Surfing in Porto: 7 Epic Surf Spots for All Levels

Surfing in Porto is one of northern Portugal’s best-kept secrets. While Lisbon and the Algarve often steal the spotlight, Porto’s never-ending coastline receives powerful North Atlantic swells that deliver incredible year-round conditions for surfers of every level. Whether you’re looking for mellow summer peelers, punchy beach breaks or heavy winter barrels, Porto has the perfect wave waiting.

And with many surfing spots never too far from the lively city, travelling by van makes the experience simple and easy. If you want the freedom to chase the best tides and conditions, motorhome hire in Porto is the ideal way to explore this amazing coastline. With our fully‑equipped vans, room for surfboards inside and out, and everything you need for a fun-filled trip, you can wake up a short distance from the sand ready to surf in no time. And better yet, why not hire a surfboard from our base and save any unnecessary luggage fees.

So load up your board into the van, and let’s explore the best surfing spots in Porto.

1. Matosinhos – Porto’s Most Accessible Surf Beach

Matosinhos is the city’s primary surf hub, located just 15 minutes from central Porto and offering one of the easiest waves for beginners in the entire north.

A wide sandy beach with a predictable beach break, Matosinhos is perfect for your first surf session or a quick warm-up before trying out the more challenging breaks. You’ll find plenty of surf schools and rental shops along the promenade, making it a great base for travellers without gear – but don’t forget we also offer wetsuits along with surfboards if you require them.

Conditions are generally mellow in Matosinhos, especially during summer when small, clean waves roll in from west and northwest swells. Winter brings with it some more power, making it suitable for intermediates looking to step up and advance their skills. During the summer you’ll likely be joined by plenty of other surfers due to Matosinhos’ popularity and accessibility. This beach even makes it onto our Top 10 Beaches to learn to Surf in Portugal, so for first-timers this place is a must.

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

2. Praia de Leça da Palmeira – Power & Consistency

Just north of Matosinhos lies Leça da Palmeira, a more powerful and consistent Porto surf spot known for its long beach and slightly harsher waves. It’s a favourite, especially among locals looking for something a little wilder than Matosinhos, and only a couple of minutes from our Porto base.

Swell exposure is excellent, meaning the break can really come alive during big winter storms. The sandbanks shift year to year also, creating fast lefts and rights with good walls for some fancy manoeuvres. No one surfing session is the same in this exciting spot.

Parking is also easy — perfect for campervans — and cafés line the nearby promenade, so there are plenty of places to kick back and relax between surfing sessions. But with your camper nearby you’ll never be without a place to chill.

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced

3. Praia de Angeiras – Friendly Peaks & Local Charm

If you want a relaxed session with fun, playful waves, Angeiras is the perfect choice for surfing near Porto. This picturesque fishing village sits about 25 minutes north of Porto and offers a mellow, welcoming atmosphere both on and off the water.

The beach produces consistent rights and lefts, with smaller, softer waves than its neighbours. It’s ideal for newcomers looking to practise safely and intermediates wanting a stress‑free surf. Remember, during the summer season the waves will be smaller which makes it perfect for beginners whilst also getting the most out of the warm weather.

Angeiras is also known for its fantastic seafood restaurants — perfect for a post‑surf feast to round off your day.

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

4. Praia da Azurara – A Van life Favourite

Vanlifers love Azurara. With its long stretch of sand dunes, beautiful natural scenery and reliable surf, it’s one of the best campervan‑friendly beaches near Porto.

The beach is particularly great on mid tides, producing long, peeling waves that are perfect for carving or practising cutbacks. Swell direction matters here—west and northwest swells usually create the cleanest conditions.

It’s also situated at the mouth of the river Ave, which sometimes shapes the banks into incredibly fun peaks. Lined by dunes and cliffs, this scenic spot is a great stop not too far from our Porto base and away from the mass tourism of Porto during the summer seasons.

Skill level: Beginner to Advanced

5. Praia da Aguda – Quiet & Consistent

Heading south of Porto, Aguda offers a quieter surf experience than the more crowded beaches near Matosinhos. Located in a small fishing village its rocky points and sandy stretches create varied peaks, with reliable lefts and rights depending on the tide.

This beach handles stronger conditions well and preserves shape even on bigger swells, making it a go‑to for surfers who want something dependable.

Parking near the water makes Aguda especially convenient for those travelling by campervan. If you’re just starting out on your surfing journey this might not be the best choice for you, but during the summer season there will certainly be smaller waves.

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced

6. Espinho – Heavy, World‑Class Waves

Ready for something serious? If you’ve been itching for something more advanced then we have the beach for you. Espinho has some of northern Portugal’s best barreling waves—a powerful right‑hander that breaks fast, hollow, and heavy. This is not a beginner's spot. On bigger days, the wave becomes a barrelling tube that attracts advanced surfers from all across Europe. Who says the only good surf spots are in the south!

Espinho works best on mid‑tide with light offshore winds from the east. Winter produces the best conditions, though smaller summer swells offer more forgiving waves.

The town itself is lively, charming, and full of surf culture. You will find plenty of restaurants and grocery shops nearby, making it a perfect place for a day of surfing.

Skill level: Advanced

7. Esmoriz – Consistent A-Frames for Every Surfer

Esmoriz is one of North Portugal’s most versatile surf spots, offering reliable conditions and approachable waves for surfers of all levels. Known for its a-frame peaks, sandy bottom and consistent swell, it’s a favourite among both locals and travellers looking for a dependable session.

With rides ranging from 50 to 150 metres, Esmoriz provides plenty of space to carve, cruise or practice manoeuvres. The quality is generally solid and its accessibility and user-friendly setup make it perfect for beginners, while more advanced surfers can enjoy punchier sections during bigger swells.

The spot can get crowded, especially on weekends, so good surf etiquette goes a long way. Swell typically comes from the southwest, west and northwest, delivering year-round surfable conditions. Various board types work well here—from soft-tops to shortboards and longboards (all available for rental from Porto base).

Nearby breaks like Praia da Barra, Capela de Paramos, Cortegaça, Silvalde and Cagalhotos give you multiple backup options if conditions shift.

Skill level: Beginner to Expert

Final Thoughts on Surfing in Porto

Surfing in Porto offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture and natural beauty. Its diverse coastline receives consistent swells year‑round, making it an excellent destination whether you’re just starting out on your surfing journey or chasing heavy northern barrels.

What makes Porto truly special for surfers, though, is the freedom to explore. If you opt for campervan hire in Porto, you can easily jump between surf spots, follow the best swell and wind conditions, and wake up each morning facing the ocean.

So load up your boards, grab your wetsuit and hit the road. Porto is about to become your favourite surfing spot.