Portugal · Atlantic Coast · Porto to the Algarve

Portugal Coast
Surf & Paddle Surf Guide

Hand-picked beaches the length of the Portuguese coast — from Matosinhos and the big waves of Nazaré to Peniche, Ericeira, Lisbon/Cascais, Costa da Caparica, the Alentejo and the Algarve — famous breaks plus hidden-gem coves, with an interactive map, live water & air temperature, a Windguru forecast, Google ratings, Maps directions and live Beachcam links.

🌊 Live data via Open-Meteo 📹 Live cams via Beachcam 🗺️ Google Maps links

🗺️ All spots on the map

Every surf break and paddle spot on the Portuguese coast. Click a marker for details, or use the buttons to show or hide a category.

Know before you go

The Atlantic around Lisbon is powerful and cool year-round, with world-class swells and afternoon northerly winds. Here are the essentials.

🌡️ Water & air temperature

SeasonSea tempAir temp
Winter (Dec–Feb)14–15 °C10–15 °C
Spring (Mar–May)15–17 °C14–20 °C
Summer (Jun–Aug)17–20 °C22–28 °C
Autumn (Sep–Nov)16–19 °C16–23 °C

🤿 Wetsuit guide

  • Dec–Apr: 4/3 mm + boots (gloves/hood on coldest days).
  • May–Jun & Oct–Nov: 3/2 mm, often with boots.
  • Jul–Sep: 3/2 mm (shorty possible at the warmest peak, Aug–Sep).

🏄 Best time to surf

Autumn (Sep–Nov) and winter bring the most consistent W–NW swells with offshore E winds — Carcavelos and Ericeira shine. Summer is smaller and windier in the afternoon (N–NW), ideal for beginners: surf early morning. Caparica's offshore NE breeze can hold shape when other beaches blow out.

🚣 Best time to paddle surf

Calm summer mornings are SUP gold — head out before the afternoon northerly. Sheltered bays like Sesimbra, Praia da Torre, Praia das Moitas and the cliff coves of Adraga stay flatter. Fonte da Telha offers long, mellow stretches when the swell is small.

🧭 Wind, swell & tides

  • Best swell: W–NW Atlantic groundswell.
  • Best wind: offshore E–NE; the afternoon N–NW "Nortada" blows open beaches out ( Guincho especially).
  • Tide matters: reef points like Bafureira and Ribeira d'Ilhas are tide-sensitive — always check.

⭐ About the ratings

The star ratings are real Google Maps ratings with review counts. A few tiny coves don't have a rating yet — for those the card links straight to Google. The 💎 Hidden gem tag marks quieter, lesser-known beaches away from the crowds.

⚠️ Safety

  • The Atlantic is powerful — rips and big waves are common; respect flagged bathing areas.
  • Reef/rocky spots (Bafureira, Ribeira d'Ilhas, Adraga) are not for beginners.
  • Check the live Beachcam and Windguru before you go — conditions change fast.
  • Emergency number in Portugal: 112.