SURF ESCAPE: PORTUGAL

Abnormal October and extraordinary heat... prolonged summer!

WIJI friends, here we are again with a new episode of our weekly magazine SURF ESCAPE !
The summer break is now a sweet memory and if you are not among those lucky ones who enjoyed their well-deserved holidays in recent September, then close your bags and take advantage of these last warm weekends... we're off to one of the European places most loved by fans of wave sports!

This week we delve into the wild and true Portugal , which with its long beaches of fine sand is certainly recognized as one of the ideal refuges for surfers from all over the world... even at this time of year.

If you are always looking for the perfect wave, the 800 km of Portuguese coastline will appear to you like a noticeboard full of pins, each indicating a dream spot. There are so many beaches that deserve a mention. We have selected for you the best spots, from north to south of the country, for your next long weekend on the table.

Peniche

Within a few kilometres, the town of Peniche offers at least a dozen perfect spots for surfing and wave sports depending on your ability. The bay of Consolação , with its powerful waves and rocky seabed, challenges intermediate surfers, while Supertubos beach requires impeccable technical mastery, being famous for its perfect waves, among the best in Portugal. This place is also the home of one of the stages of the World Surf League, WSL*, attracting the best surfers from all over the world every year.
(* Read our article on the WSL! )

In your free time between sessions, take a walk towards the port (the second largest fishing hub in Portugal) to admire the boats unloading their catch and taste the local specialities. For a unique experience, carve out an afternoon to visit the hidden Berlengas archipelago, especially if you are passionate about excursions and scuba diving.

Praia dos Supertubos, Peniche (Portugal)

Nazaré

In 2013, among the imposing and powerful waves of Nazaré, the daring Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara challenged the irrepressible force of the sea, riding a titanic wave 30 meters high. A wave almost as high as a skyscraper, which went down in history as "the 100 foot wave" (in Italian "The Great Wave").
In 2013, among the imposing and powerful waves of Nazaré, the daring Hawaiian surfer Garett McNamara challenged the irrepressible force of the ocean, riding a titanic wave 30 meters high. A wave almost as high as a skyscraper, which went down in history as "the 100 foot wave" (in Italian "The Great Wave").

This epic feat, described by the surfer himself as a "relentlessly overwhelming" experience, is just one of the acts of courage that take place in this unknown paradise. Throughout the year, especially during the winter, sea conditions transform into a playground for daredevil wave riders, who turn Praia do Norte into their personal Mecca. Here, the waves typically reach dizzying heights of 10 metres, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle that attracts the most daring souls from every corner of the globe. But if the idea of ​​braving these marine wonders is too daring for you, you can always enjoy the warmth of the sun on sunny Praia do Salgado , a quiet beach surrounded by kilometers of dunes and cliffs, a place where nudism is a form of freedom , away from the prying eyes of the outside world.

Praia do Norte, Nazaré (Portugal)

Ericeira

Like Peniche and Nazaré, Ericeira is also a picturesque and welcoming fishing community. This charming town, where the marine atmosphere pervades the air throughout all seasons, attracts not only those seeking peace and tranquility, but also numerous surfing enthusiasts. Its beaches, such as Ribeira de Ilhas , Coxos and Empa , are among the most popular destinations for ocean lovers. This 8km stretch of coastline has been awarded the title of First Surf Reserve in Europe and Second in the World, an accolade bestowed by the global organization Save the Waves Coalition .

Costa Vicentina (Algarve)

The natural paradise of the Costa Vicentina , in the Algarve region, is renowned for being the kingdom of surfing in Portugal, with over twenty enchanting places and wild beaches, where chaos and crowding are just a distant memory. There are beaches to suit all tastes: the breathtaking Arrifana , reachable only via steep descents, and Carrapateira , perfect for perfecting your skills. For those venturing into the waves for the first time, there are several welcoming schools in the tranquil Praia do Amado , the ideal place to take your first steps into the cold ocean waters.
After a day of surfing, the action moves to lively Sagres , where the clubs pulsate with energy and the night life with plenty of pubs and clubs in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Madeira and the Azores

In the Lusitanian country, surfing goes well beyond the confines of the main coast. Even in remote locations, such as the island of Madeira, you can practice surfing, putting yourself to the test in highly challenging contexts. In the incredible Jardim do Mar spot, gigantic and powerful waves rise, reserved only for experts in the sector. The Azores islands, however, in particular São Jorge and São Miguel , offer a spectacle that is as rare as it is unique, with sinister, immense and powerful waves that crash on delicately shaped seabeds. This characteristic gives them an atypical energy and it is thought that this is the best kept secret of Portuguese surfers.