Best Surf Routes in Portugal

When it comes to the best waves in Europe, Portugal is in constant contention for top honours. Many of its breaks boast some of the biggest, most technically difficult waves in the world, drawing athletes here from around the world.

1) Nazare

Anyone who is serious about surfing knows about Nazare. If you weren’t already aware, it was here in 2011 that Garrett McNamara caught one of the largest swells ever ridden by a surfer.
Plunging forth bravely into what would become a 78-foot high wall of water, this rogue wave was just the biggest in an endless series of gargantuan swells that are produced by an underwater canyon.
Acting as a funnel, it causes the incoming ocean to rise up much higher than it normally would, thereby producing some of the most epic waves ever witnessed.

2) Sagres

If your road trip in Portugal is set to take you through the Algarve, we recommend that you park your van in Sagres.
Just avoid coming here in summer: it’s not just because tourism is at its height – the waves are also at their calmest during this time.
The spring and fall contain much better swell conditions, and less in the way of crowds.
When you aren’t camping out offshore waiting for the perfect wave, there are plenty of other interesting things to do.
There are tours to hidden beaches and grottoes along the coast, and plenty of great reefs for divers to explore, so if you are looking for a well-rounded surf holiday destination, Sagres will fit the bill perfectly.

3) Carcavelos

If you are less experienced, many places along the Portuguese coast can be incredibly intimidating (like Nazare).
If you want to work on your form before tackling these spots, be sure to spend a few days at Carcavelos Beach first.
Located in the Lisbon area, this praia is littered with surf schools eager to teach novice wave shredders everything they know.
The downside is that there will be tons of competition for waves, but if you are looking to learn in a safe environment, this is where you’ll want to start your surfing journey.

4) Ericeira

If you are looking for a less crowded and atmospheric destination after getting the kinks out of your surfing stance at Carcavelos, then the fishing village of Ericeira will fulfill both of these criteria.
Despite not being far from Lisbon, its multiple surf breaks are never that crowded, even in peak season.
When you aren’t in the water, Ericeira’s bakeries and restaurants are great places to try Portuguese egg tarts and local seafood specialties respectively, so be sure to budget a few days in this choice spot.

5) Paúl do Mar, Madeira

If you are looking for a Portuguese surf destination that stands apart from the rest, Paúl do Mar Beach on the island of Madeira will fulfill this desire.
Sitting between a towering cliff, a picturesque village, and the vast emptiness of the North Atlantic, this break won’t just produce waves that will make for an afternoon of amazing fun, it will grant you travel memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

If you want to embark on an epic surfing adventure, Atlantic Surf Route offers a 14 to 21 day dream surfari/road route enjoying the best spots in Europe. Among them: Mundaka, Rodiles, Nazaré, Supertubos, Do Amado, Tonel, Canos de Meca or Tarifa. For more information visit: http://www.atlanticsurfroute.com/surfari/package/full-road-trip-surf-spain/

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Source: pommietravels.com

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