Water Sports

Portugal’s famous breaks deserve their reputation, but the best surf trips often happen one beach road away from the obvious car park. Skip the packed peaks at Nazaré, Coxos, Supertubos and Carcavelos for a few sessions, and Portugal opens up into empty coves, long sandy banks, moody cliffs and waves that feel far more personal. This guide highlights lesser-hyped surf spots across mainland Portugal, from the north to the Algarve. Some are mellow enough for progressing surfers