Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Surfing
Portugal has some of Europe's most curvaceous surf, with 30 to 40 major reefs and
beaches. It picks up swells from the north, south and west, giving it remarkable consisten-
cy. It also has a wide variety of waves and swell sizes, making it ideal for surfers of all
levels. Numerous surf schools in the Algarve and along Portugal's western Atlantic coast
offer classes and all-inclusive packages for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
When to Surf
The best waves in southern Portugal generally occur in the winter from November to
March. Further north, spring and autumn tend to be the best seasons for surfing action.
Waves at these times range from 2m to 4.5m high. This is also the low season, meaning
you'll pay less for accommodation, and the beaches will be far less crowded. Even during
the summer, however, the coast gets good waves (1m to 1.5m on average) and, despite the
crowds, it's fairly easy to head off and find your own spots (with your own wheels, you can
often be on your own stretch of beach just by driving a few minutes up the road).
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WAVES
In 2009 Portugal's surf scene got a real shot in the arm when
Supertubos
beach near Peniche was chosen as one of
10 stops on the ASP World Tour, the most prestigious international competitive surfing event. For 12 days in Octo-
ber, the beach was packed with surfers from around the world showing off their best moves. The event's organisers
apparently liked what they saw - Supertubos has hosted the international contest every year since then.
Supertubos isn't the only spot in Portugal with great breaks. Some 60km north of Peniche, you'll find some of
the world's tallest waves, thanks to a deep-water canyon connected to the shoreline. In 2011 Hawaiian surfer Garret
McNamara set the world record for the biggest wave ever ridden by riding a wave reportedly 30.5m (100ft) high.
What to Take
The water temperature here is colder than it is in most other southern European countries,
and even in the summer you'll probably want a wetsuit. Board and wetsuit hire are widely
available at surf shops and surf camps; you can usually score a discount if you rent long-
term - otherwise, you'll be paying around €20 to €30 per day for a board and wetsuit, or
€15 to €25 per day for the board only.
