With nearly 1,000 kilometres of coastline Portugal doesn’t just have some of the best beaches in Europe but some of the best surfing too. It also has some of the world’s biggest waves and there doesn’t seem to be a year that goes by without someone claiming to have ridden a record breaker.

The wonderful climate and swells coming in from the North Atlantic virtually guarantee good conditions all year round. And the varied geography means you can experience every kind of wave imaginable. There are loads of companies offering surfing packages and clubs you can join, so just get on line and pick the best place for your favourite type.

Of course, the country being the size it is, once you live here it’s no great hardship to get in your car and drive to wherever the surf is particularly good on any given day. And it’s not just a sport for tourists. Portuguese guys who have reached the top in their sport internationally include Justin Mujica, Tiago Pires, and Ruben Gonzalez.

Well now I’m going to grab my board and get on down to the beach to hang ten … or wipe-out. I’m sure it’ll be one or the other!

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