Portugal unarguably hosts Europe’s best waves. Not including its islands, Portugal boasts 943 kilometres of coastline, which is dotted with countless incredible surf breaks.
Portugal’s most famous surf spots are located in 3 main places: Ericeira, Peniche and the Lisbon coast. However, we shouldn’t ignore the Algarve, Alentejo and Porto, which are also home to some serious waves, as are the Azores islands and the Madeira archipelago. The entire continental coast of Portugal is well respected for its year-round consistency and will not disappoint even the most discerning and jaded of surfers.
Portugal is also known for its Big Wave Surfing Mecca: Nazaré, a small fishing village located less than two hours north of Lisbon. Several Guinness World Records have been signed in Nazaré: the largest wave surfed (24m) by American-born surfer Garret McNamara (24m), the largest wave kitesurfed (19m) by local Portuguese Nuno “Stru” Figueiredo. Although highly controversial because of the measurement methodology and the fact that rider never finished her wave, the largest wave ever surfed by a woman was by Brazilian Maya Gabeira (22m). Normally Justine Dupont (French) should normally have been awarded the record.
Beyond its world class waves that are legendary in the surfing community; Portugal has strong seasonal winds which make it ideal for kitesurfers as well and ideal for wave kitesurfers.
The main wind season is between May and October. During sunny days, and especially in summer, strong thermal winds blow from the north/northwest. This type of wind is called Nortada, and its literal translation is “Strong North Wind.”