Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Nazaré is where surfing's largest waves are ridden—a Portuguese beach break that produces mountainous surf thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that amplifies Atlantic swells to terrifying heights. Waves of 80-100+ feet have been documented here, and the world record for largest wave surfed continues to be broken at this spot. The wave breaks on sand, making it marginally more forgiving than reef breaks, but the size, power, and chaos are beyond anything else on Earth. Tow-in required at size.
🏔️ World's largest waves • Canyon-amplified monsters • Record-breaking territory
This is a big wave break, breaking both.
Works best with swells from 310° (NW). Workable range: 280°-340°.
Ideal size: 21.8m. Too small below 13.1m, too big (closeout) above 30.5m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Supertubos is Portugal's answer to Pipeline—a savage beachbreak that produces some of the heaviest barrels in Europe. The wave breaks over sand banks shaped by the Nazaré Canyon system, creating hollow, powerful tubes that have earned it a permanent spot on the WSL Championship Tour. Located on the Peniche peninsula, it picks up virtually any Atlantic swell and transforms it into throaty barrels. The takeoff is critical, the lip is thick, and the closeouts are unforgiving. Portuguese Pipeline indeed.
🇵🇹 Portuguese Pipeline • WSL Championship venue • Europe's heaviest tubes
Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 225°-315°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.7m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: morning.
Coxos is arguably Portugal's best wave—a heavy, hollow right-hand reef/point break in Ericeira's World Surfing Reserve. The wave produces thick, grinding barrels over a rocky bottom, demanding commitment and skill. Entry and exit are challenging over slippery rocks, and the locals can be protective when conditions are prime. But when it's on, Coxos delivers some of Europe's most intense barrels. Portugal's hardcore crown jewel.
🇵🇹 Portugal's best • Heavy hollow right • Ericeira's crown jewel
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-320°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Winter months receive the most consistent NW swells.
🪨 Rocks, 🦔 Urchins, 👊 Localism, 👥 Crowded
Difficult entry/exit over slippery rocks. Heavy localism when good.
Park at the top of the cliff and walk down.
Ribeira d'Ilhas is the crown jewel of Europe's first World Surfing Reserve—a long, reeling right-hand point break that has hosted Championship Tour events and produced countless magazine covers. Set against the dramatic cliffs of Ericeira, Portugal, this wave wraps around a rocky headland and offers linking sections that seem to go forever on the right swell. The WSL venue status means crowds can be intense, but the wave's quality justifies the attention. When Atlantic groundswells light up the coast, Ribeira d'Ilhas is European surfing at its absolute finest.
🏆 WSL CT venue • World Surfing Reserve • Europe's premier point
Works best with swells from 300° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-330°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
September-April Atlantic swells. Summer can be small.
São Torpes is Portugal's quirky surf anomaly—a consistent beach break made famous by a nearby power plant that warms the water several degrees above normal. While this industrial feature might sound unappealing, it creates a unique microclimate where surfers can extend their sessions in comfort during the colder months. The multiple peaks along this stretch of sand pick up Atlantic swells reliably, and the reduced crowds compared to Ericeira and Peniche make it an attractive alternative. It's Portugal surfing with an unexpected twist.
🔥 Power plant warmth • Crowd-free alternative • Industrial beach break
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-330°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
Year-round waves. Best Oct-April with big Atlantic swells.
Less crowded alternative to Ericeira. Power plant keeps water warm.
Praia do Populo is the Azores' most consistent surf spot—a beach break on volcanic black sand that sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, catching swells from virtually every direction. Located minutes from the capital Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island, this wave offers year-round potential in one of Europe's most underexplored surf regions. The dramatic volcanic landscape, thermal hot springs for recovery, and uncrowded lineups make the Azores a compelling alternative to Portugal's mainland coast. For surf explorers seeking genuine discovery, Populo is the portal to an Atlantic archipelago secret.
🌊 Mid-Atlantic gem • Volcanic black sand • Azores gateway
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
Year-round waves. Winter for N swells, summer for S swells.
Volcanic sand. Some rocks. Can have strong currents.
10min from Ponta Delgada airport. Easy beach access.
Jardim do Mar is Madeira's controversial surf legend—a world-class right-hand reef break in one of Portugal's most picturesque villages, forever altered by a controversial seawall built in 2004. Before the construction, this wave was regarded among Europe's finest, producing massive, hollow walls up to 30 feet high. Today, the break is changed but still capable of excellence on the right swells. The dramatic volcanic cliffs, the charming village clinging to the coastline, and the raw Atlantic power make Jardim do Mar a must-visit for advanced surfers exploring Madeira's big-wave potential.
🏔️ Madeira's legendary right • Seawall controversy • Big-wave Atlantic
Works best with swells from 300° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-350°.
Ideal size: 2.6m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Powerful reef break. Shallow at low tide. Experts only.
50min from Funchal airport. Scenic coastal drive.
Praia do Tonel is where Europe ends—a dramatic beach break beneath the historic Sagres Fortress at the southwestern tip of the continent where Prince Henry the Navigator once plotted explorations. The wave offers a fun left point and beach break peaks in a setting of incomparable beauty and historical weight. Less crowded than Portugal's more famous northern breaks, Tonel rewards those who venture to the Algarve's wild west coast with quality waves and the sense of surfing at the edge of the known world. The sunsets here, as the Atlantic stretches toward America, are unforgettable.
🧭 End of Europe • Sagres Fortress backdrop • Historical drama
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 250°-330°.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Some rock patches. Strong rips. Check conditions.
75min from Faro airport. 35min from Lagos.
Ribeira d'Ilhas is competition surfing's European home—a long, makeable right-hand point in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve that has hosted WSL events and produced some of surfing's most memorable European heats. The wave is more forgiving than neighboring Coxos, with long walls that allow surfers of various abilities to find workable sections. This accessibility means crowds, especially during events and summer months, but the quality is undeniable. The combination of reliable conditions, world-class shape, and easy access has made Ribeira one of the most photographed waves in Europe.
🏆 WSL venue • Accessible quality • Ericeira crown
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 40°-120°. Best window: morning.
Rocky bottom. Very crowded during contests.
Arrifana is the Algarve's most beautiful surf bay—a sheltered crescent of beach set into dramatic cliffs that protects from the northwest winds that plague the rest of Portugal's coast. The wave is beginner-to-intermediate friendly, with forgiving walls that allow progression without punishment. The steep road down creates a sense of arrival, and the dramatic scenery makes every session feel special. When the rest of the coast is blown out, Arrifana often stays clean, making it an essential part of any Portuguese surf trip itinerary.
🏖️ Sheltered Algarve gem • Cliff-framed beauty • Wind refuge
Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-320°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Protected from NW winds. Good winter option.
Rocky sides of bay. Strong rips on bigger days.
Praia do Cabedelo is northern Portugal's consistent alternative—a quality beach break in Viana do Castelo that receives the same Atlantic swells as the famous Peniche zone but attracts far fewer crowds. The wave works across a range of conditions, with sandbars that produce both lefts and rights depending on the banks. The river mouth influence creates interesting sandbar formations but also means debris after heavy rains. For surfers seeking the Portuguese experience without the tourist crowds, Cabedelo rewards the drive north with quality waves and authentic local culture.
🌊 Northern alternative • Peniche minus crowds • River mouth banks
Works best with swells from 300° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-325°.
Consistent winter swells. Can be good in summer too.
Baleal is Europe's surf school headquarters—a forgiving, consistent beachbreak that has introduced tens of thousands of people to surfing. The peninsula setting offers multiple beach options depending on wind and swell direction, making it remarkably reliable for beginner conditions. The crowds are intense and the vibe is pure surf tourism, but the infrastructure is excellent and the waves genuinely work. For those learning to surf in Europe, Baleal is the proven starting point.
🏄 Europe's surf school HQ • Beginner paradise • Peninsula consistency
Works best with swells from 310° (NW). Workable range: 280°-350°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 30°-130°. Best window: morning.
Winter consistency. Year-round surf camp hub.
Easy beach access. Major surf tourism hub.
Guincho is Lisbon's wild child—a windswept beach near Cascais that serves as the capital's primary surf escape but often delivers more wind than clean waves. The setting inside Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is spectacular, with dramatic dunes and the Sintra mountains looming in the background. When the wind cooperates, Guincho produces quality beachbreak peaks, but it's equally famous as Portugal's premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. The dual-sport reality makes it fascinating but sometimes frustrating for wave riders.
💨 Lisbon's windy outlet • Dual-sport beach • Sintra backdrop
Works best with swells from 305° (NW). Workable range: 270°-320°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Offshore wind from 60° (ENE). Offshore range: 10°-110°. Best window: both.
Winter best. Can be very windy year-round.
Often windy. Popular with Lisbon surfers.
Easy access from Lisbon/Cascais. Large parking area.
Praia de Faro is the Algarve's unlikely surf spot—a south-facing beach that only works during rare winter storms that wrap around from the Atlantic. The consistency is terrible, but when it does work, locals get excited for the novelty of scoring waves just minutes from Faro airport. The warm water, sunny climate, and complete lack of crowds when it's on make it an intriguing anomaly. This is more of a bonus surf option for those already in the region than a destination spot.
🌴 Algarve anomaly • South coast rarity • Airport proximity
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 11s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 330°-30°. Best window: morning.
Beach island accessed via bridge from Faro.
Porto Covo is Alentejo's surf secret—a charming fishing village surrounded by stunning beaches and rocky coves that receive the same Atlantic swells as famous spots to the north but with a fraction of the crowds. The coastline offers multiple options for different conditions, from sheltered coves to exposed beach breaks. The slower pace of Alentejo life, incredible seafood, and uncrowded lineups make Porto Covo increasingly popular with surfers seeking Portugal's quality without the scene.
🏝️ Alentejo secret • Multiple breaks • Crowd escape
Works best with swells from 305° (NW). Workable range: 270°-330°.
Winter prime. Less crowded than Peniche/Ericeira.
Rocky coastline. Some spots remote. Medical access limited.
Coastal village access. Multiple beach options.
Zambujeira do Mar is Alentejo's dramatic surf outpost—a village perched on high cliffs overlooking a powerful beach break that can handle massive Atlantic swells. The wave is significantly heavier than most Portuguese beach breaks, with grinding power that challenges even experienced surfers. The remote location, dramatic scenery, and tiny local population keep crowds minimal. This is raw Portuguese coast at its finest, where nature dominates and surfing feels like genuine exploration.
⚡ Alentejo power • Cliffside drama • Raw Atlantic force
Works best with swells from 310° (NW). Workable range: 280°-325°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 11s period. Ideal: 15s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 60° (ENE). Offshore range: 20°-100°. Best window: morning.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🌀 Strong rips, 🏝️ Remote
Very powerful on big swells. Remote location. Strong rips.
Cliff-top village. Beach access via steep path.
Praia Grande is Sintra's exposed Atlantic beach break, a consistent stretch of sand that picks up plenty of west and northwest swell. The peaks shift with the banks, offering everything from manageable walls for intermediates to hollow, punchy sections when autumn and winter groundswell arrives. Easy access from Lisbon and Cascais makes it a practical strike option, though wind exposure means timing is everything.
Sintra beach break • Consistent Atlantic exposure • Easy Lisbon access
Works best with swells from 295° (WNW). Workable range: 270°-320°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-135°. Best window: morning.
Fajã de Santo Cristo is a remote right-hand point on São Jorge in the Azores, set beneath cliffs and reached through a mix of island roads, trails, and local boat options. The wave wraps over rock with long, clean walls when North Atlantic swell finds the right angle. Its isolation is part of the appeal, but the logistics, weather and limited services mean it should be treated as a proper island mission rather than a casual beach stop.
Azores point break • Remote São Jorge setup • Logistics matter
Works best with swells from 315° (NW). Workable range: 290°-340°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-135°. Best window: both.
Only accessible by foot trail or boat. Remote volcanic reef.
Fly or ferry to São Jorge, then use local road access and foot/boat options depending on conditions; Horta is an inter-island gateway, not a simple drive.
Carcavelos is Lisbon's urban performance beach break, a powerful sandbar setup that can produce fast barrels when west swell and light offshore wind line up. It is one of Portugal's most accessible quality waves, sitting close to the train line and city center, which also means crowds arrive quickly. The wave is highly bank-dependent but can be excellent through autumn and winter.
Lisbon beach barrels • Fast sandbanks • Crowded when good
Works best with swells from 270° (W). Workable range: 240°-290°.
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 330°-45°. Best window: morning.
Lisbon beachbreak favoring W-WNW winter swells and north offshore winds.
Surf-Forecast / Capitulo Perfeito cross-reference