Surfing Portugal by Campervan!
Secluded coves, hidden beaches, idyllic campsites, and tons of surf spots! We went on a surfing trip to Portugal.
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A trip to Portugal had been on our minds for a while! Breathtaking coastlines, friendly people, and delicious food – everything you need for a camping adventure! Last summer, we finally made it happen and spent two weeks traveling by campervan. Every day was an unforgettable experience – we found hidden coves for surfing along the Algarve coast and met plenty of like-minded people. There were many campsites that allowed us to camp right in nature and wake up to ocean views. In this blog post, you'll find some inspiration for your next surfing trip to Portugal!
Our Portugal Itinerary
- Porto
- Praia do Cabedelo
- Praia do Norte
- Ericeira
- Lisbon
- Odeceixe Mar
- Arrifana
- Bordeira
- Sagres
- Praia dos Três Irmãos
Porto
Our campervan trip started in the northern city of Porto. Porto is world-renowned for its Port wine and cultural landmarks like the Sé Cathedral and the Igreja de São Francisco church. We enjoyed a fantastic view while dining at the Vinhas d’alho restaurant along the river promenade. What we particularly loved was the half-hour bike ride from the city center to the coast. We spent our first few nights right by the sea at Orbitur Canidelo Campsite.
Praia do Cabedelo
Our first surf spot, Praia do Cabedelo, is located south of the Lima estuary and is a popular beach among locals. The city of Viana do Castelo is just a few kilometers away. Dunes, pine trees, and a family-friendly environment with a great view of Figueira da Foz. Keep in mind that while you can find great waves here, it can also be very windy on some days. On the beach and at the beach bar, you'll meet many like-minded people, watersports enthusiasts, and party-goers! Nearby, you'll find some great campsites, such as Parque de Campismo INATEL Cabedelo.
Praia do Norte
Our next beach is near the small fishing village of Nazaré on Portugal's Atlantic coast. Although Praia do Norte has garnered worldwide attention, Nazaré offers not only massive and dangerously deadly waves but also surf spots accessible to all surfers. We stayed overnight just outside Nazaré at Orbitur Valado Campsite.
Ericeira
Our journey takes us to the coastal village of Ericeira. Portugal's surfing capital is just a stone's throw from Lisbon. For beginners, the beaches south of Ericeira are perfect. Foz do Lizandro and São Julião are typical beach breaks, ideal for those who have never stood on a surfboard. Advanced surfers will love the consistent reef breaks at Ribeira d’Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, and São Julião. For experienced and professional surfers, Ericeira is truly a mecca. Along just 8 kilometers of coastline, you'll find more than 15 surf spots. The absolute highlight is the world-famous long and hollow wave of Coxos. You'll also find challenges at Pedra Branca, Backdoor, Reef, and Crazy Left.
Campsite right in town
If you need a break, the town of Ericeira has everything a surfer could want: cool beach bars, restaurants, and plenty of shops. We spent three days in Ericeira and were thrilled by the vibe! You'll find hospitality and beautiful pitches at Ericeira Campsite.
Lisbon
Hello, Lisbon! We didn't originally plan a city trip, but the city really captivated us. The narrow streets with charming house facades and shops, amazing viewpoints over the entire city. We recommend parking your campervan or motorhome outside Lisbon and taking the train into the city center, or, like us, snagging a pitch at a campsite right in the city. The campsite was right in the center and was a perfect base for our city trip!
Praia de Odeceixe Mar
What an extraordinary sight! Praia de Odeceixe beach separates the Ribeira de Seixe river, which flows into the Atlantic here. The area is pristine, and the landscape around the beach is breathtaking. On the north side of the beach are steep cliffs. On the west side of these cliffs is a large rock that looks like a shark's fin. This rock is a landmark that makes Praia de Odeceixe easy to spot. The best time of year for surfing at Praia de Odeceixe with consistent clean waves (surfable swell with light/offshore winds) is winter, most often in December. A few minutes from the beach, we stayed at Camping São Miguel for a few nights.
Praia da Arrifana
Next stop on our trip to Portugal was Praia da Arrifana. The beach is located in a bay with a high cliff on one side, where the settlements beautifully descend into the sea. The best view of the bay is from the old fortress. Arrifana is undoubtedly the most famous beach in the Algarve. The towering cliffs keep the beach free from north winds and provide ideal waves. Both beginners and experienced surfers will have fun at Arrifana. Surf students can practice near the beach, and advanced surfers can surf out on the reef.
Our campsite in Southern Portugal
Near Arrifana and Bordeira – our next stop – few campsites were available. So, our next campsite and home for the next few nights was Salema Eco Camp. This was also our favorite campsite in Portugal, and we highly recommend it.
Praia da Bordeira
Next stop, next surf spot! Praia da Bordeira is near Carrapateira. A paved road leads to the beach. At low tide, the beach expands considerably, making it one of the largest in the Algarve. You can see the point break from the parking lot at the southern end. It's located in front of the rocky headland towards the river mouth over the sandbank. Optimal conditions are at low to medium swell. Here you can expect long, high-quality, wall-like waves. This surf spot is one of the best in Portugal, but unfortunately very susceptible to winds.
Sagres
Our next day trip takes us to Sagres, a small fishing village on the south coast of the Portuguese Algarve. The calm waters of the Algarve region are to the west. To the east, however, the open ocean pumps waves over reefs, rocks, and beaches. This contrast creates the best conditions for beginners and advanced surfers! The southern beaches of Sagres, like Martinhal and Mareta, are well-suited for beginners. The more exposed bay of Tonel, on the other hand, offers waves for advanced surfers and experts. All other spots are located on the exposed western coast, ranging to beginner-friendly beach breaks. Beginners will feel comfortable on the southern beaches of Sagres, such as Martinhal and Mareta. The bay of Tonel, however, offers waves for experts and advanced surfers.
Praia dos Três Irmãos
The last stop on our trip to Portugal was a small exploration tour. Praia dos Três Irmãos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Portimão region. It's known for its spectacular rock formations and hidden caves that can be explored. Praia dos Três Irmãos beach is located in Alvor. By the way, it's a good idea to visit at low tide so the bay isn't flooded. If you want to surf here, you need to be very careful. The waves break very close to the rocks!
Conclusion: Traveling in Portugal
We hope you enjoyed reading about our trip to Portugal. If you're planning a camping holiday in the future, we recommend traveling in the off-season and booking your pitch in advance. Campsites can fill up quickly! Plus, there are many other travelers vacationing in their motorhomes or campervans. If you're looking for adventure or just want to go surfing – Portugal is the perfect place for your next holiday!
Questions about your trip? Just give us a call.
Whether it's choosing a camper, planning a route or booking — our team is happy to help. No bot, no hold music.