Some Portuguese surf breaks have garnered an international reputation, attracting world-class surfers for events such as the Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal, being held in Peniche from 12 October -23 October 2014 as part of the ASP World Tour.
Mix together this variation in waves, a range of accommodation and transportation for all budgets, tasty Portuguese food and friendly people into a melting pot and you have a recipe for a great surf trip.
Where to go
Portugal offers hollow beach breaks, chilled-out white water rollers and grinding reef breaks so how do you choose where to go?
The Algarve region has both a west and south facing coastline, so it’s a prime spot to pick up swells from the Atlantic Ocean. If the wind is unfavourable, you can drive around the south-western tip to beaches on the other side, so a rental car would be essential to maximising the changing conditions.
Summer is predictably Portugal’s busy season with surf schools packed with beginners, and accommodation filled with sun-seekers so it is advisable to plan ahead on where to go and how to get around. However, don’t be put off by the crowds as the number of beaches along the coastline allows for surfing year-round.
How to get around
Portugal is not a large country, and train and bus routes can be scenic but you don’t want to be wasting time waiting at a rural bus station for an irregular service, so having your own transport gives you flexibility to visit beaches that are off-the-beaten track.
If your flight lands at Lisbon or Faro Airport, it makes economical sense to rent a car than pay for the cost of a one-way private transfer to the beaches. We recommend Rent Mama, with rental locations in both Lisbon and Faro.
Here are 3 Surfing Spots that we recommend for self-drive itineraries:
- Praia do Amado – Located in the Aljezur municipality, this sandy beach surrounded by red cliffs is less crowded than southern Algarve beaches. The waves are reasonably consistent, so it is popular for surf schools but if you avoid peak season (summer) you’ll be more likely left on your own than the busier beaches of Arrifana and Bordeira.
- Praia da Cordoama – A consistent beach break, Praia da Cordoama is surrounded by high cliffs and makes up part of the rugged coastline of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Drive through Vila do Bispo and follow the signs to turn off to the left. The beach is accessed by car only, and once you arrive there is carparking and a small restaurant.
- Praia da Ponta Ruiva – A reef break creating left-hand barrels, you need a vehicle to get there. The best time to surf here is autumn. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities. Praia da Ponta Ruiva is close enough to Sagres if you need accommodation or food, but due to its location the beach here is less busier than Mareta or Beliche. If the surfs not pumping, other Sagres attractions include walks to Cape Saint Vincent or the Fortaleza de Sagres.
A few Travel Tips
- Learn some Portuguese – chatting to the locals means you may find out about secret surfing spots hidden down country roads or below cliffs. English is spoken in major cities, but in smaller towns away from tourist spots it pays to know a few phrases.
- Immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture – Portugal is ripe for exploring with vibrant cities, heritage buildings, hospitable people and beautiful landscapes. When you’re not surfing, spend your time sitting in a cobblestoned square listening to fado (traditional Portuguese folk music), or savouring freshly grilled fish as the sun sets at a traditional fishing village. Local food includes arroz de pato (duck and sausage with rice), or for carnivores you’ll get a true meaty hit with a plate of cozido à portuguesa (meat stew).
- Take at least 2 surfboards with you – Portuguese conditions vary often due to the winds and strong tides so while one beach can be flat, the neighbouring one can have perfect conditions. Be aware of rips and strong currents, and check local surf reports and weather forecasts.