The surfing wonders of the West & Vicentina Coast

Today as you reach Lisboa International Airport, you will collect your car rental. Today you'll also receive a package with all of the important travel documentation that you may need during the trip. You'll head towards the West Coast. If you don’t want to head to the waves right away, we recommend that you just go for a walk in town and explore its streets and cafés. Don’t forget that this is a place to find some of the freshest fish and seafood in Portugal!

We suggest that you grab your board because Ericeira is waiting. In 2011, this town was declared a World Surfing Reserve by the Save the Waves, a surfer-based conservation group that fights to preserve the planet’s coastlines and surf culture. This town was chosen to become Europe’s first and, so far, only World Surfing Reserve thanks to its high density of waves and its established surf culture. It also has the highest concentration of quality waves in Europe and it is one of the most consistent surfing destinations on the continent with a minimum swell consistency of 56%. For beginners we recommend beaches such as São Julião, Foz do Lizandro and Praia do Sul, and for more advanced surfers spots like Coxos, Crazy Left and Cave are definitely the best choices.

Today we recommend you to drive for just a few miles towards the town of Santa Cruz, and discover this fun seaside resort. The northern half of this town is one of the countries best-hidden surfing destinations, with a good number of high-quality beach breaks providing powerful beach break waves. The breaks work in small and medium-sized waves and are consistent in Fall and Winter. Today you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a surf lesson in Santa Cruz!

Today’s drive will be one of your longest. Once you arrive Sagres there are so many things you can do, start by exploring some of the good surfing spots nearby, such as the beaches of Tonel, Telheiro, and Beliche. Or maybe drive to some of the most iconic sights, such as St. Vincent’s Cape. The Fortress of St. Vincent is an iconic location where the first great exchange of nautical scientific ideas took place under the famous Prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century. The historical area of the city of Lagos is equally interesting, since this was a very active trading port during the Portuguese Discoveries, with a lively city center and plenty of restaurants.

Head towards Arrifana beach, one of the greatest surfing destinations in the Costa Vicentina. This paradise has been protected from urban overdevelopment by its status as a natural preserve and its extensive beaches have recently become a sought after seaside destination for the locals. Arrifana is a fairly exposed beach and reef break that has consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. Ideal winds are from the northeast with some shelter here from north winds. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the northwest. The beach breaks offer lefts and rights and there is also a right-hand reef break and there is good surf at all stages of the tide.

In the morning, you will be driving back to Lisboa, and we suggest that you take a little break and discover the many things that this city has to offer. Capital of Portugal and one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, Lisboa is blessed with a marvelous location by the mouth of the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Well known for its historic traditional neighborhoods, you’ll be amazed by the quarters of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama as well as the Castle of Saint George and the gorgeous views you can enjoy from the top of its hill. You can't also miss a visit to the most monumental area of the city: the Belém district, where the 15th century Jerónimo's Monastery is the highlight. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a Private Walking “foodie” Tour of Lisboa with “petiscos” tastings ("petiscos" are Portuguese traditional small portions of food/snacks). Enjoy!

Other than its magnificent history and vibrant life, Lisboa and its surrounding areas also offer some great surf spots. The first beach that we must mention is Carcavelos. With waves breaking most of the year, being smaller during the summer months and getting more consistent from September to May, on good swells and a good North wind can have barrelling left-hander waves that compete with any of the most well-known beach breaks in the world. A bit further away in the town of Cascais, another great surfing spot is at Guincho beach. This beach is better known for its windsurfing conditions but it is actually one of the better beach breaks in the Lisbon area and certainly one of the most consistent. When it’s good, wedgy, powerful rights break off the cliffs at the northern end. To say your goodbyes to the city of Lisboa, on this last night we suggest you attend a Fado performance in a traditional restaurant in the city.

Today is your departure day. Our driver will take you on a private transfer to Lisboa airport in time for you to start your flight departure boarding procedures. Have a safe flight home!