Are you planning a surfing trip to Portugal in 2023? Look no further than the central northern region, where you’ll find some of the best surf spots in the country. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan the ultimate surfing adventure, from where to surf to the best towns to stay in.

Where to Surf in Central Northern Portugal?

If you’re looking for good surf spots in Portugal, central northern Portugal is the place to be. Here are some of the top spots to check out:

Peniche: Located about an hour north of Lisbon, Peniche is a popular surf town with a variety of surf spots for all levels. The most famous wave in Peniche is Supertubos, a powerful barreling wave that’s a must-surf for experienced surfers.

Ericeira: Known as the surf capital of Portugal, Ericeira is home to some of the best surf spots in the world. The town is situated on a beautiful coastline with a variety of waves to choose from, including Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, and Pedra Branca.

Nazaré: This small fishing village has become famous in recent years for its massive waves, which can reach heights of up to 100 feet. While Nazaré is not recommended for beginner surfers, experienced surfers looking for a challenge will find plenty of thrills here.

Figueira da Foz: Located about halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Figueira da Foz is a popular summer destination with a long beach break that’s perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Aveiro: Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a charming coastal town with a small surf scene. The waves here are best for beginners and intermediate surfers, making it a great place to learn.

Best Surf Spots in Central Northern Portugal – Between Porto and Lisbon

Now that you know where to surf in central northern Portugal, let’s take a closer look at the best surf spots between Lisbon and Porto:

Surf Spot	Location	Wave Size	Accommodation Price(city)	Best Season to Surf	Google Maps Link
Carcavelos	Cascais	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Praia Grande	Sintra	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Guincho	Cascais	2-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Ribeira d’Ilhas	Ericeira	1-3 meters	$50-$150	September-November	See on Maps
Coxos	Ericeira	2-4 meters	$50-$150	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Supertubos	Peniche	2-4 meters	$30-$100	October-April	See on Maps
Baleal	Peniche	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Praia do Norte	Nazaré	10-30+ meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter	See on Maps
São Pedro de Moel	Marinha Grande	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Póvoa de Varzim	Póvoa de Varzim	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps
Espinho	Espinho	1-3 meters	$30-$100	Fall, Winter, Spring	See on Maps

*Note: The accommodation price listed is an average estimate for budget accommodation options in each respective city. Prices may vary depending on the season and type of accommodation desired.

As you can see from the table above, there are surf spots in central northern Portugal for all levels of surfers, from beginner to expert. The best season to surf varies depending on the spot, so be sure to do your research before planning your trip.

Accommodation Prices in Central Northern Portugal

When it comes to accommodation in central northern Portugal, you’ll find options to suit every budget. Here are some average prices for accommodation in the region:

In addition to the surf, Peniche is a charming town with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Peniche Fortress, built in the 16th century to defend the town from pirates and invaders. The town also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes.

Surfing near Lisbon

If you’re staying in Lisbon and looking for a surf spot, head to the town of Cascais. Located just 30 minutes outside of Lisbon, Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches and world-class surf. Some of the best surf spots in Cascais include Guincho Beach, Cresmina Beach, and Carcavelos Beach.

Guincho Beach is a popular spot for experienced surfers, with waves that can reach up to 15 feet in height. However, it’s not recommended for beginners due to the strong currents and rocky seabed. Cresmina Beach is a good spot for intermediate surfers, with waves that are less powerful but still fun to ride. Finally, Carcavelos Beach is a great spot for beginners, with small, consistent waves that are perfect for learning.

In addition to the surf, Cascais is a beautiful town with a charming historic center and plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails.

Nazare surf spot

Located on the central coast of Portugal, Nazare is a famous surf spot known for its massive waves that can reach up to 100 feet in height. While these waves are not recommended for inexperienced surfers, experienced surfers from around the world come to Nazare to challenge themselves on the world’s largest waves.

In addition to the surf, Nazare is a beautiful town with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Nazare Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the coastline, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare, a famous pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Surfing in Portugal for beginners

If you’re new to surfing and looking for a spot to learn, there are plenty of options in Portugal. Some of the best spots for beginners include Figueira da Foz, Praia da Rocha, and Baleal.

Figueira da Foz is a charming town on the central coast of Portugal with a long, sandy beach that’s perfect for learning to surf. The waves are small and gentle, making it a great spot for beginners.

Praia da Rocha is located near the town of Portimao in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its soft sand and calm waters, which are perfect for learning to surf.

These surf spots offer different wave sizes and are suitable for different levels of surfers. Some, like Praia do Norte in Nazaré, are known for their massive waves and are better suited for experienced surfers. Others, like Carcavelos and Praia Grande, are more suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.

The best season to surf in this region is generally during the fall, winter, and spring months when the waves are more consistent and powerful.