As one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are plenty of reasons to visit this northern Portuguese city.
But beyond the iconic bridge, dangerously delicious Francesinha sandwiches and lively nightlife, Porto is surrounded by a number of beautiful but under-the-radar surf spots. Here’s our best attempt at showing you that surfing near and around Porto is possible.
If you plan on visiting anytime soon, give this article a once-over and add these spots to your itinerary. At the very least you’ll beat the crowds and experience a different side of Porto!
Best time to surf near Porto
Like the rest of Portugal, the best time to surf around Porto (or Northern Portugal for that matter) is largely dependent on two things: your skill level and how well you handle cold conditions.
Beginners and early intermediate surfers will enjoy the summer months. During this time, the water is warmer and the waves are more forgiving. The downside? Be prepared to deal with crowds if you plan on surfing in the city.
More experienced surfers will want to head out during the winter months when the swells are bigger and more consistent. The trade-off is that the water will be much colder, so make sure to pack a really good 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit.
Porto surf culture and history
While not considered an international surfing hotspot like Ericeira or the Algarve, Porto most definitely holds its own when it comes to waves and local talent.
Matosinhos is the epicentre of Porto surfing. The city boasts several surf schools and shops, as well as a growing number of dedicated surfers who brave the city’s chilly waters year-round. There are also several surf competitions and events held in Porto throughout the year.
Surprisingly, there’s even an archival film from 1926 showing a group of locals catching waves on flat timber boards at the beach of Leça da Palmeira near Porto. It’s not standup surfing or even bodyboarding, mind you, but it’s still pretty cool to see the early beginnings of surfing in Portugal and Europe.
As for the local talent, Manuel Centeno is a famous bodyboarder who hails from Porto. There’s also local legend João Diogo, who competed around the world as a youth and now runs our sister surf school of Surfing Life Club in Porto.
5 great surf spots near Porto
Looking to beat the crowds? Porto is within driving distance of Northern Portugal’s best waves. There are almost too many to name, but here are 5 of our favourites.
Afife
- Break type: Beachbreak
- Distance from Porto: 60 minutes by car
- Why we like it: Super consistent
A classic Portuguese beachbreak if there ever was one. Located just south of the Spanish border, Afife is one of the most consistent surf spots north of Porto.
Submerged rocks divide the beach into two sections, but overall it can be considered the same wave. Great parking, bathroom facilities and lifeguards ensure that Afife is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. A must-check beach if you’re looking to surf north of Porto.
Matosinhos
- Break type: Beachbreak
- Distance from Porto: 17 minutes by car
- Why we like it: Convenient and iconic
Ok, ok… we know Matosinhos is located in Porto, but hear us out. This is possibly the most famous wave near Porto. You can reach it by subway or drive less than 20 minutes from the city centre.
The breakwall at the northern end of the beach captures south swells while sheltering it from the bigger north swells. It also serves up a delicious little wedge when the conditions are right. Trust us, one good wave here is all it takes to see why Matosinhos is so loved by everyone who surfs it.
Espinho (Frente Azul)
- Break type: Beachbreak/jetty
- Distance from Porto: 25 minutes by car
- Why we like it: Famous lefthander
Located just south of Porto in the charming beachside town of Espinho, Frente Azul has plenty of peaks to choose, but the best and most consistent is the jetty break at the southern end of the beach.
This surf spot near Porto offers a fun lefthand wave that can get hollow during bigger swells. Suitable for more experienced surfers when the waves are up, but just as fun for beginners and intermediates when the swell backs off.
Cortegaça Sul
- Break type: Beachbreak
- Distance from Porto: 35 minutes by car
- Why we like it: Secluded and pretty
One of our favourite beaches! Cortegaça Sul offers a bit of everything for surfers, from punchy lefts and rights to long, gentle peelers.
Situated south of Porto and nearby our camp, it’s also incredibly secluded which means there are plenty of days when its just us out. If you’re looking for a quiet spot with good waves near Porto, this is it – bring your friends, bring your family, bring your board!
São Pedro (Maceda)
- Break type: Beachbreak
- Distance from Porto: 35 minutes by car
- Why we like it: Remote, picturesque and fun waves
Our local break at Maceda Surf Camp! With pine trees standing sentinel above the clear white sand and plenty of waves to choose from, this is our pick for the best beach in the region.
São Pedro has many different surf zones depending on where you go, which makes it suitable for all levels of surfers. We’ve had some seriously memorable sessions out here. Needless to say, we can’t wait to share this spot with you.
Surfing here at sunrise or sunset is a must-do when you’re near Porto. We promise that it’s one of the most picturesque surf spots in Northern Portugal.
