Surf trip Portugal: In search of the perfect waves in a van

There is hardly a better feeling than the freedom you experience on a surf trip along the Portuguese coast. Together with my best friend Max and our faithful companion, an old VW T3 van, which we affectionately call the “Blue Whale”, we set off. The van was more than just a vehicle for us – it was our home on four wheels, our retreat and, of course, the means to reach the best surf spots in the country. Bulli surf trip Portugal … a dream on four wheels!

First stop: Ericeira – Europe’s surfing paradise

Our adventure started in Ericeira, a picturesque town that has become world-famous among surfers. As soon as we parked on the beach at Ribeira d’Ilhas, we could tell that everything here smelled of the sea, salt and adventure. The van was perfectly positioned with a view of the waves – and that’s exactly the advantage of a campervan. You wake up, pull the curtain aside and immediately see whether the conditions are right.

Ribeira d’Ilhas was an absolute dream. The waves rolled cleanly and evenly towards us, perfect for long rides on the board. After an extensive session, we made ourselves comfortable in the van, cooked something and enjoyed the sunset right by the sea. The best thing about it? We didn’t have to go back to our accommodation, we were already there.

Next stop: Peniche – the waves of Supertubos

From Ericeira, we continued on to Peniche, about an hour to the north. The drive was relaxed, and with the van we could just stop wherever we wanted to take a little break or simply enjoy the view. Peniche is best known for its “Supertubos” wave – a spot that isn’t called that for nothing. The waves here are powerful and fast, and there are quite a few surfers who come to Peniche just for these tube waves.

Once again, the flexibility of traveling with a camper van proved to be a great advantage. We parked the van right next to Supertubos and were able to jump into the water as soon as the conditions were right. When the waves got too high, we simply enjoyed the day in the van – making coffee, reading books and discussing the best waves of the day.

Stopover in Nazaré – The biggest waves in the world

Even if we weren’t crazy enough to face the huge waves of Nazaré, we wanted to see this legendary spot at least once. The waves here are some of the biggest in the world and it was impressive to watch the pros surfing. We parked the van on top of the cliffs and had the perfect view of the spectacle.

Nazaré was less of a surf spot for us and more of a place to marvel and dream – but that’s also part of a surf trip.

Last stop: Arrifana – relaxed vibes in the south

The route took us further south, to Arrifana in the Algarve. Here the surfing became more relaxed again. The spot is perfect for anyone who loves long, gentle waves, and the beach is located in a beautiful bay surrounded by cliffs. The vibe here is much calmer and more relaxed than in the north, which suited us perfectly after the intense days in Ericeira and Peniche.

We spent the last few days of our trip here, mostly in the water, but also just chilling on the beach. In the evenings, we often sat on the cliff with a bottle of wine, enjoying the view of the sea and knowing that we could set off again in the van the next morning directly to the next spot if we felt like it.

Why the van is perfect for a surf trip

Looking back, I know that this trip wouldn’t have been half as adventurous and flexible without our van. We had the freedom to drive to every spot, stay where we liked and drive on when we felt we had seen enough. No annoying checking in and out of hotels, no time pressure – just us, the waves and our van.

Whether you want to be the first in the water early in the morning or simply listen to the sound of the sea over a beer in the evening – a campervan is the best way to enjoy an unforgettable surf trip.

Portugal not only impressed us both with its waves, but also with its nature, the people and the freedom on the road. And one thing is certain: it was not our last trip in the “Blue Whale”. Surf trip Portugal in a van … hang loose with Hanggtime!

PS: In addition to the fantastic vans, you can also hire the best surfboards from Hanggtime. We were able to choose the right board and wetsuit for us from various models of the world-famous, hand-shaped boards from the Fatum brand. This makes traveling without a bulky surf bag even more practical.