Portugal's best waves

Our journey along the Portuguese coast begins in the north, not far from Porto: from the mouth of the Douro, a long stretch of sandy beach stretches out along the ocean, before reaching the seaside resort of Espinho.

Espinho is known as the most beautiful beach around Porto and is very lively in season. Praia da Baia, a spot renowned for its waves, is generally accessible to all levels of surfer.

Espinho has the advantage of being served by the train from Porto: 45 minutes later, you're at the beach, breathing in the Atlantic spray. Worth a try!

A little further south, in the province of Estremadura, Nazaré is a must for lovers of great waves. A legendary spot where international surfing competitions are held, it was here that the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed was beaten: it was 23 metres high!

In the Praia da Norte, on days when the sea is rough, the waves of Nazaré become massive and monstrous: the spectacle is worth the diversions from the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo, which offers an unbeatable view of the ocean.

The province of Estremadura is home to some of Portugal's finest surf spots. Not far from Nazaré, Peniche, a major fishing port, is also renowned for its magnificent ocean beaches and the quality of its waves.

The best waves here are known as supertubos, because of the characteristic tube shape so popular with surfers. The many beaches around Peniche are suitable for all levels of surfer, but also for those who prefer to watch the waves break from the sand...

It doesn't take long to drive south to reach Ericeira, just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon. This small fishing village with a seaside resort feel in summer is perfect for both enjoying a seaside holiday and, on occasion, surfing some of Portugal's most famous spots.

Sao Lourenço, Coxos, Pedra Branca, or the most famous, Ribeira de Ilhas... you'll be spoilt for choice if you want to watch the surfers at work or try out some great breaking waves yourself.

A very popular beach with Lisboans, Praia de Carcavelos has no trouble filling up on sunny days. We're right on the outskirts of the Portuguese capital, on the road to Estoril and Cascais.

Although the large Atlantic beach aspect is a little lost, the accessibility of Carcavelos, which can be reached by train in less than 30 minutes, makes it particularly attractive. The waves are great for swimming, but there's also plenty of opportunity for novice surfers to practise and learn.

A really nice spot, even more so when you're not in the peak tourist season.

In the south of Portugal, an absolutely magnificent beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean alone: for the scenery alone, it's well worth making the detour to Praia do Amado. A renowned surfing spot, this beach regularly hosts international competitions.

Praia do Amado is therefore aimed at surfing pros, but is also suitable for beginners: there is even a surf school right on the beach. Very popular in summer, it also offers a pleasant swimming environment, as the ocean is reputed to be clear and transparent when the sea is calm...

If you want to linger in the area, beware: accommodation is fairly scarce.

Here we are in the beautiful Algarve region, at the southernmost tip of Portugal. With its cliffs and wild beaches, Sagres looks like the end of the world, which comes alive during the summer season.

Directly exposed to the influences of the ocean, it's a destination that's just as appealing for its natural setting on fine days, when you can go hiking and swimming, as it is during the off-season months: the coast is spectacular in rough weather!

Sagres is also a well-known meeting place for surfers, as there is no shortage of good waves in the area.

We're leaving the mainland and heading far out to sea, to the Portuguese island of Madeira. Spectacular with its sheer volcanic relief, lost in the middle of the Atlantic, it's not surprising that Madeira has some superb beaches, or a good surf spot either.

For that, you'll have to head for the very south-west of the island, to Paúl do Mar. A small, authentic resort a little off the beaten track, here you can enjoy a calm atmosphere, turned towards the sea, and some beautiful waves renowned well beyond Madeira's borders.