You came for the waves, but you’ll leave with waaay more than a good session. This week-long surf road trip hits Portugal’s most iconic breaks and mixes them with epic food, cool towns and unforgettable views. It’s seven days of surfing, exploring and soaking up the best of the west coast. What’s not to love?
Welcome you at Lisbon airport, van trip to the hotel in Cascais area through a scenic road by the river, check-in, free time to sightsee the village and local surf spots, followed by a welcome traditional meal on a local restaurant and return to hotel. Overnight in Cascais.
Cascais is located between the stunning Sintra Mountains and the mouth of the Tejo River, just 30 minutes from Lisbon, is a vibrant coastal village known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, great golf courses and perfect waves. It boasts a variety of surf spots, from mellow beach breaks to powerful point breaks, catering to both beginners and seasoned pros. Once a resort village for the royalty, and a small fishing village, it has grown into a cosmopolitan known for its lively marina, picturesque cobblestone streets, and beautiful seafront promenade.
There’s a thriving food scene with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and local markets where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. Cascais is also home to elegant boutiques, art galleries, and lively squares, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll after a day at the beach.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day, possibly Carcavelos, a classic beach break with lefts and rights all along the beach or Guincho, a powerful exposed spot with predominantly rights and lefts all along the beach, both perfect for all levels. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
In the other part of the day, will stroll through the charming streets and visit the picturesque Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) offers dramatic coastal views and natural rock formations that are a must see, and return to hotel. Overnight in Cascais.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Cascais hotel, van trip by the coast for surfing on the best wave of the day, possibly Praia Grande, provides mellow breaks with peaks offering both lefts and rights. Lunch on traditional local restaurant, passing through Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, a magical village that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Step inside the whimsical National Palace of Pena: a riot of colors and Romantic architecture perched high above the clouds or choose to explore the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, filled with spiral wells, secret tunnels and symbolism tied to the Templars and Freemasonry. Head up for check-in on new hotel in Ericeira area, time to sightsee the village and local surf spots, and return to hotel. Overnight in Ericeira.
Ericeira is a picturesque coastal fishing village known for its exceptional surf conditions, drawing surfers from around the world. It holds the unique title of being the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe, thanks to its consistent waves and beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, the variety of surf spots makes it an ideal destination for all skill levels.
But Ericeira offers more than just great waves. The village has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, with cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. You’ll find plenty of surf shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. It’s a place where surf culture blends seamlessly with local charm, making it perfect not just for surfing, but for enjoying the lifestyle that comes with it.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day in Ericeira, being the most popular Ribeira d’Ilhas, a long right-hand point break over reef and cobblestones or Foz do Lizandro, a mellow beach break with left and right peaks for surf guide, and Matadouro, a reef and beach combo mostly rights or São Julião, a beach break with lefts and rights all along the beach for surf lessons. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
The other half of the day will be filled by a city cultural visit to Mafra town, home to one of Portugal’s grandest palaces, the Mafra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends Baroque excess with royal devotion, visit the Basilica, Convent and Library with over 30,000 rare books, it’s one of Europe’s largest collections, and return to hotel. Overnight in Ericeira.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Ericeira hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day, possibly Santa Cruz, a beach break with lefts and rights perfect for all levels. Lunch on traditional local restaurant. Head north to check-in on new hotel in Peniche area, time to sightsee the village and local surf spots, and return to hotel. Overnight in Peniche.
Peniche has always been deeply connected to the sea, standing as one of Portugal’s largest traditional fishing ports and a key hub for Atlantic maritime activities, both commercial and touristic.
Known for its world-class surf breaks, is a must-visit for any surfer, offering perfect waves that cater to all levels.
Once an island, Peniche was gradually connected to the mainland by natural forces, marking a shift in its maritime role. Strongly tied to the ocean, Peniche built its identity and economy on fishing, with a fish canning industry that has thrived for over two thousand years and remains vital today.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, broad beaches, and facing the Berlenga Archipelago, Peniche continues to thrive as a coastal community where the sea and fishing remain at the heart of daily life and cultural heritage.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day in Peniche, being the most popular Supertubos, a beach break with powerful tubes mostly hollow rights and lefts or Almagreira, a beach break with lefts and rights depending on sandbanks for surf guide, and Lagido, a reef break covered with sand in places predominantly left-handers, with occasional rights further down the beach or Baleal, a mostly beach breaks and reef breaks with variety of lefts and rights, for surf lessons. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
The other half of the day will be filled by a cultural visit to Óbidos castle, walking its cobbled streets and castle walls lined with whitewashed homes and tiled archways, ending with a tasting of Ginja de Óbidos, the region’s iconic sour cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, and return to hotel. Overnight in Peniche.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Peniche hotel, if the flight schedule allows it, possible lunch on traditional local restaurant and departure to Lisbon airport
