Surfers and bodyboarders from around the world travel in search of the magic wave, legendary & unforgettable. Portugal, with many kilometers of coastline, has some of the best beaches in Europe for surfing and holds the record for the biggest ridden wave in the world. Here is the suggestion of 5 of the best places for those who want to surf the perfect wave or just watch the surfers in action. Or just have some surf lessons in Portugal.
Nazaré, the biggest wave in the world, not suitable for surf lessons in Portugal
It´s true. The biggest wave in the world was surfed in Portugal, more precisely on the coast of Nazaré, by the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara. He´s a surfer that probably won´t forget the day he became the first to be to catch a 30 meter wave, this gigantic phenomenon motivated by a rare geomorphological accident. McNamara is the first to say that surfing in Nazaré is increasingly challenging because the North Beach waves are «unique in the world». That"s why more and more surfers from around the world choose this long beach, surrounded by pine forests and dunes to themselves and surf the perfect wave.
Ericeira World Surfing Reserve
The region of Ericeira is known for having beaches and unique special waves. So much so that it earned the status of the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and second in the world - there is just other site with a similar distinction: Malibu, California. The World Surfing Reserve of Ericeira extends from the Empa Beach, the San Lorenzo Beach.
Seven world-class waves within four kilometers: Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d"Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and St. Lawrence. Hence, this area is the surfing paradise for both surfers with experience as for those who are learning and having surfing lessons in Portugal, because in such a small area, there are very different waves, from long waves to short waves. Furthermore, the beauty of the beaches speaks for itself.
Peniche and the Rip Curl Pro: real surf lessons in Portugal
The story of Peniche has always been closely linked to the sea, either by fishing or, more recently, through the surf. The area is considered one of the best in Europe for the sport because of the huge amount of waves, which is highlighted with the world-famous Supertubos. This is undoubtedly the queen wave of Peniche, also called the European Pipeline. The name says it all. At this beach with a sandy bottom, the waves are very hollow and fast.
Peniche annually receives a contest of the world surfing circuit, the Rip Curl Pro. This year will be no exception, and between 20 and 31 of October all roads lead to Peniche, for the eighth and second last round of the Men´s Championship Tour.
Carcavelos, for pros and starters
Located on the coast of Cascais, the Carcavelos beach is considered one of the best spots for surfing for both pros and for those who are learning and having surf lessons in Portugal. Right next to the fort of São Julião you´ll find this long sandy beach and great waves. It breaks pretty tubular which is a fact adored by locals while it maintains accessible enough for all surfers. Some people consider it was on the coast of Cascais that the Portuguese surfing was born.
Beautiful Carrapateira
The west coast of the Algarve, it owns some of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal, such as Arrifana or the beach of the Beloved (Amado). These beaches are popular not only for the landscape, but also for the good surf spots. The beach of Amado, in particular, surrounded by dunes is a favorite of surf because of the slow slope sandy sea bottom which creates ideal waves for surfing.
