Are you a beginner surfer thinking about a Portuguese surf trip? Join the club!
Portugal, with its beautiful beaches, excellent waves and relaxed atmosphere, is the perfect destination for beginners looking to improve their skills or catch their first wave.
Northern Portugal is of course where our heart lies, and here there are plenty of options for the novice surfer.
In this guide, we dive deep into the world of surfing in Portugal for beginners so that by the end you’ll know how to book the perfect beginner surf trip! Here’s what’s inside:
- Is Portugal a suitable beginner surf destination?
- When is the best time to surf in Portugal?
- Where are the best beginner surf spots in northern Portugal?
- What do I need to bring for surfing lessons?
Is Portugal a suitable beginner surf destination?
In short, yes. Portugal is one of the best beginner surf spots not just in Europe, but in the world.
Unlike Spain or France, there are generally less crowds (especially in the north) and more beach breaks, which is a wave that breaks over sand instead of hard reef or dangerous rock.
If that’s not enough to convince you, Portugal’s weather is also a major selling point.
The Green Coast or northern surf coast of Portugal is moody and (surprise, surprise) green, with sweeping sand beaches, rugged cliffs and a raw beauty that invites exploration.
Obviously, we prefer it to the hustle and dry bustle of the Algarve, Ericeira or Peniche, but all three are suitable when it comes to learning how to surf – it all comes down to personal preference.
When is the best time to surf in Portugal beginners?
Once upon a time, the surf season for beginners in Portugal was strictly between June and August – the summer months.
These days, however, beginners are surfing Portugal all-year round. This comes down to a couple of things.
The first is that the Portuguese coastline has lots of beaches facing different directions, which means there’s always a suitable spot to surf no matter the season or weather conditions.
The second is that Portugal has a pretty mild climate year-round, with average highs ranging from 15 degrees Celsius in winter to 28 degrees Celsius in summer. This makes it ideal for beginners who may not be used to extreme temperatures.
Taking this into account, you can visit anytime during the year, but between Easter and the end of October is the prime time to book a beginner surf trip to Portugal.
Of course, the busy tourist season can be slightly crazy for beginner surfers at the more popular beaches. One thing about Maceda though is that we’re blessed with two very open and uncrowded surf breaks, which means you can surf without feeling intimidated by large crowds.
Besides, visiting during the warmer months is amazing… if only because you can enjoy a refreshing post-surf beer or cocktail in the sun!
Where are the best beginner surf spots in northern Portugal?
Portugal’s northern region is a treasure trove for beginner surfers, offering a variety of spots that are perfect for catching those first waves.
Whether you’re looking for gentle rollers or slightly more challenging green waves, here’s a list of the top 10 surf spots in northern Portugal ideal for beginners:
- Matosinhos Beach – Right next to Porto, this beach offers consistent waves and a long sandy bottom, making it perfect for first-timers
- Espinho – South of Porto, Espinho has a variety of breaks suitable for beginners and offers excellent surf schools
- Praia de Maceda – A less crowded option right by our camp, offering clean waves and natural beauty. Our favourite spot!
- Praia de Moledo – Near the Spanish border, known for its gentle waves and stunning scenery
- Praia da Cortegaça – Offers a wide sandy beach with reliable beginner waves. Another one of our local beaches that’s perfect for learners
- Praia de Ofir – A picturesque spot with consistent surf conditions
- Vila Praia de Âncora – A beautiful setting and mellow waves make this an ideal beginner spot
- Praia do Cabedelo – Known for its soft waves and scenic views of the Lima River
- Afife Beach – Offers a mix of conditions, with areas suitable for beginners
- Praia da Aguda – A charming fishing village beach with gentle waves
Each of these locations not only provides the ideal conditions for beginner surfers but also invites exploration of Portugal’s stunning northern coastline.
With quality surf schools and welcoming communities, these spots are excellent choices for anyone looking to start their surfing adventure.
What do I need to bring for surfing lessons?
Learning to surf in Portugal as a beginner comes with lots of benefits, but the best part is that you don’t need to worry about bringing your own surf equipment.
Like most beginner surf lesson providers in Portugal, we have everything you need. From wetsuits to boards, all you need to do is show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need a few items for your beach days. This includes:
- Swimwear: A comfortable swimsuit or boardshorts will do the trick
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, especially during peak season, so make sure to bring some sunscreen to protect your skin
- Towel: For drying off after your surf lesson and lounging on the beach afterwards
- Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated while surfing, so bring a reusable water bottle to keep you refreshed throughout the day
- Sun protection: A hat or cap, sunglasses and a rash guard can all be useful for protecting yourself from the sun’s rays
- Flip flops: Essential for walking around on the beach and to wear before and after your surf lesson.
That’s all you need to know for surfing in Portugal as a beginner. For more information or to book your stay, get in touch with your friendly local surf team at Maceda Surf Camp!
