, depending on the mood of the ocean. You’ll need to bring your shortboard game and your duck-diving legs. The town itself has a proper surfy feel, with board shops, little cafes and vans parked up pretty much year-round. 

I usually grab a pre-surf espresso at Café do Parque and then roll straight into the line-up. If you’re not used to heavy beach breaks, watch it for a bit first — it’s no joke when it’s pumping.

Praia do Amado was one of the first surf spots I fell for in Portugal. It just has this laid-back magic to it. 

Tucked into a curve of cliffs, it picks up loads of swell and has peaks across the whole beach. On most days, there’s a wave for everyone (beginners at the southern end, punchier stuff up north). 

It’s a popular spot for surf schools, so it can get busy, but it never feels too crowded. Afterward, I usually wander into Carrapateira village for a post-surf pastel de nata and a chat with whoever’s around. The whole area has that slow, unbothered vibe I love.

Figueira’s kind of underrated, but I’ve had some seriously fun sessions here. When the sandbanks line up right, you can get a ridiculously long right-hander that just keeps going. 

It’s not flashy, but it’s a solid spot with loads of space to spread out. The town’s got this slightly old-school Portuguese charm: think faded seaside glamour and plenty of local bakeries. 

I usually grab a coffee and a chocolate bola de Berlim at Café Nau before hitting the beach. And if you’re lucky enough to be here when it’s firing, the paddle might be long, but the rides are totally worth it.

Carcavelos is my default surf spot when I don’t have time for a big trip. It’s super easy to get to from Lisbon — hop on the train and you’re in the water in under an hour. 

The waves here can get surprisingly punchy, especially in autumn and winter, but it’s a solid beach break with plenty of peaks. The surf crowd’s a mix of local legends and tourists giving it a go. I usually park up near the fort end, which tends to be a bit cleaner. 

Afterward, there’s nothing better than a cold beer and a bifana from one of the snack bars along the promenade.

Coxos is the kind of wave that makes your heart race even before you paddle out. It’s one of the heaviest right-handers in Portugal, and when it’s on, it barrels hard and fast over a shallow, rocky reef. 

Not exactly a beginner spot (I learned that the hard way), but if you’re confident and the conditions line up, it’s one of the best rides you’ll find anywhere. The lineup here has a proper local crew, so be respectful and maybe don’t drop in on anyone unless you fancy some serious side-eye. 

After a surf, I like heading into Ribamar — there’s a tiny pastelaria where they do proper strong coffees and flaky pastries that hit the spot after a session.

This place feels like a secret, even though it’s not. Cordoama is huge, remote-feeling and totally stunning — cliffs on either side, rolling dunes behind and enough space that even on busy days, you’re not jostling for waves. 

It’s best on a mid to low tide, with punchy beach break peaks that shift around depending on the sandbars. I’ve surfed here on everything from a shortboard to a funboard and it always delivers something interesting. 

There’s usually a van selling coffees and toasts in the car park: basic but does the job after a few hours in the water. And if you hang around till sunset, the light here is unreal.

I’ve had some unexpectedly great sessions at São Julião — it’s one of those beaches that’s a bit under the radar but can really turn on when the banks are good. 

The beach is long, so there’s loads of room to find your own peak and it works on all tides, which makes it a bit more flexible than some other spots nearby. There’s not much in the way of facilities, but I usually bring snacks and just make a day of it. 

It’s also a great backup when the more popular Ericeira spots are rammed or too heavy. You can sneak off down here and still get quality waves without the crowd.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to like Praia da Rocha as a surf spot (it’s a bit of a resort town, very built-up, lots of high rises) but it surprised me. 

The waves here can be really fun, especially in winter when the swells wrap in nicely. There are a couple of punchy little peaks that break near the jetty and it’s actually a great place to get a quick session in if you’re staying nearby. 

Better yet, everything you need is right there: surf shops, beach bars, restaurants, even a good bakery where I always end up getting a toasty and a galão after a session. It’s definitely worth a go if you’re in the Algarve.

Leça is my go-to when I’m up north. It’s super close to Porto (maybe 20 minutes if the traffic’s kind) and the setup is solid: consistent beach break, good swell exposure and a mellow local vibe. 

It’s not the biggest wave in Portugal, but it can get really fun and peaky when the conditions are right. The break tends to be a bit softer than the heavy reef spots, so it’s great for cruising or trying out new boards. 

There’s a killer café just up from the beach that does amazing francesinhas (if you’re starving post-surf and don’t mind a food coma).

Zavial is one of those Algarve gems that always feels like a bit of a reward. You drive down this winding, dusty road and suddenly it opens up to this golden, sheltered cove. 

When it’s small, it’s mellow and great for practicing turns or just enjoying a clean, glassy wall. But when the swell wraps in from the southeast, it turns into a proper point break-style wave that reels along the right-hand side. 

It can get crowded when it’s firing and it’s a bit of a favourite with local longboarders, but the vibe’s usually pretty relaxed. The little beach café there does decent coffee and excellent grilled sardines.

Cabedelo is the kind of wave that makes you want to extend your trip. I first surfed here during a spontaneous stopover heading north and couldn’t believe how long the rides were — it’s one of Europe’s longest right-handers when the sandbanks align. 

The wave starts mellow and just keeps peeling, which makes it perfect for working on your flow. The water’s definitely colder up here (full suit all year), but you get used to it. 

The surf scene’s grown fast and there’s a cool little community forming — board rental places, a couple of laid-back cafés and even a skate park just behind the dunes if you’re still feeling energetic after your session.