Portugal has a temperate climate and good sun exposure, but since its west coast is exposed to the north Atlantic swells, the water temperature is not always the most pleasant. On the southern coast of the country the water temperature is more inviting, especially in summer.

In fact, the choice of the wetsuit or even other surf gear (boots, gloves or caps) to wear will depend very much on the place of origin of each person and what he or she is accustomed to.

Northern Portugal

There is good surf to be found in northern Portugal; however, the water may be colder than the air temperature might sometimes suggest.

During the summer months, a 3/2mm wetsuit will be more than enough; however, for the rest of the year you may have to consider thicknesses of 4/3mm or even 5/3mm, especially in winter’s colder windy days. We suggest wetsuits with hyper extensible neoprene so that, even in the harsh winters, it doesn’t compromise your performance.

Central Portugal

The further south you travel, the warmer the waters are. That’s why so many surfers love central Portugal’s waves: Peniche, Santa Cruz, Ericeira, Cascais, Costa de Caparica.

The Central Portugal’s waters are milder than the Northern’s (16ºC / 61ºF average), but they also take a while to warm up. During the summer months there will be a few weeks when you can wear a short sleeve wetsuit or even a boardshort, but a 3/2mm wetsuit is most advisable if you want to stay a few hours in the water. In spring and autumn you may have to alternate between 3/2mm and 4/3mm. A 5/3mm is a good option at the end of winter when effective wind chill factors in the 10ºC (50ºF) range or even lower will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.

Southern Portugal

If you love being warm in and out of the water, then Southern Portugal is a winner. Boardshorts can be worn in August and September around Sagres and Lagos as its water temperatures reach 23ºC (73.4ºF) on average. In fact the average water temperature only dips to 17ºC (64.6ºF) during the winter and spring months, so a good spring wetsuit will keep you warm all year round.

World Surfing Reserves (WSR) is a program launched in 2009 by the non-governmental organization Save the Waves Coalition aimed at protecting global surf habitats.

Its mission is to gain international recognition and support for wave and coastal protection around the world by creating a global network of designated surfing reserves. WSR also recognizes environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits of waves.

Dedicated on October 14, 2011, Ericeira was the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe and the second in the world.

Ericeira is a small fishing village located about 50 km (31 miles) from Lisbon, which means a 30 to 45 minute drive. Along 4 km (2.5 miles) of coastline dominated by rocky cliffs we can find seven beaches located in small bays with fantastic waves for all surfers, regardless of their level of experience.

Pedra Branca, Reef, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Cave, Crazy Left, Coxos and S. Lourenço present throughout the year a variety of waves ranging from beachbreak to powerful reef breaks. Its best surf season is from fall to spring (October-May).

Surf is regarded as an important segment in water sports tourism as it diversifies the supply, attracts the market and energises the regional economies, thus enriching the value of this proposal in a country anchored in a distinctive natural resource – the Portuguese sea.”
Tourism of Portugal

Portugal is a sort of big beach. The combination of an irregular coastline of 943 km (586 miles) in mainland Portugal and 667 Km (414 miles) in the Azores and Madeira islands with the flow of the Atlantic swells, results in about 220 beaches for you to explore. In fact, you don’t need to travel far to find a quiet beach to enjoy the best surf and the harmony between man and nature.

From north to south, including the islands, the existing variety of spots, as well as natural and climate conditions, mean that surfing can be practiced all year round by everyone without exception: from the most experienced and fearless to beginners or simple lovers of nature and the ocean.

Added to these territorial characteristics are the excellent conditions offered by the existing touristic services – accommodation, gastronomy, culture (here’s a couple of reasons to convince you of the greatness of Portugal).

Portugal has undoubtedly the best conditions for surfing in Europe.

Surfers from all over the world: be welcome!