Portugal
Pictures
Surfing
Beaches
Afife beach, north of Porto.
Portugal
offers the best warm surfing in Europe with over 800km (500miles)
of consistent waves and no shortage of sunshine.
Although the south Algarve coast does have some erratic surf, e.g.
Praia da Rocha near Portimao, the best
is west, starting with the Algarve's Amado, Odeceixe and especially Sagres, then moving north
to Caparica (south of Lisbon) or Guincho
(west, picture
and more information), both with attractive surroundings and fairly
near Lisbon.
Otherwise the country is a mass of wave-thrashed dunes and rocky coves,
so take your pick but avoid Portugal's most polluted beaches near
Porto or Estoril, and beware territorial locals, particularly on the
Algarve coast.
There are schools and gear rentals in all major surf locations, from
the Algarve all way the up north to Viana do Castelo.
Afife is very popular with young surfers and many regional surf events are held there. There is a bar and cafe close to the beach but it is about a kilometre away from the small village of Afife. There are no hotels to stay in at Afife, so it is best to stay in Viana do Castello, where there are many hotels.
The Algarve from east to west: Downside | Tavira | Faro | Albufeira | Portimao | Lagos
The west (Atlantic) coast beaches: Surfing | Guincho | Ericeira
Pictures: Portugal | Lisbon Guides: Portugal | Lisbon | Map
