Portugal may have cold water tempting you to don your winter wetsuit and take a deep breath before you make that first duck dive, but the glittering golden coast is home to some of the best waves to grace the shores of Europe.
Solid consistency even outside the chill of the autumn months, home to the rip curl pro and with decadent stretches of sand perfect for every level, Portugal truly is the mecca of mainland Europe when it comes to the surfing world. Yet the crowds can surge and swarm the waters especially around the populous Algarve meaning that you have to watch for sun kissed swimmers, screaming children and the dreaded water inflatables when cresting that perfect wave. The best thing about Portugal is that there are scores of nooks and crannies littering the coastline that ensure you can have the whole beach to yourself. Nothing beats renting a car, cruising the rolling hills and finding your own little spot of surfing heaven. Take a look at three of the best spots worth seeking out.
Carrapateira, Algarve
This exceptional spot is a soul surfers dream comprising nothing more than a small village with single surf shop and miles upon miles of crisp curling waves breaking onto the long beach. The wilderness of the Atlantic crashes onto shore with waves that can get big, really big – keeping the swimmers firmly at bay. Around this windswept chunk of coastline there are many sheltered coves worth exploring but car rent in Portugal is the only way to get there. Spend your mornings splashing in the pounding surf of Carrapateira, stop for lunch at one of the fresh fish taverns in the town for barbequed sardines then take the car and hit the road to follow the coast.
Praia de Afife, Viana do Castelo
Backed by rising green hills and only a stone’s throw away from the dry heat of Spain Praia de Afife is a rugged spot on the north coast revered for its remote sands, rolling waves and lashings of sunshine. Getting there can be tricky without a vehicle so opt to find your favofite car on RentMama and hit the scenic winding route off the A28 highway and through the golden dunes. Mid-week you will be lucky to see another soul on the sands and across the highway you can find mouth-watering sucking pig specialities in the quaint charm of Quinta de Sao Roque.
Praia do Norte, Nazaré
It may not be much of a secret anymore, not after it threw up the infamous hundred foot wave last year but Praia do Norte truly needs to be seen to be believed. The inconspicuous tiny fishing village 80 miles north of the capital is well worth hiring a car and taking the trip for. The megalith surf that pounds the shore is seriously for experts only but those who love the sport can spend hours with open mouths on the sands watching the pros ride giants.