Ahhh… the surf town.
It’s one of the most interesting aspects of surf culture and an integral part of any surf trip.
Maceda, which is slowly becoming a low-key surf hotspot in its own right, is one of the best surf towns in Portugal.
But what exactly is a “surf town”? Where the heck is Maceda? And what makes this quirky yet quiet little village a must-visit for surfers?
Wrap your head around the surf town concept and learn a little bit about our charming location.
Who knows? Your next surf trip might be to Maceda.
What is a “surf town”?
Simply put, a “surf town” is any town or village that is closely connected to the ocean and has a surf culture.
Surf towns can be big and bustling like Ericeira or Hossegor. However, they can also be unassuming and peaceful, like Maceda.
There’s no right or wrong type of surf town, but there are certain characteristics that set them apart from other beach towns.
Here are some common features of surf towns:
- Proximity to the ocean: Surf towns are usually located right by the sea, with easy access to beaches, consistent surf and a few restaurants
- Beach culture: These towns often have at least some semblance of surf community, with surfers, surf tourism, surf camps and even surf shops
- Surfy vibe: A lot of surf towns have a unique and laidback atmosphere, with lots of art, music and good vibes
- Surfer-friendly: Think rental shops, cafes with surfer-friendly menus and accommodation catering to surfers’ needs
Where is Maceda?
Maceda is a small village located in the northern part of Portugal, about 40 minutes away from the city of Porto.
It’s situated on the coast, right by the beaches of Maceda, Cortegaça and Esmoriz. We have a variety of surf breaks suitable to beginner surfers plus world class breaks only a short drive away.
There are only about 3,300 permanent residents here, and the village is mostly known for its lush landscapes, quaint charm and traditional Portuguese architecture.
What’s the easiest way to reach it?
You have a few convenient options for getting to our camp.
Option 1: Train
You can take a train from either Porto city centre or Porto airport.
The Maceda train station is just 5 minutes away from our camp. If you’re coming from Porto São Bento, you can transfer at Campanhã station to the Aveiro line and head to Carvalheira-Maceda station.
If you’re arriving at Porto airport, take Metro Line E to Campanhã, then switch to the Aveiro line for Carvalheira-Maceda station.
Option 2: Drive
Plan on renting a car or have your own? Maceda is easily accessible by car, and there are plenty of parking spaces available near our camp. The drive from Porto city centre takes about 40 minutes.
Option 3: Transfer
You can also book a one-way transfer for €60. This includes pickup from either Porto city centre or Porto airport and drop-off directly at our camp.
8 reasons why Maceda is one of the best surf towns in Portugal
1. Unspoiled nature
The north coast of Portugal has some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes in the country.
Maceda is no exception, with its abundant pine forests, dunes and pristine beaches.
People from Porto don’t really come this far south. People from Lisbon rarely drive this far north.
This means Maceda remains relatively unknown and unspoiled by mass tourism.
It’s one of the few surf towns in Portugal where you can find truly secluded and uncrowded surf spots, which brings us to our next point…
2. Empty waves
The learn-to-surf experience can be nerve-racking.
Wriggling into a wetsuit, learning with people you’ve never met before, trying to catch a wave for the first time… it’s a lot.
Imagine doing all of that in an overcrowded lineup with experienced surfers vying for every wave.
Not ideal, right?
Fortunately, Maceda is still relatively unknown and doesn’t attract huge crowds like other popular surf spots in Portugal. This means less stress, more beach break waves and a better learning experience overall.
3. Peaceful vibe
Surf vacations should be relaxing.
Booking a surf trip to a busy surf town in Portugal with traffic, summer crowds and bar lines is not what we have in mind when we imagine a peaceful holiday.
Maceda is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, without sacrificing the quality of the surf.
Life here moves at a slower pace, with plenty of opportunities for quiet walks along the beach or through the surrounding forests.
Feel like doing absolutely nada?
No worries.
Our funky little surf camp is also full of chill spots, hammocks and couches where you can hide away, tuck into a good book and enjoy some alone time.
4. Authentic Portuguese experience
Maceda is a traditional Portuguese village, and staying here means you get to experience the true local culture.
You won’t find many tourists or English speakers here (besides the ones visiting our surf camp), which means you can practice your Portuguese skills and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
From the quaint architecture of the local church to the delicious food and friendly locals, Maceda offers an authentic experience that’s hard to find in heavily touristed areas.
5. Nature activities aplenty
We’re all about surfing, but we don’t mind venturing out to the odd waterfall or mountain trail when the waves are flat.
Luckily, Maceda is surrounded by gorgeous nature and has plenty of outdoor activities to offer.
Want to swim in a freshwater lagoon or follow a hiking trail through a forest to a hidden waterfall?
We’ve got you covered.
Our surf camp offers various nature activities for those looking for a break from the waves and some time in nature.
6. Digital detox
It’s no secret that being glued to your screen all day can be draining.
That’s why we love disconnecting from the digital world and embracing a more mindful way of living in Maceda.
We have wifi, so you’re not completely cut off, but the town itself and the surrounding nature provide a perfect opportunity to take a break from scrolling and truly relax.
Many people leave reviews saying how they were able to fully disconnect and recharge during their stay in Maceda.
This in turn ensures you return to work or studies feeling motivated and with a clear mind.
7. Up-and-coming surf town
In our opinion, we’re one of the best surf towns in Portugal… but not everyone knows that yet.
We’re still an under-the-radar surf destination yet to be discovered by advanced surfers, flooded by surf shops and turned into another blown-out surf spot.
For this reason, you can still find affordable accommodation, catch great waves and see it before it becomes one of the more popular surf towns on the Portuguese coast.
Ever been somewhere that you could see would’ve been beautiful back in the day? You know, when it was just a fishing village or small fishing town and before tourism moved in?
That’s how we feel about Maceda… and we think you’ll feel it too.
8. Year-round waves
From the high-season months of summer to the winter months, Portugal’s coastline is famous for having good surf year-round.
Maceda is no different, and with world-class surf within striking distance in addition to many other surf breaks suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers 365 days per year, you’ll be sure to score some mellow waves.
More advanced surfers seeking surf destinations with a relaxed atmosphere and uncrowded lineups will also enjoy Maceda all-year-round.
There are so many hidden gems and hardly anyone to compete for surf breaks.
Maceda truly is one of the most best surf towns (and one of the most underrated) on the Atlantic Coast.
Surf town Portugal: FAQ
Q. What makes a good surf town?
Whether a surf town is considered good or not is really in the eye of the beholder, but access to surf schools, somewhere to do grocery shopping, easy transport, hiking trails, a surf guide or equipment rentals and accommodation options all contribute to making a good surf town.
Q. What type of surf spots are there at Maceda?
We have a number of surf spots here. Our local wave, Maceda, is a beach break suited to both beginner surfers and intermediate surfers.
We don’t have a nearby reef break for experienced surfers, but we do have plenty of breakwalls that can deliver some of the best waves in this part of northern Portugal in autumn and winter time.
Q. Are there other surf camps nearby?
Not really. There are a couple of surf schools where you can book a surf lesson, plus accommodation that caters to individuals and groups on a surf trip, but we’re the only true surf camp in Maceda.
Q. Can I combine my Maceda visit with a longer surf trip?
Of course! Whether you’re visiting southern Portugal, central Portugal or even Spain, a stop in Maceda is always a good idea.
We’re less than an hour away from Porto airport and can arrange private transfers for you if needed. We also boast a convenient location with plenty of parking… even in the summer months.
Q. Are Portuguese waves good for beginners?
It depends on where you go, but we’ve purposefully built Maceda Surf Camp close to a great beginner surf praia: Maceda.
This beach, which has dramatic cliffs and sand dunes that fall away to the water’s edge, is our main beach. Surf schools run lessons here and we consider it the perfect beach break for those just starting out.
