Portugal has some of the most consistent and varied surf in Europe, making it a year-round destination for surfers of all abilities. From the rugged north to the sun-soaked south, you’ll find endless options - whether you’re searching for perfect barrels, cruisy beach breaks, or world-class points.

Below you’ll find a guide to the top13 bests surf spots in Portugal to help you plan your next surf trip, especially if you’re hunting for a used surfboard or just want to explore new spots.

North:

Cabedelo Beach (Viana do Castelo)

A true northern favourite, Cabedelo offers wide sandy banks and several peaks backed by a striking industrial townscape. The protected river mouth creates glassy flat water at the north, excellent for beginners and foil sports, while the southern stretch picks up more swell for classic beach break waves. The renowned jetty often shapes better sand banks and peaky A-frames.

• Atmosphere: Natural setting with easy parking, several surf schools, and a laid-back vibe.
• Wave specifics: Reliable, can get crowded when firing. Best in winter with west/northwest swells and easterly winds but flattens in summer months.
• Other watersports: Popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to reliable strong winds

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East / Northeast
Best tide: Low

 

Espinho Beach (Espinho)

Espinho is legendary for its powerful and punchy A-frame beach-breaks, reminiscent of Supertubos on a good day. The famed “Casino Right” - a right-hander breaking off the rocky pier , is long, quick, and can get world-class with a solid NW swell. Sandbars here provide both lefts and rights for all levels in small surf, but it’s a heavy, competitive line-up when big.

• Atmosphere: Urban scene, competitive but surfable, with surf shops, bars, and cafes right by the beach. Parking can be tricky.
• Wave specifics: Can be hollow and barreling. Watch out for rips and strong currents. All surfers welcome, but the right off the jetty is for experienced riders only. Water quality can be an issue after rain.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East 
Best tide: Low to Mid

 

Matosinhos Beach (Porto)

Porto’s urban surf hub, Matosinhos, is a long stretch of sand with multiple peaks. It’s a consistent spot, good for all levels, and protective breakwaters temper the Atlantic’s force - making it ideal for beginners. The beach is just minutes from Porto’s city centre and lined with surf schools, showers, and eateries.

• Atmosphere: Crowded but friendly; very accessible and a great learning spot.
• Wave specifics: Shifty sandbars offer lefts and rights, some rocky patches at the south. Consistency drops in summer; it shines with medium to large swells in autumn and winter. Water quality can be poor at times due to proximity to the harbour.

Best swell: West 
Best Wind: East 
Best tide: All

Center:

Buarcos Beach (Figueira da Foz)

Home to one of the longest right-handers in Europe, Buarcos offers a mix of point, reef, and sand break options. With the right conditions, several waves can link up for rides over 200m. It’s a wave-rider’s dream for those who like long, fast walls and the occasional barrel.

• Atmosphere: Situated in a picturesque bay, popular but not overcrowded due to long paddles. Mix of locals and visitors.
• Wave specifics: Several peaks (Tamagueira, Teimoso, Mina). Best for intermediates and advanced surfers. 

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East 
Best tide: Low to Mid

Santa Cruz Beach (Santa Cruz)

A vibrant surfing town between Peniche and Ericeira, Santa Cruz offers long, exposed beach breaks with multiple peaks and breathtaking cliffs. The variety of sandbanks means both mellow rides and hollow sections, so there’s something for every level.

• Atmosphere: Less crowded than other central spots, a summer favourite with local events and a cool surf culture. Beach infrastructure is excellent.
• Wave specifics: Can get messy in big swells or strong winds. Best with light offshore breeze. Suitable for shortboarders, bodyboarders, and longboarders on smaller days.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East 
Best tide: Low to Mid

Supertubos Beach (Peniche)

Iconic as the “Portuguese Pipeline,” Supertubos delivers heavy, fast, sand-bottom barrels that are world-renowned. Winter swells bring out its best, drawing top pros and crowds alike. Gnarly drop-ins and big, hollow sections make this a true destination for advanced surfers.

• Atmosphere: Can get crowded and heavy, especially during WSL events. The small fishing town buzzes with surf energy during competitions.
• Wave specifics: Powerful, can hold up big swells, hazardous on the inside and requires experience. 

Best swell: West / South-west
Best Wind: Northwest
Best tide: High

Baleal Beach (Peniche)

A versatile peninsula break with options for every level. Baleal’s unique geography means you can almost always find a sheltered, surfable spot depending on swell and wind. The north boasts mellow beach and reef breaks—like Lagide—while the south offers punchy peaks.

• Atmosphere: Chilled surf village feel, plenty of surf schools, camps, and rentals. Ideal for beginners.
• Wave specifics: Shifting sandbars and reefs allow for both progression and more advanced lines. 

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: South-East
Best tide: All

 

Lisbon Area:

Ribeira d’Ilhas (Ericeira)

Part of the famed World Surfing Reserve, Ribeira d’Ilhas is a long, high-quality right point/reef break. The wave suits all levels, especially intermediates looking to refine skills. Sections range from mellow, peeling shoulders to powerful bowls.

• Atmosphere: Quiet valley, reliable offshore winds, and well-developed facilities. Can get crowded - especially with surf schools and competitions.
• Wave specifics: Breaks over reef and cobblestones. Multiple take-off zones spread the crowds. Mellow at small size, powerful on solid swells.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East
Best tide: All

Guincho Beach (Cascais)

Set in the dramatic Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Guincho is famed for its wind, attracting surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. It picks up plentiful swell, with long, sandy beaches producing fun waves when the wind backs off.

• Atmosphere: Wild, exposed beauty, surf schools, with a welcoming vibe. Watch for strong rips and currents, especially for newer surfers.
• Wave specifics: Versatile for different board types; can pack a punch when larger.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: East / South
Best tide: All

Carcavelos Beach (Cascais)

The closest quality wave to Lisbon. Carcavelos is all about fun, powerful beach break waves that can get surprisingly hollow, especially in winter. In summer, it's a mellow spot to cruise or learn. Tons of peaks stretch along the beach, so even when crowded, you might find a sneaky peak to yourself.

• Atmosphere: Always attracts a crowd, from first-timers to local chargers. Home to the annual Capitulo Perfeito.
• Wave specifics: Fun for all levels - small and mellow in summer, but can produce world-class barrels and heavy surf September-May. 

Best swell: West / Northwest / South
Best Wind: North-East
Best tide: All

South:

Arrifana Beach (Alzejur)

One of the Algarve’s most scenic beaches, Arrifana is a gorgeous, crescent-shaped bay set beneath cliffs. Mostly rights off the point, the waves are ideal for beginners on a small day, but ramp up into serious righthanders for experienced surfers when the swell builds.

• Atmosphere: Picturesque, mellow village vibe with surf hostels and places to eat perched above the view.
• Wave specifics: Best in bigger NW swells, protected from north wind. Long rides from the point, with fun peaks along the beach. A must-see for visiting surfers.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: North / North-East
Best tide: All

Amado Beach (Carrapateira)

Located in the natural beauty of the Costa Vicentina, Amado is known for its consistency, accessible peaks, and friendly learning environment. Probably the south’s most reliable all-level beach break.

• Atmosphere: Lively and picturesque, the beach is a hub for surf camps and rentals.. Sweeping dunes and good infrastructure.
• Wave specifics: Loads of peaks mean you can spread out, and the area is never truly flat - great for year-round surf missions.

Best swell: West / Northwest
Best Wind: North / North-East
Best tide: All

Zavial Beach (Sagres)

A secret gem on the south coast, Zavial only lights up on solid south swells. When it’s on, expect hollow, powerful rights that challenge even experienced surfers. On smaller swells, it’s mellow and perfect for longboarding and surf schools.

• Atmosphere: Quiet, untouched, with parking right at the sand. Local respect is key - follow etiquette as waves can get crowded when firing.
• Wave specifics: Heavy and fast when big. Check forecasts for south swells and be wary of rips. Good protection means clean conditions even on windy days.

Best swell: South
Best Wind: North 
Best tide: All

Planning Your Portuguese Surf Trip?

Bring your favourite board, or check out Board Exchange’s selection of used surfboards for quality, affordable options before hitting the Portuguese coast. Each of these beaches offers its own vibe and a range of waves - so whether you’re a beginner or seeking barrels, there’s a spot (and a board) waiting for you!