28 Nov Rachel’s 5 Top Reasons Why To Travel To Portugal!

Surf travel can be like opening a can of worms. We are now so exposed to so much information over the internet that it becomes so hard to nail down where to go and what to do! So I’ve made a quick guide to make it easier for you. I’ll be posting a few blogs on surf travel so keep an eye out for more.

So Portugal..If I had to sum up Portugal in one sentence it would be ‘my home away from home’ Not because I live there (I wish) but because as soon as I land in the country I feel relaxed and welcomed! 

My husband and I have spent a fair bit of time in Portugal, not only because it’s cheap as chips to get there but we truly love it! We’ve witnessed Nazare at it’s finest, partied in Peniche and cruised all the way down south stopping off at World famous surf destinations along the way. I always leave Portugal with the biggest smile on my burnt face and will continue to do so.

Here are a few of my favourite things about Portugal (but honestly I could go on for days)

1. PASTEL DE NATA

Once you get to know me you’ll know that food is always on the top of my list . These traditional little Portuguese tarts with a creamy egg custard centre in crackly golden pastry are the bomb (all the other Portuguese pastries are amazing also).

2. THE PEOPLE

Apart from constantly getting screwed over by car hire companies (probably my fault), everyone else became my new best friend. The Portuguese are seriously friendly and very helpful. During our time in Portugal we were often greeted with some kind of gesture whether it being a bottles of wine, flowers or even fresh bread. Not to mention our car got a flat battery more than once and we were never short of a few people towing us out or giving us a push. The service in cafes and restaurants are top standard and always want you to try their local produce. Overall the nicest people! (And incredibly beautiful!)

3. THE SURF

Nazare at it’s finest!

Well, it’s definitely the easiest place to find the ‘secret spots’ as they are usually sign posted for the public with big arrows pointing ’this way!’ I thought it was a trick, but it’s really not. The surf scene in Portugal is insane and they love to cater for the surfers and skaters with beach bars and skate parks everywhere! But there’s tonnes of fun waves to find, whether your looking for mellow beach breaks or hollow Supertubos.

4. SINTRA

For those looking to head to Portugal, my number one top tip would be to put Sintra on your ‘To Do’ list. This is probably the most beautiful area I have ever experienced. The town is riddled with dramatic palaces and beautiful gardens.

Your typical tourist day trip would consist of heading to the historic town centre with cobbled streets & cafes, the 15th Century Gothic National Palace, The Moors Castle and The Pena Palace.(Google Image them!) But it’s not all tourist attractions, you are also pretty close to a few awesome beach breaks too.

The top of the palace – Sintra

5. ARCHITECTURE

From the North to the South of Portugal the exterior architecture is something that really caught my eye. Some of the local fishing towns have this lovely little sea-side vibe like in Ericeira, where everything is painted fresh white and sea blue with a few fish, anchors and ropes carved delicately into the walls.However in the Algarve theres more of a Mediterranean flat roof stone building surrounded by orange groves kind of vibe. The plantation is a lot dryer and vast but it’s just as beautiful.

Wondering how long it would take me to tile my house back in the UK …

FAQs

When to go?
There’s waves all year round. But April – October the weather is at it’s finest! 

Where to stay?
If you’re in the Algarve – Tiny Whale Surf Lodge just outside of Lagos.

Ericeira is awesome, it’s the surf town of Portugal. Stay at Laneez Surf House for amazing value or the Memmo Hotel for something a little more luxury.

If you’re in Peniche head to The Surfers Lodge for the coolest surf lodge around. They offer the best coctails, fresh food and rooftop parties watching the sunset! 

All of the above offer fantastic surf programes from beginners to advance surfers.

Shall I take a wetsuit?
Yes it can be colder than you may think. Take a 3’2 to be safe! 

Anything else do to?
Head to Lisbon or Sintra! Beautiful places! Wear comfy footwear, it’s all cobbles and steep hills! 

Where shall I fly into?
If you’re heading to the Algarve then fly into Faro! 
Or heading to the Peniche/Ericeira area then fly into Lisbon. 

Best place to eat?
GIG – Green Is Good in Ericeira – amazing fresh healthy food, from bacon to Vegan! 

Best place to party?
 Lagos!

For any questions or if you’re looking to travel to Portugal, please feel free to email me on rachel@perfectwavetravel.com