Portugal

1. Research the surf spots: Portugal offers a wide range of surf spots suitable for surfers of all levels. The conditions in each region will vary, as will the level of accomodation and crowds. The top locations are Ericeira, Nazare and Cascais on the West Coast, Porto on the North Coast and Lagos, Sagres and Arrifana on the South Coast.
2. Choose the right time of year: Portugal is essentially a year-round round surf destination, but the best time to go can depend on your skill level and cold tollerance. For beginners, the summer months (June to September) generally offer smaller and more manageable waves. Expert surfers may prefer the winter months (October to April) when bigger swells roll in. Spring and autumn are also great seasons as the shoulder season means less crowded beaches and restaurants.
3. Bring the right gear: Ensure you have the appropriate surfboard, wetsuit and gear for the time of year and conditions. Generally, a wetsuit is needed most months of the year, especially during the colder months. The Atlantic can be cold even in early summer months. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent from local surf shops or consider booking a surf camp that provides gear.
4. Book a surf lesson or camp: Taking a surf lesson or booking a surf camp can be beneficial, even if you aren't a beginner. Surf schools and camps in Portugal offer professional instruction, guiding you through the basics and helping you progress. For advanced surfers who don't want to deal with the headache and want to connect with others, surf lodges can be an ideal fit. They also provide equipment, accommodation, and a community of like minded folks.

The best time to go surfing in Portugal varies depending on your surfing level and preferences. From April to November, Portugal offers excellent surfing conditions for all skill levels depending on location. For beginner surfer, the summer months from June to September are your best bet. During the prime summer months the weather is typically warm and sunny, and the waves are generally smaller and less challenging, providing an ideal setting for beginners to practice and improve their skills. This can be the more busy tourist season, so be aware that you should book well in advance.

For seasoned surfers seeking bigger and more powerful waves, the winter months from October to April are what you're looking for, just pack a good wetsuit. During this time, the waves become larger, even epic, and are reserved for some of the most experienced surfers in the world. Portugal's unique geography and exposure to the Atlantic Ocean provide consistent swells, and certain spots such as Nazaré are known for producing some of the world's biggest waves, so you'll get a chance to see pro surfers getting towed in. This is the crazy stuff you've only seen on Youtube.

Portugal is not only a great destination for surfing but offers a fantastic cultural experiences as well. The local cuisine is one of the best in Europe. Definitely try some seafood dishes such as octopus, squid, and sardines, which are caught daily and delivered fresh to the restaurants. There are so many options for fresh vegetables or a vegetarian diet as well. Famous dishes like Pasteis de Nata, a caramelized pastel, and Bacalhau, codfish cooked in several different ways, are among the top rated dishes in coastal Portugal. Some surf schools even offer cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare typical Portuguese dishes after a long day of surfing.