Portugal turned decisively to the Atlantic and land, and not only saw the rise of explorers and sailors. it is also a land of surfers, for whom the area is primarily a huge beach that looks like a perfect playground. Popular spots along the coast attract surfers from all over the world who come to experience some of the best waves in Europe. We have selected seven of them, the most notable ones.
And to confirm our selection, we interviewed Justin Dupont, a champion with an impressive track record (world’s best big wave surfer, world paddleboard champion and world runner-up in longboarding). La Bordelez, who lives most of the year in Portugal, knows its diverse coastline well and gives us his technical point of view, but not only: Localism is neither more nor less important in Portugal than elsewhere. As everywhere, it’s good to say hello with a smile when you reach the top. »
Espino
This small fishing town, located 20 km from Porto, is popular with snow sports enthusiasts. Praia da Baia, which is protected by two breaks and is considered the best channel in the north of the country. Under ideal conditions, the straight formed near the pier turns into a perfect, long and powerful pipe. Further south, the waves are short but numerous and go left and right. a point break suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. ” It’s a channel I like. You have to manage the currents and waves that affect the sandbanks. You have to adapt, be careful. Conditions change a lot. It’s instinctive surfing, less thought. A short wave where you focus on your maneuver. »
A pillow
It is in Peniche, or rather on the beach Supertubes, that there is the Portuguese wave, the one that every young practitioner in the country dreams of riding one day to emulate their idols. Every year the World Surf League hosts a World Championship round there and the likes of Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Johan Defay and Carissa Moore battle it out relentlessly. When conditions are right, its fast, powerful and tubular waves beach break become epic and requires a solid level.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. ” Supertubos is a bit like La Gravière in France. The channel is powerful, hollow, there are pipes everywhere. It’s surfing. The site works well with north/northwest winds, which are the prevailing winds in the region. On the other hand, there are many people in the water, you have to fight to get your wave. »
Ericeira
Ericeira, a small seaside town near Lisbon (50 km), is a temple of Portuguese surfing with its 4 km of coastline, a wave that sees the passage of some of the best professionals in the discipline. In particular, Kanoa Igarashi, the silver medalist of the Tokyo Olympics, lives there when he is not surfing around the world. There are many spots out there, but the most popular is definitely this one point break from Ribeira de Ilhas, iconic straight, long and consistent. Ericeira was classified as a “World Surfing Reserve” in 2011, the first in Europe, by Save The Waves.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. ” Ribeira de Ilhas is a super straight line, long, accessible to everyone, even if you have to be careful of the rocks. It’s a good point break, with a great channel, you can express yourself, do a lot of maneuvers, repeat them. It is interesting to work. »
Sintra
The wild coast of the Sintra region favors the practice of skiing. The strongest wave breaks at Praia Grande, is a popular spot in the local surfing community, very busy in the summer. Its three peaks make one beach break versatile but very susceptible to swelling. When the sea swells, the best compete there with skill.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. Praia Grande reminds me a bit of Lucknow. The whale is very dependent on the sand banks, the tide has a big effect, you definitely feel that you are traveling to different shores at high tide and low tide. There is plenty of space, allowing you to share sessions with more people. Good beach for everyday surfing, for all levels. »
Karkavelos
the beach of Karkavelos It is not the best place in the country, but it has an undeniable advantage, which makes it very popular with young Lisbonites. You can get there directly by train from Lisbon. The countless surf schools out there testify to its popularity and allow everyone to try their hand at the discipline. The perfect place to offer a baptism in foam. This in winter beach break sometimes turning into a huge and wild tube to the delight of the most technical surfers.
Justin Dupont’s opinion.“Karkavelos is another orientation. This is also what is great about Portugal, the coast is very diverse, a bit like the Basque Country. There are rocks, sand, point breaks, long and short waves, rights and lefts. Carcavelos is a good throwback spot, and when it works, it’s great. You can have a super left. »
Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica, a suburb of Lisbon, on the south bank of the Tagus, is a long sandy stretch of about fifteen kilometers, arbitrarily divided into twenty beaches. Lots of places to explore with lots of different conditions and to suit all levels. More experienced surfers meet at the beach Cova do Vaportubular channel, fast and demanding.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. ” Yards have a great effect on these stains. When there are big swells, it’s easy to find fallback solutions. And when it’s smaller, there’s always an open spot. There’s always a way to surf on the Costa da Caparica, always a place to break out.”
Algarve (between Aljezur and Sagres)
The Algarve combines near-perfect conditions: waves, stunning natural surroundings and water at a significantly higher temperature than what is offered on the rest of Portugal’s coast. The coast between Aljezur and Sagres, however, brings together the best spots, including Arrifana, the pearl of the region. This very popular (and busy) beach offers fast waves at low tide and is suitable for water sports enthusiasts of all levels. Except when the swelling increases and the experience speaks of Arifana’s right side. Further down, between Sagres and Lagos, the coast changes and sees swells coming from the south.
Justin Dupont’s opinion. ” alreadythe water is warmer, which is nice in Portugal. Above Sagres, the spots are well exposed and the trip is regular, such as Praia do Castelejo, Praia do Amado or Praia da Bandeira. And of course there is the right of Arrifana, a famous super channel. Further south, from Beliché Beach and especially towards Lagos, the exposure is completely different, the swells are not the same, you are sheltered from the north. »
Nazare, the bonus spot
When swelled to XXL, Nazaré and its giant waves are a unique sight in the world that deserves to be bypassed. But as an audience! Boasting the world’s biggest waves from October to March, this small Portuguese beach resort is a surfer’s paradise. Its unique natural phenomenon, its gastronomy, its beaches and its world heritage monuments make it an ideal destination for a winter weekend, a giant stormy season.
Source: Le Figaro
