Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:54 am
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Portugal for beginners, you will find them right here. In this post, we listed our top beginner surf beaches in Portugal that will allow you to learn and practice your surfing skills without danger.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Portugal
Whether you just want to stand on a surfboard for the first time or you are already an intermediate surfer, the waves in Portugal can fit any skill level.
Portugal is world famous for its incredible surf. From the enormous waves at Nazare to the barrels at Supertubos and the surf reserve in Ericeira, this is probably one of the best surf destinations in the world. Sure, the water is cold, and some waves are too aggressive, but there are several excellent beginner surf beaches here in Portugal. Therefore, as a novice surfer, it can definitely be a good idea to come here for your next surf trip.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Portugal for beginners:
A List of Portugal’s Best Beginner Surf Spots:
Baleal, Peniche
The town of Peniche is primarily famous for the epic barrels at Supertubos and the annual WSL surf competition. However, it actually offers a great variety of surf spots from both sides of the peninsula. For instance, the whole beach strip between Penich and the town of Baleal has several great breaks. Moreover, the waves here are beginner-friendly and very easy to ride.
Depending on the swell conditions, you can choose any of the spots around Baleal. Great waves break here daily from Cantinho de Baia through Prainha, Lagide, Gigi, and all the way to Almagreira. All these spots are soft and mellow and therefore, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
As for accommodations, you can either stay in Peniche or Baleal. Peniche is more of a developed city, while Baleal is kind of a hippie town. Either way, this is a peninsula with different beaches facing different directions. Therefore, if the surf conditions are not good in one beach, it can still be perfect in another beach. And that is what makes this area such an ideal spot for a surf trip.
For details about beginner surf camps in Baleal, please click here.
Ericeira- Foz do Lizandro
Ericeira is definitely the most famous surf town in Portugal, and maybe in the whole of Europe. It was declared a World Surfing Reserve in 2011 and for a good reason. With consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean and a great selection of surf spots, Ericeira offers literally everything a surfer could possibly want. Moreover, its proximity to the International Airport of Lisbon makes it a very comfortable destination for a surf trip.
As for the waves, you can find here everything from soft beach breaks to punchy barrels over a shallow reef. The most recommended beach for newbies is Foz do Lizandro, just south of town. Here, you can catch some mellow waves over a sandy bottom and practice your skills. If the swell is not too big, you can also check out the waves at Praia do Sul and Sao Juliao. These are also some of the best beginner surf beaches in Portugal.
Since the surf scene in Ericeira developed a lot in the past decade, it is pretty easy to find whatever you need. Everything is within reach, from surf shops to board rentals and lessons. There are also several good restaurants and bars to have some fun in the evenings as well.
For details about beginner surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
Guincho, Cascais
Cascais, a quiet town close to the capital, Lisbon, is a popular surf area among both locals and foreigners. In fact, some of the best surf camps and hostels are based here. Although there are several good beaches around, the best one for beginners is Praia do Guincho. During summertime, the waves here are very gentle and suitable for novice surfers. Due to the soft waves and sandy bottom, this beach is perfect for surfing lessons and practice. It is also an excellent place for yoga fans, with various classes and retreats.
For details about beginner surf camps in Portugal, please click here.
Amado, Algarve
The Algarve Region in South Portugal is the warmest area in the whole of Europe. Moreover, it has some of the best surf spots for beginners in Portugal. Even though most of the breaks in the area are situated on the South Coast around Sagres, the best beginner beach is actually Praia do Amado, on the West Coast of the region. This beautiful beach is surrounded by the wild nature of Alentejo National Park and offers excellent surf. The waves in Amado are slow and mellow, and the bottom is sandy. For these reasons, it is a beginner’s paradise and a great place for surf lessons. Moreover, the swell here is very consistent and you can ride good waves every single day, regardless of the tide and swell direction.
For details about beginner surf camps in the Algarve area, please click here.
Matosinhos, Porto
Due to the location of Porto up North, it is much colder than other surf areas in Portugal. Therefore, it is usually not the first choice of foreigners who come for a surf vacation. However, the waves here are just as good as in the other regions. So, if you happen to come here, there are several great surf beaches for all skill levels. Matosinhos is definitely one of the best beginner surf beaches in Portugal. Since it is situated right in the City, it can get crowded occasionally, but on the other hand, that also means it is pretty easy to find boards to rent, surf lessons, or just enjoy some city life.
The beach here is protected from the swells by the harbor wall, and therefore, the water is calm, and the waves are suitable for beginners.
For details about beginner surf camps in Porto, please click here.
Portugal- Beginner Surf Spots Map
What is the Best Time of Year for Beginners to Surf in Portugal?
Although Portugal receives consistent swells year-round, there is a big difference between the different surf seasons. In the winter, for instance, the waves can get huge, and the weather is harsh, so unless you are a big wave rider, this is not your time. Therefore, the best time for beginners to surf in Portugal is between May and October. Although the water is always cold and requires a wetsuit, the waves are beginner-friendly and suitable for learning and practicing your surfing skills.
How to Identify Good Surf Spots in Portugal for Beginners?
There are many surf beaches in Portugal and a great variety of surf spots. However, as a beginner surfer, how will you know which breaks are suitable for your skill level? To answer this question, there are 3 factors to check before stepping into the water:
1. Sandy bottom– As a novice surfer, you are going to fall. Many times! Therefore, make sure there are no sharp rocks below you that can cause cuts and injuries.
2. Soft break– While some waves are steep and powerful, others are mellow. Look for a spot where the foam of the waves pills itself gently and gradually. These kinds of waves are more forgiving and easier to ride.
3. Friendly crowd– You can tell a lot about a surf spot by looking at the people sitting in the lineup. If you see aggressive surfers riding shortboards and shouting at one another, it is probably not the right spot for beginners. So, look for a beach with a majority of longboards and soft boards in the water, as they usually ride more beginner-friendly waves.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Portugal?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in Portugal, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Portugal.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in Portugal, click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the best surf spots in Portugal for beginners. As mentioned, this country has something for any surfer, regardless of his skill level. Its consistent swells and variety of surf breaks make it a perfect place to improve your surfing. You can do it at a surf camp, or just by traveling with your board between the best beaches. But regardless, after a week or two in Portugal, you will be a much better surfer than before.
Before you leave, you might want to read our post about the best surf camps in Portugal, or the one about surf resorts in Portugal.
