With this route, you will enjoy a unique surf trip connecting two of Portugal's most iconic destinations: Aveiro and Peniche, passing through the birthplace of surfing in Nazaré. This journey will not only take you to beaches with perfect waves but also immerse you in the essence of surfing, where adventure and connection with the sea are the main focus. At Flysurf, we always say that part of the magic of van surf trips is letting go, getting lost on unknown roads, and discovering secret waves that will surprise you. Exploring the unexpected is what makes each trip special.
Within this series of surf trips around the Peninsula, we continue our mini-series on surfing in Portugal. The Portuguese country, in addition to having an infinite number of spots to explore and surf, is a true paradise to travel by van and find hidden corners.
Surfing in Asturias – Surf trips for this summer
Surftrip Cantabria: The Best Beaches in Cantabria
On this route, we will pick up where we left off and go from Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice, to one of Portugal's surf meccas, Peniche. A trip where, in addition to the recommended spots, there is a wide variety of spots to discover.
Aveiro: Canals and the waves of Costa Nova
As we mentioned before, our first stop on this surf trip in Portugal is Aveiro. This beautiful town located in northern Portugal is known as the Portuguese Venice for its beautiful canals that run through the historic center, and it is certainly worth a visit. In addition, this place is home to Costa Nova, one of the best surf beaches in northern Portugal, featuring perfect left and right peaks. The excellent exposure of this beach to the Atlantic Ocean gives it great consistency throughout the year. Here you will find waves ranging from medium to two meters, perfect for surfers of all levels, from those taking their first steps in surfing to the most experienced looking for greater challenges.
Figueira da Foz: The infinite right of Buarcos (Approaching Nazaré surf)
Continuing our journey south, we arrive at Figueira da Foz, where we can find an interesting variety of waves in its northern area, with sand, reef, or point breaks. Among them is Buarcos. This right-hand point break, under the right conditions, brings to mind none other than the legendary J-Bay. Although not a particularly consistent wave, its magic awakens with medium to large swells. On its best days, it becomes one of Portugal's longest waves, offering thrilling barrel sections and wide walls ideal for perfecting your rail-game. An essential spot for surfers looking for quality and challenge in every wave.
The great spectacle of surfing in Nazaré
Why is Nazaré surf world-famous?
This is not one of the recommended beaches for learning, but rather the scene of the planet's most renowned XXL waves. This mountain of water is produced thanks to the Nazaré submarine canyon, Europe's largest gorge, reaching 5,000 meters deep.
A unique event for sea lovers
Every time a big swell reaches the Atlantic coast, the world's best big wave surfers travel to this town in Leiria. Witnessing Nazaré surf live is to see nature's greatest force recorded at sea; a spectacle that will leave you in awe.
Peniche: The surf paradise for beginners and experts
Our last stop on our surf trip from Aveiro to Peniche, and perhaps the most important of this surf trip in Portugal, is Peniche, one of the best beaches to learn to surf. Surrounded by wonderful beaches, this small peninsula is a paradise of surf waves for beginners. Its particular holography means that you almost always find waves and good conditions in one of its many spots. In addition, some of its beaches are protected from the sea and wind, making it a perfect place to learn to surf.
Within this paradise is the well-known beach of Supertubos. Its name says it all. An extensive beach of fine sand where fast and powerful barrels form. When the waves are one meter and up, it is not a recommended beach for surfing beginners; perhaps when you go through the different learning phases, you will be able to. If you travel between September and October (depending on the year), you might be lucky enough to coincide with the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, one of the stops on the world surf circuit.
So far, our recommendation for the surf trip from Aveiro to Peniche. As we have already mentioned, this coast is a goldmine of wonderful waves, so we encourage you to leave the route and discover new spots to get into the water!
Enjoy surfing in this natural paradise and live a new adventure!
See you in the water.
Flysurf Team.
