Surfing in Portugal

Over 850km long, the Portugal is a gigantic surf beach. No other coastal strip in the world can offer such a large number of points at such a short distance, so in Portugal you can always count on the waves.

Tempered by headwinds and plenty of sunshine all year round, these perfect waves, even magical at times, provide a unique experience for practitioners of various sports. Surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddlesurfing are just some of the sports to enjoy the Atlantic waves that take adrenaline levels beyond anything imaginable.

From the giant waves of Praia do Norte in Nazaré, sought after by the most daring, to the constant and perfect waves of Carcavelos, Ericeira and Peniche, there are many places of choice for surfers. And they're not just in Lisbon. The variety is huge, both in the north, in Figueira da Foz, Espinho and Viana do Castelo, and in the south, on the Alentejo coast and in the Sagres region, and even in the Azores and Madeira.

To find the best places to surf, remember to check out

www.portuguesewaves.com

As for the bodyboarders, they have in Praia Grande, Sintra, a must-see reference. This venue is part of all itineraries and will see an annual event at the world bodyboarding tournament; however, the north coast and the west coast of the Algarve have also become popular with bodyboarders.

Guincho is the Portuguese Mecca for windsurfing and has hosted the best windsurfing in the world. The wind and waves guarantee a good show for those who are on the beach and the pleasure of those who are in the water. But kitesurfing has also gathered an increasing number of followers, not only here, but also on other beaches, such as Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica and further north in the areas of Aveiro and Viana do Castelo.

But there are many other activities so you can make the most of the conditions offered by the sea, rivers and lakes. From paddlesurfing in the open sea or in the calmer waters of sheltered coves and lagoons, to water skiing and parasailing, there is a wide range of options for fun. You're going to be very spoiled by choice...