New to surfing? Here are the top 5 beginner surf beaches in beautiful Portugal, so you can choose a surf holiday and get surfing quickly.

When you are first thinking about learning to surf it can feel quite overwhelming as to how to start. Warmer waters and sunshine lit days are always a good way to start, and if you can combine the experience with a holiday- more's the better.

To help you on your way to knowing where to go for your first surf holiday, we have created a list of some of the best beginner surf beaches in Portugal.

• 1. Cantinho da Baia, Baleal, Peniche

Peniche may be famous now for the Rip Curl Pro WSL surf contest held each October, but its long beach break, Cantinho da Baia, is excellent for beginners.  It works on all tides and runs for 3kms.  So the line up isn't crowded as there are so many take off spots.  

Check out our recommendation for where to stay close to Cantinho da Baia:

• 2. Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira

Host to major pro surf events each year, Ericeira is also the ideal spot to learn to surf, in particular at the beach sout of town, Foz do Lizandro.  It is a beautiful beach with a promenade of cafés and restaurants making it a . The beach break works best at low and mid tide, so plenty of time in between to enjoy exploring the town.  

Check out our recommendation for where to stay close to Foz do Lizandro:

• 3. Amado, South West Portugal (Lagos area)

Benefiting from some of the warmest water temperatures in Portugal, the Lagos area has some real surf gems.  Amado is a perfect learners beach break as it works on all tides. It is located in the protected Vicentina park so there are not big ugly apartments overlooking the beach.  

Check out our recommendation for where to stay close to Amado beach:

• 4. Guincho, Cascais

Cascais is known for the multitude of excellent breaks around its coastline, but for beginners it's best to head to the relaxed beach break of Guincho that works best at low and mid tide.  

Surfholidays' recommendation for where to stay close to Guincho beach:

• 5. Sao Juliao, Ericeira

It works similar to Foz do Lizandro, and can be better depending on the sand bars, Sao Juliao in Ericeira is a great beach break to surf in. It also works best at low and mid tides. Ericeira has 12 surf beaches within an 8km stretch of the town and that is why two beaches has made our best beginner surf beaches in Portugal list. 

Surfholidays' recommendation for where to stay close to Sao Juliao beach:

To sum up.......

One of the best things is having consistent and safe surf to learn in.  We love surf holidays in Portugal for this reason, and have some great surf schools in Portugal that teach complete beginners all the way through to experts.  

The best time to learn how to surf in Portugal is in the summer months of June to September. April, May & October can also be good. The rest of the year is usually too big for beginner surf.