Source: http://www.surfcampinportugal.com/
Image source: http://www.amusingplanet.com/
In the summer the sun is bright, the beaches are packed, the parties are on and the water is warm. Well… it’s warm-er at least. Let’s face it – Portugal is not the Caribbean. But for big swells, winter surfing Portugal is definitely where it’s at.
Less crowds, bigger swells and cheaper prices. What’s not to love? Put on your wetsuit and get ready for some serious waves. It’s no mystery that local big wave enthusiasts and international big wave superstars like Garrett McNamara love winter surfing Portugal’s beaches.
From surfing-waves.com’s surfing atlas:
Situated west of Spain, Portugal picks up north, west and south swells, making surf conditions very consistent. During winter the swell size is around the 6ft mark but can get to 15ft or more, making it a spot for those looking for challenging surf. There is surf throughout the summer months and you can expect waves of 3-5ft.
See? Bigger! This is why Portugal and other European surf spots are attracting surfers from all over the world during winter. But don’t just take my word for it – or anyone else’s for that matter. Seeing is believing. Check out this incredible photo essay from surfline.com called Across the Pond, featuring shots of big waves in Portugal, the Canaries, Ireland and more, plus several maps of Europe’s winter swell:
“Coxos is our town jewel,” explained German/Portuguese surfer Nic Von Rupp (who, it should be noted, scored more insane waves this winter than anyone not in Hawaii). “It’s been an epic winter for Ericeira. Plenty of offshores and swell, which have kept us busy for endless days of surfing.”
And if you’re from parts of Europe or North America that get seriously cold in the winter months, you’ll find Portugal comparatively warm and sunny. Need a winter getaway? Try winter surfing Portugal!
Source: Forget Ibiza. Forget the Riviera. In fact, forget the Med altogether. Portugal’s Alentejo region is lined with glorious beaches..
Source: The Praia de Carcavelos beach is the Lisbon's coastlines most popular beach, in part due to the close proximity..
Source: Forget Ibiza. Forget the Riviera. In fact, forget the Med altogether. Portugal’s Alentejo region is lined with glorious beaches..
Praia do Moledo, on the northern end, close to the border to Spain just beside the river Lima is a..
Source: Image source: Water Park of Rhodes – It’s the largest in Europe and the first to arrive on the..
Source: Image source: The ultimate guide to booking a Greek beach holiday How to book the best Greek..
Crashing, freezing waves not really your thing? Fed up of salty skin and sand that finds its way into everything?..
Whether you’re exploring the Alentejo coastline on foot, by bike or in car, at some point during your trip you’re..
Source: Image source: A fairly new concept in Greece, amusement theme parks are fast becoming a popular destination with families..
Source: Image source: Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Greece Once one of the world’s most powerful nations, Greece..
Source: Image source: Water Park of Rhodes – It’s the largest in Europe and the first to arrive on the..
Source: Image source: The ultimate guide to booking a Greek beach holiday How to book the best Greek..
Source: http://www.greeka.com/ Image source: Although some Greek islands provide great surfing conditions, surfing in Greece is not a much developed..
Source: Northern Portugal has an abundance of beautiful beaches with increasingly more people visiting the region to practice water sports..
Source: On a never-ending coastline like this, it’s the culture of the sun that sets the rules. All beaches are..
Source: Our long coastline is bathed by the Atlantic ocean, which brought Portugal closer to other peoples and cultures. For..
Source: / While it's not exactly in a forgotten corner of Europe, Portugal's Douro River does tend to be off..
Source: Portugal has some of the most beautiful secluded beaches in Europe, particularly in the Algarve region where secluded coves..
Source: Ever thought about diving in Portugal? No?! Think Twice! There are 1230 km of mainland coast, 920 km of..
Source: The Southern European nation of Portugal is a beautiful and fascinating destination on the Iberian Peninsula. Countless visitors..
Source: You're spoilt for choice with watersports in Portugal with everything from powerboat racing in the Algarve to canyoning in..
Source: Used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times, thermal waters are an infinite source of well-being because of their purity..
Crashing, freezing waves not really your thing? Fed up of salty skin and sand that finds its way into everything?..
Whether you’re exploring the Alentejo coastline on foot, by bike or in car, at some point during your trip you’re..