Portugal’s 1,800 km of coastline makes it one of the best spots in Europe to catch a few waves. As summer winds down, the country’s world-famous surf season will be quietly heating up over the next couple of months, peaking for the most serious wave riders over winter.
It's time to start planning your next big adventure road trip. While you can’t possibly hit every hotspot in a week, we have outlined a seven-day itinerary, zeroing in on the best beaches of Portugal’s illustrious north coast.
Multiple airlines offer direct flights between Prague and Lisbon. Travel by car is the most convenient way to beach hop in Portugal, so make sure to reserve your wheels in advance.
DAY 1: LISBON TO CASCAIS VIA CARCAVELOS (32 KM)
Drive time: 45 minutes
DAY 2: CASCAIS TO ERICEIRA VIA PRAIA DO GUINCHO (58 KM)
Drive time: 1 hour 6 minutes
DAY: 3: ERICEIRA TO PENICHE VIA MAFRA (98 KM)
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Surf in Prague! In 2022, the Vlny Štvanice project in Prague created an artificial wave on the Vltava River where the sport of river surfing can be practiced. Inspired by waves in Germany, surfers in the Czech Republic wanted to enjoy their hobby inland as well. A community group funded the installation, which includes a jetty where beginners can find their balance more easily than in open water. Experts supervise newcomers as they learn to ride the river's current. While different than ocean surfing, river surfing allows landlocked enthusiasts to capture the thrill. The wave is managed through an upstream dam system. When activated, it provides surfers with a fun new way to experience Prague's waterways.
DAY 4: PENICHE TO NAZARE VIA ALCOBACA (79 KM)
Drive time: 1 hour 4 minutes
DAY 5: NAZARE TO FIGUEIRA DA FOZ VIA LEIRIA (100 KM)
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 6: FIGUEIRA DA FOZ TO PORTO VIA ESPINHO (213 KM)
Drive time: 2 hours 5 minutes
DAY 7: PORTO TO LISBON (313 KM)
Drive time: 3 hours
This article was written in association with ExxonMobil. See our partner content policies here.
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