Best Surfing Beaches in Portugal

Praia De Faro is a stunning beach located on the Ilha de Faro, a sand barrier island in Faro, Algarve, Portugal. This beach stretches along clear blue waters and offers wide sandy shores that attract both locals and tourists. Its unique location as part of the island provides a relaxed ambiance away from the busier city, yet it remains easily accessible, making it a favored spot for beachgoers seeking sun, sea, and nature combined. The beach is well known for its natural beauty, including views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a UNESCO-protected wetland famed for its biodiversity. Visitors enjoy the chance to see a variety of marine life and bird species, adding to the beach's appeal.

The vibe at Praia De Faro is a blend of lively and tranquil, catering to families, couples, and groups alike. The beach supports a vibrant community with a great selection of bars and casual eateries serving local seafood delicacies and refreshments. Despite being popular during the summer months, it still maintains an inviting and spacious feel thanks to its expansive shoreline. Its environment is clean and well-maintained, backed by Blue Flag status, which attests to the beach’s commitment to quality, safety, and environmental standards. Praia De Faro is a place where one can enjoy both relaxation and active beach pursuits in a scenic, welcoming setting.

Accessibility and amenities are well thought-out here, with good facilities supporting a comfortable day at the beach. The beach encourages a respectful coexistence with nature, promoting eco-friendly visits and activities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful sunbathing spot or an active day out with kayaking and volleyball, Praia De Faro delivers a comprehensive beach experience that reflects the charm and allure of the Portuguese Algarve coast.

Praia do Barril is a picturesque beach located near Tavira in Portugal's Algarve region, renowned for its golden sands and calm waters.
The beach is part of the Ilha de Tavira and accessible via a scenic wooden bridge or miniature train, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
Visitors often highlight the laid-back atmosphere, family-friendly environment, and remnants of its tuna-fishing past, including the anchor cemetery, a unique attraction symbolizing the area's maritime heritage.

Meia Praia is a premier beach in Lagos, Portugal. It is a long beach that is great for walks along its soft sand. Families should be wary; while there are lifeguards in the western portion, the less crowded eastern portion has fewer lifeguards and normally some nudists. This beach is great for exercise like long walk at sunset.

This beach is great for people watching in the summer months as it draws big crowds due to its many restaurants, bars, and hotels. Whether you want to walk along the boardwalk, or rent a sun bed to catch some rays, this beach offers something for everyone. Nightlife is exciting here, with a casino and a number of night clubs.

Praia de Odeceixe Mar is a beach within the municipality of Aljezur, situated 2.1 miles west of the village of Odeceixe. The drive to this beach is truly scenic and the scenery does not stop once the beach is reached-- Praia de Odeceixe Mar is surrounded by tall cliffs that shelters its visitors. Praia de Odeceixe Mae is a very clean and safe beach, making it perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.

This beach is known for its convenience. There is a road that takes you directly to a nearby parking lot, where a restaurant and bar await you. There are rentals available on the beach. The sand is perfectly clean and the water clear!

Praia Da Agucadoura is a scenic beach located in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. It offers a serene coastal experience with nearby beautiful landscapes and ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities from swimming to sunbathing along the shore. The area is supported by a variety of accommodations and dining options, making it a convenient spot for travelers.
The beach is part of a wider coastal area known for its historical and natural charm, offering opportunities for exploration. With its proximity to local villages and cities, Praia Da Agucadoura blends natural beauty with cultural experiences.
The surrounding infrastructure supports both leisure activities and relaxation, catering to different types of visitors.

Praia de Leça da Palmeira, located near Porto in northern Portugal, is a dynamic coastal destination known for its expansive sandy shores and strong Atlantic waves[2][3]. Its proximity to Porto makes it a convenient escape, with easy access via public transport and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts surfers, families, and nightlife enthusiasts alike[3][4]. The beach blends natural beauty with architectural landmarks like Siza Vieira’s iconic saltwater swimming pool, offering calm alternatives to the ocean’s powerful currents[1][2]. Visitors praise its golden sands, scenic coastal walks, and lively evening scene[3][5].
Praia de Leça merges seamlessly with Aterro Beach to the north, creating a continuous stretch ideal for water sports and relaxation[2]. Recent reviews highlight its popularity among younger crowds for beachfront bars and discos that stay lively after sunset[2][5]. The area also features cultural gems like the modernist Boa Nova Tea House, harmoniously integrated into coastal rocks[1][2]. With its mix of natural allure and urban energy, this beach serves as a microcosm of Portugal’s coastal charm.

Praia de Matosinhos is a vibrant beach in Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal. It is renowned for its wide golden sands and excellent surfing conditions, thanks to the Atlantic's powerful waves. The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lively atmosphere with many bars and cafes along its promenade. While it is situated near a busy fishing harbor and industrial port, the area is rich with amenities for visitors. The beach is easily accessible by both metro and bus, making it a convenient getaway from Porto.
The setting is not the most scenic due to its location next to the port, but the beach itself offers soft sands, which are softer than other nearby beaches like those in Foz. Matosinhos also boasts a variety of seafood restaurants, serving fresh local catches.
The beach attracts a range of ages and nationalities and is suitable for families, surfers, and those looking to relax or enjoy water activities.

This beach offers a bit more seclusion from the more popular and larger Praia da Rocha on the other side of the Arade River. Kayaks are available for rent or sit back and relax and watch as ships come in and out of the Marina Portimão.

Praia De Vale Figueiras is nestled in the stunning Algarve region of Portugal. This beach is known for its vast expanse and tranquility, offering a serene escape from the crowds. Located on the west coast, it boasts soft sands and clear waters, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach experience. The surrounding landscape is characterized by natural beauty, with rocky formations and diverse wildlife.
The beach area itself is less developed, with no restaurants on site, but nearby towns like Aljezur offer a variety of dining options. The nearest restaurant, Shabouco, is highly recommended for its grilled fish and reasonable prices.
For accommodations, the area offers a mix of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, such as Praia do Canal Nature Resort, which provides luxury amenities with a focus on local specialties.

Enjoy the natural beauty on all sides at this beach, with crashing waves and rolling terrain inland. Great for surfing or relaxing, Praia da Bordeira lets you immerse yourself in nature but at a cost. Limited amenities exist on the beach, but restaurants and restrooms are a relatively short walk away. Make sure to take walks on the boardwalk to the west of the beach for great views.

Praia De Espinho is a picturesque beach located in Espinho, a charming coastal town in Aveiro, Portugal. The beach offers a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, with direct access to a variety of restaurants and bars. It is well-known for its clean waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy both serene moments of solitude and lively activities, including water sports and bustling seafood markets. The town's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures brisk sea air and magnificent views, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

Praia do Telheiro is a dramatic, secluded beach located near Sagres in the Faro District of Portugal's Algarve region.
Known for its rugged cliffs, golden sands, and clear waters, this beach offers a wild, untouched beauty ideal for nature enthusiasts. Visitors often emphasize its peaceful atmosphere and striking geological formations, including unique sedimentary rock layers visible in the surrounding cliffs.
The beach's remote location makes it less accessible than others in the area, but its unspoiled charm and breathtaking views attract hikers, photographers, and those seeking tranquility.

The "Naked Man Beach" gets its name due to its sever seclusion from the outside world. If you are looking for a remote, quiet beach, then Praia do Homem Nu may be just for you. With virtually nothing but sand dunes and clear seawater in sight, this beach is completely preserved by nature. Whether you decide to take all of your clothes off or not, the Naked Man beach will surely impress because of its beauty.

Praia de São Torpes offers pleasantly warm waters because it is located near a thermoelectric plant. Families, couples, and surfers will enjoy this clean beach for the warm water and clean sand, as well as the overall quiet atmosphere.

This "forgotten" beach has declined in popularity in recent years, but looks poised to make a rapid comeback. Praia da Adraga has become a hidden paradise for many locals because of its beautiful water and sand. There is also a famous local restaurant that is still in business which attracts people looking for an authentic Portuguese experience.

Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira is a stunning beach located in Sesimbra, Setúbal, Portugal. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the Costa da Caparica coastline, known for its golden sand and picturesque dunes. On the inland side, a lagoon with calm waters offers a serene environment perfect for families and water sports like windsurfing and kite-surfing. The beach features shaded areas, wildflowers, and wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The lagoon's calmness is ideal for children and various water activities, while the nearby sea area offers strong waves suitable for surfing and bodyboarding. The area is surrounded by pine trees, enhancing its natural beauty.
Visitors often remark on its tranquility and the presence of beautiful wildflowers, making it a preferred spot for picnics and relaxation.

Praia do Zavial is a stunning surf beach located in Vila do Bispo, part of the Algarve region in Portugal. It is known for its consistent waves, making it a favorite among surfers. The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, with a single restaurant nearby serving delicious Portuguese dishes like fresh fish and chicken piri-piri. Praia do Zavial is also recognized as a Blue Flag beach, ensuring high standards of water quality and safety. It is situated near another popular beach, Praia da Ingrina.
The beach features amenities such as toilets and sunbeds, but lacks showers. Lifeguards are present during the summer months to ensure visitor safety.
Accessing the beach is easy by car, with a nearby parking area and a wooden walkway leading directly to the beach.

Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas is a stunning beach located in Ericeira, Lisbon, Portugal. Known for its beautiful scenery and consistent waves, it is a popular spot for both surfers and beachgoers alike. The beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying water activities like surfing. Located nearby are several amenities and attractions, including restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.

Visitors can enjoy the magnificent sea views, especially at the Ribeira d'Ilhas Surf Restaurant & Bar, which offers delicious food and cool music. The area is vibrant, with a mix of local charm and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for tourists and locals alike.

The "Beach of the Fishermen" is actually one of the most family friendly beaches in all of Portugal. With amenities like sanitary facilities, cafes, and water playground in the ocean, everyone who visits this beach is sure to have a great time. The calm waters of the Atlantic make the beach ideal for a relaxed beach day, and lifeguards ensure everyone's safety.

Praia do Guincho is a stunning beach located on the Atlantic coast near Cascais and Estoril, Lisboa, Portugal. Renowned for its wild natural beauty, expansive golden sands, and powerful ocean waves, it offers visitors a dramatic seaside experience unlike typical sheltered beaches. The strong winds and consistent swell make it a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers, contributing to a vibrant and active beach atmosphere. The beach is backed by rugged cliffs and dunes, enhancing its pristine and untamed feel, while remaining easily accessible from the nearby towns of Cascais and Estoril.
Praia do Guincho is celebrated not only for its natural landscape but also for its cultural appeal, often featured in films and attracting a mix of locals, tourists, and adventure seekers. The beach exudes a laid-back yet dynamic vibe, with a blend of casual beachgoers and serious athletes drawn to its challenging waters. Its location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park adds an ecological richness, with opportunity to enjoy both the sea and the surrounding protected natural environment.
This beach is also known for its excellent blend of natural conditions and visitor facilities, making it ideal for family outings, romantic escapes, and sporting events alike. The ambiance combines rustic charm with upscale touches in its nearby amenities and accommodations, ensuring a well-rounded beach destination that caters to diverse preferences.

Praia do Amado is nestled in the picturesque Costa Vicentina region of Algarve, Portugal, near the village of Carrapateira. Known for its consistent waves, the beach is a haven for surfers, especially during winter when the waves are at their most powerful. The area offers a serene and secluded ambiance, making it suitable for families as well. In the summer, lifeguards are present, ensuring a safe environment for visitors. The beach offers basic amenities like parasols for rent, though options may be limited due to its remote location.
Surrounded by untouched landscapes, Praia do Amado provides breathtaking views and an opportunity to connect with nature. The beach's isolation also means that it remains less crowded than more popular areas, offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking peace amidst stunning natural beauty.
Local attractions include hiking trails and natural history museums, enriching the visitor's experience beyond the beach itself.

Praia da Amoreira is a very beautiful beach, known for the excellent conditions it provides to swimmers and surfers. Praia da Amoreira's sand is soft, its waters are clear and its nature is beautiful, and it is also a protected area. Praia da Amoreira is surrounded by a river that is enclosed in rock pools and flows into the ocean, providing for a picturesque view and just the right amount of current for riding the tide.

Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is a beautiful black sand beach off the coast of São Miguel. This beach also provides spacious parking and quality amenities. The waters of Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara are calm and the sand is truly soft. With a beach restaurant and bar, Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is the perfect place for a relaxing day in the sun.

Praia do Norte, located in Nazaré on Portugal's Silver Coast, is internationally famed for its colossal, world-record-breaking waves generated by the unique Nazaré Canyon offshore. This underwater canyon amplifies Atlantic swell energy, creating waves that can reach up to 30 meters high, attracting the world's most daring big wave surfers like Garrett McNamara and Kelly Slater. Beyond the surfing spectacle, Praia do Norte offers a raw, wild beach atmosphere with a long stretch of golden sands bordered by rugged cliffs and dunes, providing stunning natural vistas and a less crowded beach experience even during peak seasons.

The beach is part of the charming fishing town of Nazaré, steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a blend of thrilling ocean activities and traditional Portuguese seaside charm. The iconic viewpoint at Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo fortress, which also houses the Nazaré lighthouse, gives panoramic views of the ocean and surfing action, making it a must-visit spot for sightseers and photographers. Praia do Norte's dramatic landscape and powerful waves establish it as both a premier surfing destination and a beautiful coastal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Despite the power of the waves and strong currents recommending this spot primarily for experienced surfers, the beach invites visitors year-round for walking, fishing, sunbathing, and hiking along its pristine, expansive shoreline. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and sporting prestige makes Praia do Norte a unique and captivating destination.

Praia da Arrifana is a stunning beach off the coast of Aljezur, providing a lovely scenery for its visitors. This beach is well known for its great surfing conditions and lovely views. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, Praia da Arrifana has something for everyone's liking. The restaurant called O Paulo's at the top of the cliff closest to Praia da Arrifana provides one of the most picturesque views in the region. If ever around Aljezur, Praia da Arrifana is a must-visit.

Enjoy the natural beauty on all sides at this beach, with crashing waves and rolling terrain inland. Great for surfing or relaxing, Praia da Bordeira lets you immerse yourself in nature but at a cost. Limited amenities exist on the beach, but restaurants and restrooms are a relatively short walk away. Make sure to take walks on the boardwalk to the west of the beach for great views.

Praia de Miramar is a beautiful beach located in an upscale suburb of the Portuguese city, Porto. This beach is renowned for the 17th century chapel that it holds, Capela do Senhora Pedra. Praia de Miramar is well known among locals, however not many tourists are aware of this beach. During summer months, Praia de Miramar is not too crowded and the water is perfect for bathing. The beach is surrounded with restaurants and cafes. If in search for a more peaceful and relaxing day at the beach, Praia de Miramar can be the place for you.

Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular beaches off the coast of Lisbon. Mainly due to its proximity to the city, Praia de Carcavelos can get very crowded on weekends during the summer months. Equipped with all facilities, this beach is also close to many public transportation routes that make it even more accessible. With its golden sand, Praia de Carcavelos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lisbon.