Surfing in Portugal

Portugal is the most complete surf country in Europe, and the only one where an hour's drive changes the conditions entirely.

The west coast, from Peniche to Ericeira, takes everything the Atlantic sends. It is exposed and generous, sometimes too generous: on days when the swell outgrows what a beach break can hold, the answer is to go and find shelter rather than force it. The Algarve, in the south, plays exactly that role. When the west is unmanageable the south coast settles, and the reverse holds too.

The season runs from October to April for the big days, but summer is not dead. It is simply smaller and steadier, which makes it the time you actually improve. The north, around Porto, stays colder and far less crowded.

It is also the country where the surf infrastructure is densest: schools everywhere, board hire in every village, and a habit of dealing with travelling surfers that makes the rest of the trip easy. A first European surf trip can be organised here knowing nothing about the country.

Who it suits: honestly, everyone. Beginners find learning waves all year, intermediates find room to progress, and the experienced find Supertubos in winter.