If you are travelling on a British passport for a short holiday, you do not normally need a visa. Portugal is in the Schengen area, which means the 90 days in any 180 day period rule applies across Schengen countries.
To The Best Destinations
Your Surf Travel Guide to Portugal
Portugal is one of the best surf destinations in Europe because it delivers waves almost year-round. With a long Atlantic coastline, shifting sandbanks, reefs, points and sheltered bays, there is nearly always somewhere working, whether you are chasing clean lines for progression or timing a proper swell.
If you are planning a Portugal surf holiday, the biggest win is variety. You can stay near Lisbon for city plus surf, base yourself in consistent hubs like Ericeira or Peniche where you can choose the best beach each day, or head south to the Algarve for sunshine, mellow vibes and a different angle on the swell. It is also a brilliant choice for mixed-ability groups, because there are plenty of user-friendly beach breaks for learning alongside heavier options for experienced surfers.
Outside the water, Portugal is easy to love. Rest days can be simple and perfect: a pastel de nata and coffee in the morning, a long coastal walk, and a seafood dinner in the evening. Look out for classics like sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), arroz de marisco (seafood rice), and cataplana (a traditional seafood stew, especially in the Algarve). In Lisbon you can keep it casual with a bifana or prego sandwich, and in Porto you can try the famous francesinha when you want something properly hearty after a long surf day.
Choose your destination
Top Surf Regions in Portugal
Choose the region and we will show you the best waves and recommended the perfect camps.
Europe’s Surfing Reserve
Ericeira
Ericeira is a top tier base because it offers loads of breaks within a short drive, meaning you can chase the best conditions each day. It is ideal for progression (beginner to advanced), with a proper surf town feel, great cafés, and plenty of wave variety across different swell sizes.
Consistency and Variety
Peniche and Baleal
Peniche is famous for having options in almost any wind direction, plus a mix of beaches and more powerful set ups. It is a great choice if you want reliable surf, lots of time in the water, and the ability to switch spots quickly as conditions change.
City Plus Surf
Lisbon Coast and Sintra
Staying near Lisbon lets you combine surf sessions with proper culture, nightlife and food. The coastline around Lisbon and Sintra has plenty of beaches and peaks, making it a strong option for quick transfers, flexible surfing, and a holiday that is not only about surfing.
Sunshine and Space
The Algarve
The Algarve is a favourite for relaxed surf holidays, warmer days, and a slower pace. Depending on swell and wind, you can often find workable waves on different corners of the coast. It is also brilliant for families and anyone who wants surf plus comfort, beaches, and easy rest days.
Quieter coastline energy
North Portugal
North Portugal offers a more local feel, powerful Atlantic beaches, and plenty of space compared to the busiest surf zones. It is a great pick if you want a calmer vibe, strong surf potential, and a surf trip that feels a bit more off the standard track.
Surf trips made simple. Trusted camps. Real local knowledge.
Surfing in Portugal
Portugal works so well for surf travel because you can shape the trip around your priorities. Want daily coaching and a classic surf-town base? Easy. Want a surf house near Lisbon so you can mix sessions with city nights and day trips? Done. Want sunshine, beaches and a slower rhythm with great food between surfs? The south is ideal. We will help you choose the best camp for your level, the season you are travelling, and the kind of holiday you actually want.
Our Portugal camps cover a mix of regions and vibes, from classic surf hubs with lots of wave options to quieter coastlines where you can really switch off. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family, we will point you to the best fit and make the booking process simple.
Best Time To Surf Portugal
Portugal has two main “moods” for surf. From autumn through winter you get more powerful Atlantic swell, bigger surf days, and the best chance of longer-period lines (great for experienced surfers and anyone chasing proper energy). From spring through summer you typically get smaller, friendlier waves and warmer days, which is ideal for beginners, improvers, and anyone who wants surf plus lots of beach time.
The best choice depends on your level and what you want from the trip. If you want consistent, manageable waves and an easier learning curve, aim for late spring to early autumn. If you want more size, power and variety, autumn and winter are the prime window.
Beginner Friendly Energy
May to September
Wet season it's fine for the West Coast early in the morning and the East Coast is on fire pumping right under Perfect for learning all year round.
Shoulder Season Sweet Spot
September to October
One of the best times for overall surf travel. You often get cleaner conditions, fewer crowds than peak summer, and a noticeable lift in swell size without things turning too heavy too quickly.
Atlantic Swell Season
November to February
The most powerful time of year, with the best chance of bigger swells and heavier sessions. Ideal for confident surfers, and also great for progression if you are surfing the right spots with the right guidance.
Building Consistency Again
March to April
A solid transition period where you can still score good swell while the days start to feel lighter and warmer. Great for surfers who want a mix of fun sessions and a calmer holiday pace.
Sweet Starts and Slow Mornings
Pastel De Nata Missions
Make it a ritual: coffee and pastel de nata after your morning session, then a relaxed wander through town. It is the simplest rest day win and it somehow always tastes better after surfing.
Local Food, Proper Flavour
Portuguese seafood nights
Portugal is made for post surf dinners. Go for sardinhas assadas, arroz de marisco, or a cataplana in the Algarve. Fresh, simple, and exactly what you want after a long day in the salt.
Culture Hit Without The Effort
Lisbon and Sintra Day Trips
Combine surf with viewpoints, old streets, and easy day trip exploring. Sintra is perfect for a reset between sessions, and Lisbon is ideal if you want surf days followed by city nights.
Sunset and Coastline Energy
Clifftop Walks and Beach Time
Portugal’s coastline is built for decompressing. Use rest days for coastal walks, hidden beaches, sunset viewpoints, and slow evenings that keep you fresh for the next swell.
Hearty Classics After a Big Day
Try a francesinha in Porto
If you are up north, Porto is a brilliant change of pace and a great food city. A francesinha is the famous comfort food move when you want something seriously filling after a long surf session.
Getting there and transport
Portugal is simple to reach from the UK and Europe, with good flight options and straight forward transfers. Once you are there, you can travel light and keep things easy, or hire a car if you want maximum flexibility chasing conditions and exploring different zones.
Simple Flight Options
Best Airports for Surf Travel
Lisbon is a great all round gateway for Ericeira, Sintra and the central west coast. Porto works well for North Portugal. Faro is the easiest option for the Algarve.
From Airport to Surf
Transfers and arrival day
Depending on your camp and region, you can arrange a transfer, use taxis and ride share options, or travel by public transport. We can help you choose the smoothest route based on where you are staying.
Maximum Flexibility
Car Hire For Wave Chasing
If you want to explore different breaks and time your sessions around wind and tides, hiring a car can be worth it. It is especially useful for surfers who want to move between beaches and regions during the trip.
Easy Travel Days
Public Transport And Local Movement
n popular surf regions you can often keep things simple, especially if you are based close to beaches, cafés and surf town centres. For longer hops between regions, trains and buses can work well depending on your plan.
Quick Admin
Entry Requirements At A Glance
Entry rules depend on your nationality and can change, so always check official guidance before you travel. UK travellers can visit Portugal visa free for short stays (within the Schengen 90 days in 180 days rule) and you should allow extra time at borders as new biometric checks are being rolled out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
What are the passport validity rules for UK travellers?
Your passport should be less than 10 years old on the day you enter (based on the date of issue) and should have at least 3 months validity after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Rules can change, so always check official guidance before you fly.
Will there be extra checks at the border?
Yes, there can be. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (biometric checks) is being rolled out, which can add time at passport control. Plan to arrive earlier than usual and be patient at peak times.
What currency is used in Portugal and how should I manage money?
Portugal uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted in most towns, cafés and restaurants, but it is still worth carrying some cash for smaller bakeries, parking, and local spots. If you are travelling between regions, having both card and a little cash keeps things easy.
Is Portugal good for beginner surfers?
Yes. There are loads of beach breaks and many regions have beginner-friendly waves when conditions are right. The key is timing the season and surfing the right spots for your level.
When is the best time to learn to surf in Portugal?
Late spring through early autumn is usually the easiest window for learning, with smaller surf and warmer days. That said, you can learn year-round if you pick the right beaches and conditions.
Do I need a wetsuit in Portugal?
Yes for most of the year. Water temperature changes by season and region, and the Atlantic can feel cool even on sunny days. A wetsuit is part of standard surf travel here.
Can I hire surfboards and wetsuits at the camps?
Yes. Most surf camps include equipment within packages or make it easy to add board and wetsuit hire. Tell us your level and we will make sure you are on the right board for the conditions.
Is Portugal suitable for families and mixed ability groups?
Definitely. It is one of the easiest destinations for mixed groups because there are many surf options close together, and plenty to do outside the water (beaches, food, walks, culture).
Is Nazaré suitable for normal surfers?
Nazaré is world famous for big waves, but it is not a standard surf spot for most travellers. It is best approached as a legendary surf experience and viewing destination unless you are an experienced big wave surfer with the right support.
Can you help me choose the best Portugal surf camp for my dates?
Yes. Tell us your travel month, surf level, and what you want from the trip, and we will match you to the best region and camp for the conditions.
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