Find Your Perfect Wave

Bodyboard and Surf in Portugal!

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Whether you are an experienced surfer or body-boarder, eager to learn more or a complete beginner Portugal has a destination for everyone.

Its mild climate and 850km (530 miles) of coastline make for some of the best conditions in Europe and are home to international competitions and world famous beaches.

Its position at the far west of Europe allows Portugal to pick up North, South and West swells. This creates consistent surfing conditions and an unique and varied experience.

There are lots of surf schools offering courses for all levels and all ages, so this could make a great supervised holiday for unaccompanied teenagers as well as adults.

Surfing and bodyboarding are possible all year round in Portugal.

From September to April deep lows crossing the Atlantic create big waves with swell sizes often around 6ft (1m80) but reaching anything from 9ft (2m75) to 15ft (4m55). This is not only an excellent time of year for adrenalin junkies it is also great for exploring Portugal and its beaches outside of the busy tourist season. While for those craving the true heat of the Portuguese sun, summer waves commonly reach around 4ft (1m20).

Whenever you feel an urge to hit the waves Portugal is an ideal getaway. It is easily accessible from the UK with cheap, quick flights and surfers can choose from three ideally placed airports: Porto in the North, Lisbon for the capital and central regions and Faro for the Algarve and the Alentejo.

surf Portugal photos copyright: João Barbosa, Frank Nijs, Diane Groves