Want to make an unforgettable Portugal 2025 surf trip a reality without getting lost in the maze of overbooked spots or unsuitable accommodation? This guide, written by an expat with a passion for Portugal’s surf culture, gives you direct access to the best surf spots, from surf camps to the legendary waves of Peniche, via the secret beaches of the Algarve. Find out the key dates for Portugal 2025 surfing events, the best places to combine surfing and yoga, and how to avoid the pitfalls of high season. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, get ready for a 100% surf travel guide experience, with insider tips for a perfect surf holiday.
The best surf spots in Portugal for 2025
Portugal is set to be a top surfing destination in 2025, thanks to its varied coastline and waves suitable for all levels. From welcoming beaches for beginners to legendary spots for experts, the country offers a wide range of possibilities.
Peniche remains a must with its Supertubos spot, renowned for its perfect tubes. In 2025, the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal will take place from 15 to 25 March, attracting over 150,000 spectators. This beach break attracts the world’s best surfers.
Ericeira, Europe’s leading surfing reserve, boasts seven exceptional waves. Coxos and its tubular straights appeal to experts, while Foz do Lizandro is perfect for beginners. This diversity guarantees its international reputation.
- Supertubos (Peniche): Mythical beach break, home to the WSL World Tour, reserved for experienced surfers.
- Coxos (Ericeira): Powerful reef with tubular waves, aimed at advanced surfers.
- Praia do Amado (Algarve): Versatile spot for beginners and intermediates with a friendly atmosphere.
- São Julião (Ericeira): Intermediate beach break with regular waves, close to Lisbon.
- Cantinho da Baía (Peniche): Spot protected from the wind, suitable for beginners near the cliffs.
- Odeceixe (Algarve): Wild spot with few crowds, offering a peaceful surfing experience.
The Algarve offers excellent surfing conditions all year round. Its sunny beaches attract beginners in summer with moderate waves, while the west of the region attracts experienced surfers in autumn with demanding point breaks.
Costa da Caparica, 30 minutes from Lisbon, combines surfing with cultural discovery. Its moderate waves and proximity to the capital make it a popular choice, accessible by bus from Lisbon for €2.60.
Nazaré remains a legendary spot for giant waves, with heights reaching up to its unique natural resources for surfers looking to get away from it all. Odeceixe, in the Algarve, offers uncrowded waves all year round, ideal for escaping the crowds.
Best times for a surf trip in Portugal in 2025
Portugal’s Mediterranean climate offers ideal conditions for surfing all year round. Temperatures and swells vary according to the season, influencing levels of difficulty. No significant climate change is expected in 2025.
Autumn 2025 looks set to be the ideal season for consistent waves and still-warm water. From September to November, the water reaches around 20°C, with steady winds. The MEO Rip Curl Pro will take place in October.
| Region | Best Season | Conditions & Level Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nazaré | Autumn-Winter (Oct.-March) | Giant waves up to 30m, big wave competitions, for professionals only |
| Peniche | All year round | Baleal: gentle waves for beginners | Supertubos: legendary barrels for experts |
| Ericeira | All year round | North: demanding reefs for advanced surfers | South: beach breaks accessible to beginners |
| Algarve (South) | Summer (June-Sept.) | Moderate waves on sand, ideal for beginners with sunny weather |
| Algarve (West) | Spring/Autumn | Sagres point breaks for experienced surfers, best wave quality in October |
| Arrifana | Autumn-Spring | Technical reef and consistent beach breaks, suitable for beginners and intermediates |
| Costa da Caparica | Summer | Close to Lisbon, moderate waves for learning with cultural options |
| Northern Portugal | Winter (Dec.-March) | Powerful waves with storms, spots like Super Tubos in Peniche for experts |
Winter 2025-2026 promises powerful waves for experienced surfers. Choose sheltered, south-facing spots. Winter storms offer extreme conditions, with swells of 6 to 15 feet.
Spring 2025 will mark a gentle transition with variable but attractive conditions. The days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger. Ericeira and Peniche remain good choices for sustained waves and fewer people.
Summer 2025 will be perfect for beginners, with moderate waves and warm water (17 to 24°C). Spots like Cantinho da Baia in Peniche or Praia do Amado in the Algarve will be ideal for learning in optimal conditions.
The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2025, a leg of the WSL Championship Tour, will take place at Supertubos from 15 to 25 March. The world’s best surfers, including Caroline Marks and Yago Dora, will compete on waves from 2 to 4 feet.
To make the most of your sessions, surf at dawn or dusk when the spots are less crowded. Choose extended or lesser-known spots such as Figueira da Foz. Autumn offers fewer crowds and pleasant water temperatures (around 20°C).
Accommodation options for surfers in Portugal in 2025
Portugal offers a variety of accommodation options tailored to the needs of surfers. From surf camps for beginners to luxury villas, each option offers a unique experience, with packages evolving towards greater specialisation and comfort.
All-inclusive surf camps remain a popular solution for total immersion. In 2025, they often include meals, lessons, equipment and transfers. Establishments such as the Surfers Lodge Peniche offer week-long packages from €350.
Surf houses differ from surf camps in that they are more intimate. They are dedicated houses with private rooms, communal areas and access to the waves. They appeal to travellers looking for a family atmosphere, but with more scope for personalisation.
Surf & yoga packages are gaining ground in 2025. These packages combine technique, flexibility and relaxation, appealing to surfers looking for performance and well-being. Soul & Surf offers this combination all year round.
- Chicks on Waves (Algarve ): retreat dedicated to women, available April-November 2025, from €1050 a week.
- Surf House Lisbon: accommodation in a renovated 1950 villa, with courses and cultural activities, from €250/night.
- Surfers Lodge Peniche: stylish surf camp with rooftop jacuzzi, all-inclusive packages from €350/week.
- Body surf house (Capbreton): community space with shared kitchen and barbecue, ideal for solo travellers or groups.
- Soul & Surf (Algarve ): holistic experience with yoga, surfing and organic meals, available throughout 2025.
For more independence, flats and villas close to the surf spots are very popular. In Peniche, some rentals include two fully equipped kitchens. Private rooms with a shared bathroom cost around €210 per night.
Van life is becoming increasingly popular. Unauthorised camping is tolerated for a maximum of 48 hours, except in protected areas. Infringements can result in fines of between €120 and €600, depending on the 2025 regulations.
Top-of-the-range accommodation is on the increase, combining luxury with proximity to the waves. The Surf Villa Ericeira offers a swimming pool, large garden and hearty breakfasts, just two minutes from Foz do Lizandro.
How to get to and around Portugal to surf in 2025
Portugal will remain accessible from Europe thanks to its strengthened air links in 2025. TAP Air Portugal is making its Los Angeles-Lisbon route permanent and inaugurating Lisbon-Enfidha-Hammamet. These new connections will boost connectivity to the surfing destination.
Lisbon remains the most convenient airport for Ericeira (32 km) and Peniche (42.9 miles). Faro serves the Algarve perfectly, just 15 minutes from the beaches. Porto serves the north of the country, but requires a 2? hour drive to reach Supertubos in Peniche.
Board transport will remain restricted in 2025. Air France requires an agreement 48 hours before departure, with baggage of 23kg and 300cm maximum. EasyJet charges €52 online for large equipment. TAP Portugal charges €110 per intercontinental journey.
Car hire is a must if you want to explore several spots. Book early and you’ll get great rates, with offers from €3.61/day from Klass Wagen. In October, a 14-day rental in Porto costs €65 if booked in advance.
Bus travel is still an economical alternative. A ticket from Lisbon to Peniche costs €10 with Rede Expressos, with a journey time of around 1? hours. Several companies link the airports to the first accessible spots.
Integrated public transport makes it easy to get around locally. Special shuttle buses run to certain spots, such as Lisbon-Ericeira (1h11min). In the Algarve, Praia de Faro is 20 minutes from a surf school after landing.
For longer stays, rail travel offers greater flexibility. The Lisbon-Costa da Caparica line costs €2.60 and takes 30 minutes. The number of journeys between surf spots will increase with the new road routes scheduled for 2025.
Between the legendary waves of Ericeira, autumns that are ideal for surfing and the 2025 surf camps that combine comfort and conviviality, Portugal is establishing itself as an essential destination. Book early for unforgettable sessions: every summer, winter or spring offers its share of discoveries. Your surf trip 2025 isn’t just a trip, it’s an immersion in the country’s oceanic soul.
FAQ
What non-surf activities can I do?
Even if surfing is at the heart of your adventure, Portugal has plenty of activities to enrich your stay. You can immerse yourself in nature by exploring the Arrabida Natural Park near Setúbal, perfect for hiking with its stunning ocean views, or discover the mystical Lagoa de Fogo in the Azores. For a touch of adrenalin and breathtaking panoramas, the glass footbridge at Cabo Girão in Madeira is a unique experience. In terms of culture, a visit to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its romantic palaces, is a must, as is an immersion in the life of a fisherman in Nazaré, famous for its giant waves but also for its authentic atmosphere and traditions.
And if you’re looking to relax or live like a local, there are plenty of options. Why not treat yourself to a yoga session to recharge your batteries after a surf session, or even take a few Portuguese lessons to get by in everyday life? Food lovers will appreciate a wine tasting at a local vineyard, accompanied by cheeses and charcuterie, or simply enjoy the Portuguese café culture, so affordable and friendly. And for total immersion, attending a Benfica football match in Lisbon is a memorable experience that will have you vibrating to the rhythm of the country.
Do I need specific travel insurance?
Absolutely! Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC ) can cover you for basic treatment if you are European, it has its limits and does not cover crucial expenses such as repatriation for medical reasons. Surfing is often considered a high-risk sport by insurers, which means that your standard travel insurance will most likely exclude accidents that occur while you’re taming the waves. There are real risks here, from injuries to strong currents, rocky bottoms and crowded spots.
I strongly advise you to take out specific insurance for high-risk sports. It will give you much more extensive cover, including medical expenses in the event of a surfing accident, emergency repatriation, and civil liability if you cause damage to others. You should also think about covering your surfing equipment in the event of loss or theft. It’s a small investment that will allow you to surf with peace of mind and make the most of your stay in Portugal, without any nasty surprises.
