Spots
PORTO AND THE NORTH
CENTRE OF PORTUGAL
LISBON REGION
ALENTEJO
ALGARVE
MADEIRA ISLANDS
AZORES ISLANDS
Although resorting to written and online sources of information the Portugal Surf Guide is essentially exploratory and based on the unique experiences of the authors who visited all the spots mentioned, ranging from the north to the south of Portugal, Azores and Madeira.
Portugal has a wide range of waves to offer, from those suitable for beginners to the more radical ones which are perfect for other levels. Each year some of these waves host important events in the world surfing calendar.
The waves are classified on a scale of one to five, the highest grade corresponding to those presenting excellent quality, based on a number of factors weighted in a nationwide approach. We also considered two special categories: “Big Waves”, with specific characteristics in surfing terms, and “Magic Waves”, which are an invitation to further discovery.
We should mention some limitations that may render the information obsolete, namely sand movements and other natural phenomena, together with man made effects, such as port or coastal protection works that can cause certain waves to disappear or lose quality. On the other hand, new spots may have appeared that have been impossible to identify in time to be included in this guide. The territorial division used in the guide corresponds to the tourist promotion areas as applied by Turismo de Portugal and the Portuguese Tourist Promotion Agencies.
