SURFING HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL
With Portugal’s mild climate and solid surf, it makes it a very popular destination for every level of surfer and provides a really good location for this sport in Europe. Portugal has a huge variety of waves and swell sizes resulting in it being an ideal location for surfers of all abilities. It’s a great place to learn with lots of places offering all types of surf lessons and packages.
If you are looking to have a unique surfing experience in the sun where the climate is good all year round, then this should be your first choice. It can match any other surfing destination in the world.
Wherever you travel along the coastline in Portugal, you are sure to find surfers riding the waves.
The Supertubos beach off the Peniche coast is regularly classed as the best in Portugal. It’s powerful waves attract surfers  from all over the world. Coxos, in Ericeira is also claimed to be one of the best boasting 3 metre waves in good conditions.
Many of the top professionals from around the world venture a little further afield to the islands of Madeira and the Azores, to experience the really BIG waves (ranging from 6ft right up to 15ft!). Here, you can experience really powerful Atlantic swells crashing down on to the seashore all along the coastline.
For those less experienced and looking for less challenging surfing or for those wanting to just try it out for the very first time, there are plenty of surf instructors and surf camps along the length of the main coastline.
The Azores
 The really best surf spots of the Azores can be found off of the island of Sao Miguel. In particular, the north coast provides really powerful, but also sometime dangerous surf. In the summer, the standard surf reaches around 6 feet but can climb right up to 15 feet in the winter months.
The most highly rated surf spots are Anjos, Areias, Baixa da Viola, Ponta dos Mosteiros, Populo, Praia Formosa, Rabo de Peixe, Ribeira Grande and Santa Iria.
Madeira
It was only discovered recently by the surfing community that Madeira is an exhilarating surfing experience with huge Atlantic swells hitting the island throughout the year. The best time however, is between the months of November to February. The swells are particularly powerful and can rise and fall extremely quickly.
Jardim do Mar is one of the most highly rated spots where the waves can reach up to 8 metres.
You can find some really spectacular waves at Ponta Pequena although difficult to access due to alot of rocky precipices to walk and climb. Tubular waves hit the island at Paul do Mar, but again this also has a very rocky shoreline which can make it somewhat difficult to surf.
Some other excellent surf spots are situated on the north side of the island and include Madona and Bruxas beaches and Feijã da Areia in São Vicente, as well as Ponta Delgada further east.
Jardim Do Mar Madeira Surf Lodge
 This paradise in the middle of the Atlantic invites you to surf perfect long rights and lefts with big channels! You will stay in a lovely surfhouse with barbecue and chillout area and your Surf Guide, a local big wave rider with many years of experience will tell you where and when to jump into the water. Madeira stands in the way of any swell coming out of the North Atlantic and as a result, catches the big swells generated so the surfers looking for big waves with no crowds should find what they are looking for...Madeira is the European Hawaii!! The Surfhouse is centrally located...(Read More...)
 The coastline along the Alentejo offers lots of consistent surf in many areas such as Malhäo, Odeceixe, Porto Corvo, Porto das Barcas, São Torpes and Sines. Cabo de Sines is generally regarded as the best beach for beginners.
The average water temperatures are between 14°C and 20°C and the beaches can get very crowded especially during the Summer months of July and August.
Porto Covo Surf School
This surfcamp is located in Porto Covo, just south of Sines and next to a beautiful beach. A perfect camp to learn surf or just surf the best spot in the area if you are an experienced surfer. Situated halfway down the Atlantic coast, just between Lisbon and the Algarve, Sines is an old fortified town, known for being the birthplace of Vasco de Gama, the famous Portuguese discoverer. The wild stretch of coast extending south of Sines lies within the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo. It offers some of the very best surfing conditions in Portugal and Europe, with consistent swell, good waves and large sandy beaches nestling between tall cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The surfhouse lies near Porto Covo...(Read More....)
Algarve
 The Algarve encompasses the extreme south western tip of Portugal and boasts 100 miles of coastline with some of the most dramatic surf beaches. With its mild climate and solid surf often with offshore breezes, this is a destination that has long been popular with surfers and is similar to the conditions found in California delivering decent sized surf peak and water temperatures from the 60s to the low 70s.
With over 20 first rate surf spots and good weather throughout most of the year, the Algarve is an extremely popular region and choice for surfers.
Surfing experiences in the Algarve are very unique and popular spots to go to are Arrifana, Beliche, Praia do Ponta Ruiva, Praia Zavial, Sagres and Tonel, although this tend to be more suitable for the intermediate surfer.
Good surfing spots for beginners are Amado, Carrapateira, Carriagem, Castelejo, Lagos, Mareta, Monte Clerigo, Playa Azul, Praia de Falésia, Praia da Rocha and Praia de Faro.
Atlantic Rider Surfcamp
The Atlantic Riders Surfcamp operates from Bordeira, a small village in the South-Western Algarve. From here, you can have quick access to the many beaches within the Algarve and the Southern part of the Alentejo. They offer Beginner Surf Courses and Advanced Surf Courses. Their Algarve based camp is tucked away in a private valley surrounded by Cork Oaks and Eucalyptus trees. A peaceful camp with lots of nature and wildlife on its doorstep. They aim to let their guest experience the true spirit of wave surfing. To find good waves on uncrowded beaches and ride them in good company...(Read More...)
Lagos Surfhouse
It's all happening here at Lagos Surfhouse! Embark on a journey to Algarve's surfing Mecca with three men and a dog, a fine mix of qualified English and Aussie know-how with 45 years of surfing experience combined. The staff will strive fo you to surf great waves in beautiful locations, tone up, feel fitter and tanned, relax, chill out of just surf hard. You will become a real surfer or just remember how it was like to be one! Daily cruising in Land Rover to the best surf spots of the south and west coast of the Algarve in search of the best conditions to suit your level or surfing ability. The surfhouse enjoys a central location in Lagos...(Read More...)
Marlon Lipke Surf School and Surfaris
One of the regions in Europe that receives the most swell in the summer, the Algarve offers you the chance to enjoy beautiful beaches, trendy bars and a really good nightlife. The Luz surfcamp is situated in the renowned seaside resort of Lagos, on the southern coast of the Algarve, just east of Sagres. The camp was founded in 1993 and has been stylishly developed into a combination of surfing and partying. The owner's son Marlon Lipke, is the European Pro Junior Champion 2004 and 3rd in the World Pro Junior 2004 ranking. The surfhouse offers great villa accommodation 5 minutes from downtown Lagos, with double rooms with private bathrooms, garden with swimming pool and social area with bar, pool and satellite TV. The camp offers tuition for beginners and guided tours for experienced surfers to the best spots in the area...(Read More...)
Algarve Kids & Teens Summer Surf Camps
 Nomadsurfers run two very special training camps for kids in Carrapateira, end of June - beginning of July and of one week duration for each. It is recommended to do both weeks for maximum progress. There is a maximum of 30 kids per week and camps are for boys and girls between 12 and 16. Courses are split into two levels: Level 1 for total beginners and intermediate surfers, who will learn the easiest way to surf and improve their technique and Level 2 for advanced surfers and competition training. The staff comprise of qualified coaches who speak several languages and all the elements are combined to provide the kids with professional, pleasurable and efficient training. This year, kids will be able to also take an optional Spanish or English language course, held at the end of the day. Accommodation at the Carrapateira Surf House, a three floor house in the small village...(Read More....)
Sagres/Carrapateira Surf Camp and School
One of the European surfcamps which receives the most swell in the summer, the Sagres/Carrapateira Surfcamp offers you the chance to enjoy beautiful beaches, trendy bars and exciting nightlife. Accommodation is at two surfhouses; in the lively town of Sagres and at the quieter beachside location of Carrapateira. Surfschool for beginners, Surfaris for the experienced and accommodation only for the independent surfer. The clients and staff are multicultural and speak many different languages (English, Spanish, German, Italian etc). Private parties are regularly organised at the two surfhouses, with Mexican or Brazilian food, barbecues, DJ's and even Brazilian and belly dancers! Sagres' coastline is a peninsula that provides good surfing conditions on one of the twenty different surf spots, regardless of the size of the swell or wind direction...(Read More...)
Vale Figueiras Surf School and Camp
Special Week Offered for GIRLS ONLY: 24-31 August
 Vale Figueiras Surfhouse is a traditional Portuguese country house in the middle of the Alentejo Nature Park. There is very few houses here and it is the closest house to the beach of Vale Figueiras, one of the best beach breaks of Portugal! Breakfast is at the house. Lunch bags at the beach and dinner at local restaurants or at home. Camps are for all levels of surf but recommended for intermediate-beginners to experienced surfers. The instructors will take you in the school vehicles in search for the beach with the best conditions of the day. You will have a short board, mini malibu or long board and wetsuit at your disposal for the entire week. The atmospheric surfhouse...(Read More...)
For More information on Surfing Packages in the Algarve, then...Read More Here....
Ericeira
 Ericeira although primarily a small fishing village it boasts some very highly rated surf spots. It has earned a reputation as being one of the best places to surf in Portugal due to its excellent waves. Some of the most rated places are Coxos, Cave, Pedra Branca and Reef, although Coxos with its particularly good waves is really strictly for the professionals.
These places tend to get quite crowded and the waves also break on to shallow reefs so not ideal for the inexperienced surfers who may prefer Ribeira de Ilhas which has much deeper waters and is a much safer surf.
Ribeira d'Ilhas Beach Surfcamp
The surfcamp is located in Ribeira d'Ilhas Beach, between Ericeira and Ribamar. Nestling on the Atlantic coast and a short drive north of Lisbon, Ericeira is a traditional fishing village and Portugal's surfing Mecca, internationally renowned as one of the best surfing spots in Europe. Since 1985 it has played host to the ASP (WQS) World Championship. Five minutes away from the centre of Ericeira and next to the beach, Ericeira Surfcamp features several wooden bungalows, a camping area and bar-restaurant, as well as a range of leisure activities. The facilities are situated in front of a beach break with perfect waves for all levels, and a short distance from several of Portugal's best surfing breaks, such as Coxos and Pedra Branca. At night the restaurant also works as a bar, where parties and surfing movie sessions are held. During the WQS contest, the area in the centre of the camp also hosts concerts and DJ's, when people dance all night long! Fifty metres away from the beach...(Read More...)
Leira
The Leira coast contains a number of popular surf spots with the very attractive village of Nazaré regarded as one of the finest spots, with extreme waves throughout the winter season.
Further north, and close to Figueira do Foz, Buarcos, Cabedelo and Praia de Quiaios are also very highly regarded.
Careca Surfcamp
Careca Surfcamp is located in Figueira do Foz, which is a seaside location in the centre of Portugal, lying between Lisbon and Oporto. Here in a straight line of 100 km, you can find many different beaches with excellent conditions to practice surf. Here at the Careca Surfcamp you can experience an extraordinary surfing experience far from the other more crowded and touristic beaches. Imagine, just you and your board...and the waves surrounded by breathtaking nature....(Read More...)
The Lisbon Coast
 Cheap train services connect Lisbon to Cascais, making it very easy to reach the beaches along the coast. These include Santo Amaro de Oeiras, Carcavelos, São João and São Pedro. These beaches can all get extremely busy, especially during the weekends, but some really good waves can be caught at Parede, which attracts fewer crowds.
Further up from Cascais is Guincho, which is a very popular spot, although the midday winds can sometimes make surfing impossible, so if going here, ensure you get there early.
Peniche
Many surfers claim that Supertubos is the best waves along the Portuguese coast and it is rated as one of the very best in Europe. It has a hollow barrelling wave, which is really only suitable for the experts.
A little further along the coast lies Cantinho, which is a really excellent spot for beginners and intermediates.
Peniche Surfcamp
Imagine if you can, waking up everyday to perfect surf conditions. Well you can...because this is a reality in Peniche. Widely recognised as the best and most consistent surf sport in Portugal, the peninsula of Peniche offers both a north and south-facing coastline. The result is simply the finest surfing conditions everyday irrespective of the swell and the wind direction. The peninsula of Peniche always offers you a beach where the wind will be off shore, creating the perfect waves. Within 15km of coastline, you can find more than 20 surf spots for all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. The surfcamp is within walking distance from all the waves in the peninsula of Peniche and just one hour's drive from Lisbon Airport...(Read More....)
Tribo do Mar Surf School
Tribo do Mar Surf School is based in Consolação, on the southern beach of Peniche. Next to surf classes and surf trips, Tribo do Mar offers all kinds of accommodation. Apartments, rooms, houses, all can be arranged for both surfers and non surfers alike. The accommodation and surf school are right next to the world known wave Supertubos. Consolação is a beautiful place surrounded by several reefs and long stretches of beaches. In the Peniche area, you have some 25 beaches to choose from. Come to Portugal and enjoy the sun, perfect waves and good vibes...(Read More...)
For More information on Surfing Packages in Peniche, then...Read More Here...
Porto
 The coastline around Porto contains a number of surf spots, each providing many different types of waves all suited to different surfing proficiency.
Just a little further up from Porto are lots of deserted and empty beaches and many uncharted surf spots.
Just a few miles south of Porto are the beaches of Espinho and Cortegaça and these are the most highly regarded surf spots in this region.
Oporto Surf School, Camp & Lodge
Surf in Porto whilst enjoying the tranquility of the traditional fishing village of Esmoriz, surrounded by the wild and well-preserved beaches of Maceda National Park, Oporto Surfcamp is a multicultural place, where people from all over the world can enjoy the surf. Make new friends and exchange experiences in a very chilled out and informal ambience. Esmoriz, known as the best surf spot triangle in the North of Portugal, offers you a great surf with a peaceful and friendly crowd in a place where traditions are still alive. Lots of partying too! Oporto Surfcamp's surfhouse is a short 3 minute walk from the beach...(Read More...)
Camps "On The Move"
 "Gipsy on the move" is a school dedicated to the teaching of surfing (snowboarding and skating). Always in motion - searching for the beach, mountain or track, offering excellent conditions for the practice of these sports.
The school is always "on the move" - it literally runs on wheels, seeking the very best "secret spots". Travelling in a Mercedes Sprinter 413 van duly modified to ensure comfort and fun and equipped with sound system, Ipod, PC, DVD reader and Play Station 3. A specially made trailer transports all the necessary gear such as boards and suits whilst a Mercedes Vito van transports you to the spots.
The school's concept is to search out new places and experience new spots in an evolving project. This process is based on the life experience of the school's Technical Manager as a surf teacher in beach schools and surf camps. The "Gipsy on the move" spirit is the essence of the school, which, by searching adventure opportunities, will create challenges towards the world at large. The trips organised by this school are for those who wish to learn more about the culture, nature and gastonomy of Portugal, as well as other countries. All trips are accompanied by our team using our equipment.
The group's preference will determine what type of accommodation will be provided, be it "Gipsy on the move" tents, a surf camp or elegant country houses...(Read More...)
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