Surfing in Portugal is very developed. No wonder Portugal is often called the European capital of waves. Surfing is available here all year round. Almost the entire Portuguese coast of the Atlantic Ocean creates high-quality waves for surfers of all skill levels. Surfing in Portugal for beginners is possible all year round, and professionals come here in October for the ASP Surfing Championship. Portugal is a great choice for a first surf experience as it is the closest flight from Russia and local prices for accommodation, surf lessons and food are more than adequate.

Surf season in Portugal

The surf season in Portugal lasts all year round. But it is conditionally possible to distinguish between warm and cold seasons. The warm season for surfing lasts from mid-May to mid-September, at which time the largest number sunny days, least chance of rain, most warm temperature water and air. During the warm surf season, the waves the best way suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Professional surfers in Portugal can get bored at this time.

The cold season for surfing lasts from the end of September until May. At this time, the temperature of water and air is quite low ( average temperature January - 14 degrees), there may be rain and cloudy weather. But the waves at this time are suitable for surfers of any level - there are small waves with foam for beginners and big green waves wrapped in pipes for advanced ones.

However, it is worth noting that in October, November and April surfing in Portugal is the most comfortable of all the months of the cold season, since these months have warmer air and water temperatures than in December, January, February and March.

So, from May to September - best time for learning to surf in Portugal, as you will find the most warm and sunny weather, as well as pleasant small waves, convenient for learning.

September to May is the colder time of the year, so it may not be as comfortable to go into the water. But there are conditions for surfing for surfers of all skill levels: from beginners to professionals.

Surf schools in Portugal

Portugal has a very large selection of surf schools and it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. The pricing policy of almost all surf schools is quite moderate. The standard price includes the essentials: surf lessons, surfboard and wetsuit rentals, medical insurance, and transfers to and from the beach. Surf camps in Portugal offer accommodation in addition to surf lessons. If you take a package with accommodation, then the price also includes accommodation and sometimes breakfast.

Surf spots in Portugal

In Portugal, you can find surfers on almost every beach. Surfing spots in Portugal are scattered along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Probably one of the most famous places for surfing it is Peniche.

Surfing in Peniche in Portugal is very developed. Peniche is located on the west coast of Portugal. Due to its protruding position in the ocean, it receives waves from both the north and south, therefore good conditions for skiing here you can always find. Most of the beaches here are sandy, which is convenient for learning. But despite the sandy bottom, green waves come here quite large and even wrap themselves in pipes (remember the famous Supertubos spot), so it will be interesting for continuing surfers to ride in Peniche.

Often, those who want to combine a cultural program with learning to surf choose a surf school near Lisbon. A little away from Lisbon, you find yourself on beautiful sandy beaches with beautiful waves that are suitable for both training and professionals. For example, Guincho Beach is a place where you can meet famous surfers. But on the Carcavelos beach, on the contrary, there is a place for beginners. So if you flew to Lisbon, managed to visit all the museums and you have a few free days left - welcome to

Experienced and novice surfers every year come to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in Portugal. What attracts them to surfing in Portugal in October?

• Portugal is one of the best surfing destinations in Europe. The country has a developed tourist infrastructure and a rich surfing culture.

• There are more than 230 surf spots in the country. Many of them are well equipped - there are surf schools and equipment rentals, showers, cafes and restaurants.

• In addition to hotels and hostels, there are equipped campsites for those who want to travel in a "motorhome". This is a very popular form of recreation in Europe.

• Luxurious nature coupled with mediterranean climate creates favorable conditions for skiing all year round.

• There is . For those whose level of English language not so good it is perfect option: you can focus specifically on learning to surf, and not on trying to understand what the Portuguese instructors say. The level of training is high, as only certified instructors are allowed to work in a surf school.

• Low prices are one of the reasons to visit Portugal in October, outside tourist season. On average, a week of accommodation with training costs around 350 euros. For an additional fee you can order excursions .

Perfect season for surfing in Portugal

Portugal in October is popular with surfers from all over the world. The water cools down, the tourist holidays are over. The coast is empty, and the waves are rising. The "winter" season begins, which lasts until April. The water temperature fluctuates around 10 - 15 degrees. Surfers don't forget about wetsuits and wet boots. Gear and equipment (board, leash) can be obtained immediately at school (if a course is purchased) or taken there at rent. A wetsuit allows you to stay in the water for 2-3 hours.

In winter, there are periods when a cyclone comes and big waves come along with the wind. For beginner surfers, this is a guarantee of powerful foam - the crashing waves come to the shore in the form of a well-pushing foam, on which the first lessons are held.

For advanced surfers in Portugal, there are many spots - both beach breaks and point breaks - where they get up good size green waves.

Surf spots in Portugal. Which to choose?

As already mentioned, there are more than 230 spots in Portugal. This gives you ample opportunities to find the place that suits your level of skiing in any forecast.

Portugal + powerful waves in October + surfing. This perfect combination of factors has led to the fact that every year at this time of year there are competitions WSL (World Surf League) - World Cup Stage rip curl Pro. Competitions have been held here since 2009. The strongest surfers on the planet gather on the beach Supertubos (Supertubush) to determine who is cooler and compete for the prestigious trophy.

Many surfers love to combine business with pleasure: come to see the most powerful riders in the world and get trained at.

Waves in Peniche of different levels - from suitable for learning to advanced types supertubos. The city of Peniche is only 94 km from Lisbon Airport. In the vicinity of the town there are many places where you can go after surfing lessons.

If you go to southern part countries, visit the Algarve region and spots around the city of Sagris. The waters in this place are slightly warmer when compared with the northern regions of Portugal.

Fitness

Best Country for surfing in Europe - Portugal. The best spots in Portugal are south and West Coast. The best time for beginners is summer. And the best places are in our review. Have you thought about where you will go on your summer vacation?

Lagos(Lagos) is a small and cozy town in the southern part of the country. A variety of beaches - large and tiny, hidden among the rocks - allows you to find a surf spot (surf spot) for any level of skiing. The best choice for beginners is Arrifana beach.

One of the famous and oldest surf schools - Surf experience- located in the center of the town. You don’t have to go somewhere to have a pleasant evening after a day of skiing: the city has many bars, restaurants and. Here you can meet interesting people from different countries world, and there is always someone to talk to.

Prices: one day of schooling in the summer season costs 55 euros, a five-day course costs 225 euros.

Besides surfing: diving, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, climbing, yoga, massage.

How to get there: The nearest airport is in Faro. You can get to the final destination on your own by train or taxi, and then the instructor will meet you. Or order (and pay in advance) a transfer, but it's better to do it even before departure from Russia.

Sagres(Sagres) is another town in the very south of the country. It is located on the territory of the reserve, at the foot of the Ponta de Sagres cape. Around the rocks and the endless ocean. The ancients considered this place the end of the world. Part coastline facing west with powerful and impressive waves, and the other facing south with small waves ideal for learning. There are only a few cafes in the city and people come here to feel the unique energy of Sagres. But despite the seclusion of the place, surfer life is in full swing in the town.

International Surf School is one of the oldest schools in the region. It was founded in 2001 and is accredited by the Portuguese Surfing Federation (FPS). Classes are held in small groups (no more than 6 people) for 3 hours a day. After practice, an analysis of skating is carried out on video materials, which allows you to analyze your own mistakes and achievements.

Prices: a five-day surf course costs 200-240 euros (depending on the season). Individual lessons - 50-55 euros.

Besides surfing: diving, whale watching, tours and walks.

How to get there: order a transfer from the airport in the city of Faro or from the nearest town of Lagos, which can be reached by train or bus.

Peniche(Peniche) - a peninsula in the western part of the country - Mecca for surfers, just an hour and a half drive from Lisbon. Once Peniche was an island in the ocean, but one day he changed his mind and joined the mainland.

There are a wide variety of beaches here. Here is the most famous Supertubos spot, where the legendary film "Point Break" was filmed. The waves in this place create powerful pipes of an ideal shape, thanks to which international competitions are held annually on the spot - the ASP World Tour, which attracts the best surfers on the planet. But this grandiose spectacle can only be seen in autumn.

Ocean Ferrel SurfCamp- one of the best surf camps on the peninsula. The introductory course will teach you the history of surfing and safety rules. They will teach you to row, stand on the board, turn around, go through the waves, determine the position in relation to the shore. Your lessons will be filmed, all the mistakes are then sorted out so that you understand the essence of surfing as best as possible and learn how to ride.

Prices: ten days of group lessons cost approximately 450 euros, each individual lesson will cost an additional 50 euros.

Besides surfing: a trip to the island of Berling, golf, fishing, tours along the coast.

How to get there: from Lisbon to Peniche can be reached by bus or taxi. The bus leaves directly from the airport building.

Surf Discovery- one of the best Russian schools in Peniche. The training methods that are used here are developed by our instructors in conjunction with the Australian Academy of Surf Instructors (Academy of Surfing Instructors). It is noteworthy that the school has an introductory lesson that helps you understand whether you are interested in surfing or not. Before going out on the water, the instructor will tell you not only about safety and proper handling of the surfboard, but also about other important points. You will learn what types of waves exist and how they appear, what is a reverse current, what is its beauty and danger, why you should not be afraid of sharks, and so on.

Prices: one lesson, which lasts 4 hours, will cost 55 euros, 5 days (20 hours) - 250 euros.

Beyond surfing: Peniche is a favorite place for fishermen, so freshly caught fish will always be served to your table. Also visit the board factory, look into the fishing village of Nazare and admire the largest church in Portugal - Santa Maria de Alcobaça, which is located about 60 km from the peninsula.

How to get there: from Lisbon to Peniche - by bus or taxi. The bus leaves directly from the airport building.

What do you need to know before leaving?

Equipment and clothes: going to conquer the waves, you don’t have to think what to ride and on what, everything you need will be given out at the surf school. You can also buy surf clothes there for the holidays, because if you plan to hang out, you will want to look the part.

Rules: be sure to learn the basic rules of behavior on the water, which is especially important for the ocean, and watch a couple of educational films. It is better to look for information in blogs and forums where surfers themselves communicate. The instructor will tell you the rest. The knowledge gained will save you from panic when entering the water and from a lot of unnecessary questions to the instructor, you will soon understand the essence and learn to ride faster.

Where to live: Whatever surf school you enroll in, you can always choose where to live: on the campsite, in a hotel, apartment or in a beautiful house on the coast. Cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and gorgeous ocean views are always included in the program.

How to choose a school: the right surf schools are those where there is a minimum number of students per instructor (3-6) so that he has the opportunity to devote time to everyone; two surf sessions are held per day - theory, warm-up, access to the water, rest and again classes. It is desirable that the school has a status, many years of experience and insignia.

How to communicate: will have to speak English. However, the instructors are kind and tactful people, their task is to teach you how to ride, and they will explain as clearly as possible using speech, gestures and even finger drawings in the sand until you understand. So even with poor knowledge of English, you will quickly forget about the complexes and enthusiastically immerse yourself in the process. Another option is to study in a Russian school.

About Russian surf schools: if you have prejudices against them, forget it. A good instructor is not one who was born on the ocean and became a world champion, but one who has a long teaching experience and knows how to explain in such a way that he is understood. Russian surfers settled in Portugal just a few years ago, but quite successfully and, most importantly, competently and professionally teach beginners.

Form of study: it is better to study in a group - you will see your own mistakes, looking at them from the side, because your colleagues will make the same punctures. It is ideal to take a few additional individual lessons so that the instructor devotes all his time only to you.

What not to do: hesitate. Everyone once started, even your instructor choked in the waves, stood crookedly on the board and constantly fell. Just learn: the harder you push, the less you learn and the longer you learn. Get together!

And about the weather: even in the hot months, the water temperature does not rise above 22 degrees, this is due to the cold currents in the ocean. The air in summer warms up to plus 30. It is warm during the day, cool in the evening. If you bring a windbreaker or a light down jacket with you, you will not regret it. By the way, during the day, long-sleeved sweaters will save you from sunburn. On the water, the skin burns very quickly - checked!

Beginning surfers, perhaps, are concerned about the same question: “When to go?”. It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to it, rather, the time for the trip will be determined by the personal preferences of the surfer. The coast of Portugal meets the largest number of tourists in the warm months, from April to October, and the highest waves can be found from October to May.

But for those who still cannot call themselves a sufficiently experienced surfer, too rough seas will be a significant hindrance to learning. Therefore, it is better to plan a trip to Portugal in mid-April-May or November. At this time, there is optimum temperature air and the absence of a large number of tourists.

Collecting luggage

Where to go?

The coast of Portugal has a lot of surf spots with different natural landscapes and conditions. The best places for Sargesh, Ericeira, Peniche, Espinho and many others are considered. Any of these cities and towns can be easily reached from Lisbon.

Most surfers, both experienced and beginners, prefer the village of Sargesh for active recreation. It is located on the south coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. Not only the surf movement is developing here at a fast pace: local recreational complexes are ready to offer guests of the country water for every taste. In Sargesh, you can do things, swim with dolphins and take part in a boat trip along the paradise beaches.

Fans of a relaxing holiday can be invited to visit the fishing village of Ericeira, which is located just north of Lisbon. Even during the season in Ericeira you can find deserted, because this place is not included in the main list of tourist destinations in Portugal. Since the fishing industry is developed in this village, you can find many restaurants serving amazing traditional fish dishes here.

The town of Peniche, famous for its clean beaches and rough seas, is visited by thousands of water sports enthusiasts every year. Many professional surfers seek to get to Supertubos beach, famous for its especially strong waves. Among athletes, they even got their own name - "European pipe". Surfing in these places has become a cult, and every October mass competitions of the ASP World Tour are held in Peniche.

It is impossible not to mention another picturesque place that is perfect for surfing at any time of the year - the resort of Paul de Mar. This small village is located on the island of Madeira. Unusually powerful waves attract mainly professional surfers to Paul De Mar, and in 2001 an international surfing championship was even held here.

The town of Espinho has all the conditions for beginner surfers. In between extreme activities, you can recuperate on the shore by relaxing in the pool with salt water. sea ​​water. It also attracts lovers of golf, casinos and luxury recreation.

Definitely Portugal is the best choice for those who wish to conquer the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. to this country with a rich cultural heritage, gastronomic traditions and wonderful architectural forms, you will definitely leave an indelible impression. It is also worth noting that in addition to classic surfing in Portugal, it is widely developed and, therefore, lovers of a wide variety of water activities will not be bored here.

The western part of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the small country of Portugal, with fewer people living in it than in Moscow. AT recent decades Portugal is developing not only as a country of football and vineyards - thanks to the Atlantic Ocean washing it, it attracts surfers from all over the world, especially from Europe.

In accordance with the requests of athletes involved in water sports, the country began to improve the tourism and sports infrastructure: roads and bridges, hotels and surf camps are being built, equipment and equipment rental points have been opened. Combined with the chic nature and the Mediterranean climate, the presence of suitable waves becomes a tempting reason to come to this country.

5 reasons to visit

Riding level

The spots are suitable for beginners and experienced surfers

Surf schools

Dozens of schools, there are Russian-speaking instructors and Russian schools

Infrastructure

There is everything you need for recreation and sports

Low - a week of accommodation with training from 350 euros

Season

Generally speaking, the surfing season in Portugal lasts all year round. There is no rainy season characteristic of tropical countries, there is no winter familiar to us with deep snowdrifts and ice on the rivers. Conventionally, the surfing season is divided into cold and warm.

The high tourist season, of course, falls on warm time year, that is, May-September. In summer, the shores are filled with masses of people, both visitors and locals. There are a lot of children of different ages at all resorts who came during the school holidays to rest with their parents. Since the ocean is never completely calm, most of the Portuguese coastline has waves in the summer. They are not big and not strong, just right for beginners and intermediate surfers, as well as for teaching children. Experienced athletes on such waves will be bored. Ocean water on the hottest days does not warm up above +23 °C. It is advisable to wear short wetsuits.

In August, vacations and vacations end, the coast is empty. From September it gets cooler, the ocean cools down, the waves rise. This is exactly what many European surfers are waiting for, because it is in the winter of Portugal that the best waves in Europe. The surf season has begun and will last until April. The water temperature fluctuates between 10-15 °C, so surfers should definitely bring wetsuits and wet boots.

Perhaps lucky

Spots

The ocean coast of Portugal is relatively small, about 750 km, stretching from north to south. Surf spots are distinguished by their waves, the infrastructure of the beaches, the presence of a nearby city or resort village. Even the difference in water temperatures between the northern and southern spots at the same time can reach 3-5 °C. The northern spots are distinguished by a more turbulent ocean than the southern ones.

Consider the most popular spots in the direction from north to south:

• Espino (Espinho) is a city that is famous for its beaches and great waves. The northernmost of the popular spots. At the height of the tourist season is filled with visitors and local residents, but the beach is always clean and well maintained, for which it gets international awards. Suitable for experienced surfers and brave beginners.

• Norte Nazare is a beach in the north of the city of Nazare, which is located 90 km from the capital. Suitable only for experienced athletes: there is a deep canyon under the water not far from the shore, this contributes to the formation of large waves above it, which fall on the shore with great power. Officially fixed maximum height the wave conquered by a surfer on this beach is 30 m. Hawaiian surfer Garret McNamara accidentally set a record in January 2013, breaking his own record of 24 m, registered in the Guinness Book of Records.

• Peniche. A very popular town among surfers, 70 km north of Lisbon. Spots with left-handed and right-handed waves of various levels are concentrated on a small segment of the coast: from beginner to advanced. The Supertubos spot annually in October becomes the venue for one of the stages of the World Surfing Championship. 5 km from Peniche is the Baleal Peninsula, which used to be an island, its inhabitants were engaged in whaling. Rocky ledges, sandy beaches, huge ocean waves attract surfers from all over the world.

• Ericeira - a small fishing village has long become a recognized center of surfing with excellent waves, a golden beach. Eight kilometers of Ericeira's sandy coastline is broken by rocky shores into separate beaches and bays. Some of the bays are of interest only to beginners. But there are beaches where only confident professionals should go, for example, these are the beaches of Pedra Branca, Cave, Koshush, Reef, San Lawrence, etc.

• Carsavelos (Carcavelos) is an extremely popular place among surfers. The town is located west of Lisbon, towards the city of Cascais. The spot is quite safe due to the completely sandy bottom, therefore it is suitable not only for athletes with an average level of skiing, but also for beginners, including children. One big disadvantage is that the spot is crowded with surfers at any time, so you always have to share a wave with several people. It is necessary to be constantly on the alert to avoid collisions with other vacationers and athletes.

• Arrifana is a beach that is located far from the capital and major cities, near the village of Aljezur, so its workload is small both on weekdays and on weekends. Conventionally, Arrifana is divided into two spots: beach break (sandy bottom) and point break (rocky bottom). The first spot is suitable for beginner surfers. At the second spot, the waves are powerful and constant, up to 300 m long, which attracts experienced athletes. You should always remember about safety and know where the rocky ledges are.

• Sagres (Sagrish) is a town in the west of southern Portugal, in the Algarve region. In this area, the water is usually warmer than in the northern regions of the country. In Sagres, there are secluded beaches where professionals love to train, and spots with a lot of people. On popular beaches, groups of beginners are constantly visible, learning to surf under the guidance of experienced trainers.

• Lagos (Lagos) is a city in the south of Portugal, 20 km from Sagres. The warmest part of the mainland Portuguese coast.

Special mention deserves the spot Pol do Mar - a beach near a village on the island of Madeira. Despite the distance of 900 km to the southwest, this island is part of Portugal. The climate is milder, subtropical Mediterranean. The tourist infrastructure is well developed. Nature and people have created excellent conditions for surfing, there are surfing clubs. Madeira has several popular spots, some of which host major competitions.

Schools and camps

Since surfing in Portugal has become one of the most popular sports (after football, of course), a lot of attention is paid to its development in the country. Near each spot where there is no urban infrastructure, surf camps or surf hotels are opened, support is provided to athletes who want to open surf schools. Education in schools is conducted in different languages, including Russian. There are Russian surf schools, such as Silver Coast, based in Peniche, or Dream Surf in Baleal. Although the spots in Portugal are available all year round, some surf schools and camps only open during the high tourist season.

Lessons can be taken one-time, you can arrange a surfing tour for a week or two at a travel agency. Prices depend on the chosen conditions of living and studying. For example, a one-time lesson (2-4 hours) costs 30-70 euros, including the rent of a suit and board, the training itself, delivery to the spot and sports insurance for the duration of the lesson. A week of learning to surf with accommodation in a camp costs 350-900 euros.

Peniche Kite & Surf Camp hot

Price

from €25 per lesson, camp week with 10 lessons from €320

housing is provided

Equipment rental:

there is a rental of boards and equipment