5 Best Surf Spots in Portugal to Visit With a Campervan

November 30, 2022 in Destinations, Tips for Travellers & Portugal

Looking for a new twist on a classic holiday? Do you prefer staying active during your holiday rather than lounging with a magazine? Or simply aiming to leave your comfort zone?

We've got you covered. We've rounded up the five best surf spots in Portugal. From novice paddlers to surfing professionals, there is something for everyone. Surfing in Cornwall is great, but with Portugal, you're assured good weather and clear conditions. We recommend avoiding the peak summer months, for better conditions and fewer crowds.  Late winter to early spring is the best time for surfing in Portugal, with waves typically measuring 2-4.5m or 6-15ft, while those gentler summer waves are around 1-1.5m or 3-5ft.

You can camp nearby in your motorhome and be the first at the beach with your board. Portugal also assures a budget-friendly holiday, as you'll find it to be cheaper than the UK. 

Goboony surf spots campervan h2 motorhome

1. Viana do Castelo

This lively city is located north of Portugal, only an hour’s drive from Porto and is not only known for its great architecture and nightlife, but also for the great surfing possibilities! Our favourite is the Praia de Cabedelo beach. Praia de Cabedelo is the perfect place for a new surfer, because the wind there is on-shore (from sea to land), which ensures the waves don't get out of hand.

If you feel like trying something else for a day, or you're travelling with non-surfers, Viana do Castelo offer visitors the opportunity to windsurf, kite surf, and bodyboard. Or you can wash up and head into the lovely city for the afternoon.

2. Figueira da Foz

One of the most famous seaside resorts in Portugal is Figueira da Foz. Fun fact, this translates to fig tree at the mouth. The city is so named because it lies at the mouth of the river Rio Mondego. This beautiful place is known for its very long and wide beaches with soft sand – perfect for relaxing after a gruelling surf session!

Unlike many other coastal towns in Portugal, this place is mainly known by Portugese surfers who consider it to be one of the best destinations.

3. Nazaré

For the advanced surfers among us, Nazare is a must-visit! The legendary fishing village in Portugal not only has a great atmosphere but is also home to the underwater Nazaré Canyon. Because of this, it is also known to have the biggest waves in the world, reaching heights of up to 25 meters!

After a day of surfing, you can take your tired legs to the Miradouro do Suberco viewpoint to admire the beautiful coastline of Portugal.

Goboony surf spots campervan h2 motorhome

4. Peniche

Peniche is not to be forgotten on this list of great surfing spots in Portugal. The highlight of Peniche is that it is a peninsula, meaning you have plenty of options for surfing. Ifthe waves are too extreme on one side, they are often calmer on the other. This ensures its suitability for all levels, beginner to advanced.

Because Peniche lies between the wet north and the warm south, it means that the summers are long but that the surfers can cool down at the same time thanks to a wonderful cool sea breeze. 

5. Sagres

Last on the list of great surfing spots, but definitely worth a visit. Although Sagres is almost always sunny in the far south of Portugal, it is almost never too hot to surf. Despite the heat, the strong currents of the Atlantic Ocean ensure a cool surfing temperature and a clear blue ocean! 

From sprawling beaches to smaller cosy bays, Sagres has plenty to choose from. And while here, consider visiting Divers Cape for an etheral underwater experience!

If you're looking to learn more before you embark on your own, check out the best surf camps in Portugal