10 Best Intermediate Waves to Surf in Portugal
Portugal is home to 1,115 miles of coastline, stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and some of the best surf breaks in all of Europe. One of the most iconic is the monstrous Nazare, aka the largest wave surfed in the world. Beyond big waves and for those of us who aren't crazy XXL swell chasers, the country has plenty more surf to explore. Here is a quick guide to some of the best intermediate waves to surf in Portugal.
Cabedelo Beach
Cabedelo is home to consistent quality waves all year round, however, when winter storms help form a sandbar near the jetty, this break turns on. The right is fast with tube potential, and the left is equally speedy. For intermediate surfers, the spot provides a great option for barrel practice. This wave works best with a Northwest, West, or Southwest swell, East winds, and an outgoing medium tide.
Figueira da Foz
When this break is working, it is home to the longest right break in Europe, earning the reputation of the Portuguese J Bay. It is located next to Cabedelo, and there are three main breaks: Tamaguiera, Teimoso, and Mina. The spot is on the more advanced intermediate level, with great waves for gaining some good experience. It works best with a big West to Southwest swell and Northeast wind.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a long beach filled with waves. There is a right point break at the breakwater end, a sandbar in the middle, and a left point break on the southern tip. The waves typically increase in size the farther south and can get big and heavy. Days with large swell are best reserved for advanced surfers. The break works with Northwest, West, and Southwest swell, East winds, and all tides. Due to its proximity to Porto, expect crowds on good days.
Espinho
A fun beach break with waves for all levels of surfers. It can hold a decently big NW swell up to double overhead. The break works on a Northwest, West, or Southwest swell, East winds, low to mid-tide. The best intermediate waves here are from the waist to head high range.
Supertubos, Peniche
Known as the Portuguese pipeline, Supertubos has a fast hollow left and quick right. This break is for the more experienced intermediate surfers, and on bigger days, with swell above head high, it should be reserved for advanced surfers only. It works on a West and Northwest swell, East winds, and is best at a mid to high tide.
Ribeira D’Ilhas, Ericeira
By far one of the most scenic, classic surf scenes in Portugal. This break has world-class lefts and rights comparable to Bells Beach. It breaks from knee-high to double overhead, and for intermediate surfers, it's best on all swell heights up until the overhead range. It works on a Northwest swell, South to Southeast wind, and all tides.
Carcavelos
Probably the best beach break in Portugal, Carcavelos cranks out sand bottom barrels that are perfect for any intermediate to practice getting some tubage. On the East side of the beach next to the Fort São Julião de Barra is an area known as the Zone and is considered to be the origin of Portuguese urban surf culture. The break works best on a West to Southwest swell, North wind, and medium to low tide.
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is a consistent river break that works at any time of year. There are both rights and lefts, and on bigger days, the right break has potential for some hollow shelter. The best size for intermediate surfers is up to the head high or just overhead range, however, on larger swells watch out for a strong rip. It works best with a West to Northwest swell, Northeast wind, and all tides.
Mareta, Sagres
There is super fun surf to be found all over Sagres. Mareta, when it's working, puts up some quality rippable waves. The break can be inconsistent but is best with a big Northwest to Southwest Swell, Northerly winds, low to mid-high tide, and up to the head high range. Watch out for crowds when other northern-facing spots are maxed out.
Praia da Luz
Praia da Luz is a scenic, idyllic, beach village with the added bonus of incredible surf. This break has a slopey right point with long fast walls and a short, but fun left. It's best with a big Northwest, West, or Southwest swell, North wind, and works on all tides. Though the break can hold up to the overhead range, the best waves for intermediate surfers are between the waist and head high range.
Thinking about surfing in Portugal? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for the best intermediate surf coaching anywhere, anytime.
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