Portugal and Morocco get the same North Atlantic swells, and from much of Europe both are a short, cheap flight. The difference is the coast and the cost. Portugal has more variety, with beaches, reefs and points from Ericeira to the Algarve, but colder water and cold winters. Morocco is warmer and much cheaper day to day, and its coast is lined with long right-hand points around Taghazout and Imsouane. In winter, if you want sun and points, go to Morocco. If you want variety, good food and a mix of levels, Portugal is easier.
Which one should you pick?
Cheap winter trip
Morocco. Taghazout and Imsouane cost about half as much a day as Portugal, and the water and the air are warmer in winter.
Long right-hand points
Morocco: Anchor Point, Killer Point and the long right at Imsouane.
Variety and a city break
Portugal, with Lisbon an hour from Ericeira and waves of every kind along the coast.
Learning
Either. Imsouane bay is one of the gentlest long waves anywhere, and Portugal has more surf schools to choose from.
Summer
Portugal. Morocco is small and windy in summer, while Portugal still has small waves for learning.
When to go
Portugal is at its best from September to April, and Morocco from October to March. Both are in good shape from September to May.
| Month | Portugal | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| January | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| February | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| March | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| April | Prime (The Algarve) | Good (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| May | Good (The Algarve) | Good (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| June | Good (Porto & the North) | Quiet (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| July | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| August | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| September | Prime (Porto & the North) | Good (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| October | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| November | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |
| December | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Taghazout & Imsouane) |