Portugal and Spain’s top 5 surf locations

Portugal and Spain’s top 5 surf locations offer epic waves, stunning beaches, and vibrant surf communities. These spots are perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers, featuring consistent swells, breathtaking coastal scenery, and a rich cultural experience that enhances the adventure.

Portugal and Spain’s top 5 surf locations

It was in San Sebastián, northern Spain, in 2016 that I realized my dream job would be as a surf journalist. For this reason, I traveled in an old campervan for six months throughout Spain and Portugal in search of the best surf locations on the Iberian peninsula, from the wild beaches of northern Spain to the bright beaches of southern Portugal. The far west of Europe is a wild and rugged place, and the waters are no exception. The opinions haven’t altered in fifty years, and time seems to be standing still.

There are other excellent surf places in this area, but these five are particularly noteworthy.

1. Playa de Merón, Playa de Gerra and Oyambre, Cantabria, Spain

There are three breathtaking locations in the coastal town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Merón empties into Gerra Beach, and the two of them form a little peninsula that is bordered by Oyambre on one side. There’s a strong likelihood that conditions will be offshore at Oyambre if there’s an onshore breeze at Merón and Gerra. This diversity contributes to the reason San Vicente is a surfer’s heaven, along with the green hills, campervans, and cows.

2. Razo, Galicia, Spain

Razo draws you in with stunning vistas of the long, curved coastline as you travel down from the highlands. One of the most well-liked surfing locations in the northern region of Galicia, it features beach bars, surf schools, and a family-friendly promenade. Take the trail that leads directly to the best waves, parking at the northern end.

3. Praia do Amado, Algarve, Portugal

In addition to resorts and family beaches, the Algarve coastline features untamed areas with hiking routes that descend to the sea. Golden sand and those untamed Atlantic breaks that are present all year round await you at Praia do Amado. Moreover, there are plenty of dining options, beginner surf lessons, and rental surfboards. Additionally, a coffee truck, owned and operated by Acildo, a beach bum for the past 25 years, adds to the charm. Furthermore, if you like campervans, Amado is the place where they flock for the summer.

4. Porto das Barcas, Alentejo, Portugal

Vila Nova de Milfontes, a fishing harbor, offers an amazing holiday. Additionally, imagine that there are no clouds in the sky, the sun is setting, and the sea is pink. After surfing till the sun sets, you have dinner on the wharf to warm up. This location is not recommended for novices because to its rocky entry and lengthy paddle out.

5. Zurriola, San Sebastián, Spain

How many cities sit directly atop a popular surfing spot? Among the few, San Sebastián stands out. Consequently, it makes it simple to surf in the morning and explore the city in the afternoon. When summer arrives, there are so many boards in the water that it’s practically possible to walk on it.