Both get the same Atlantic swell, so the real difference is the coastline. Portugal faces west and south and picks up surf almost every day of the year, from Ericeira's reefs to the Algarve's sheltered bays. Spain's north coast faces into the Bay of Biscay and needs a bigger swell, but when it works Asturias and Galicia are much emptier than the Lisbon coast, and Mundaka is one of the best lefts in Europe. In winter Spain also has the Canaries. Portugal is more consistent; Spain has more variety.
Which one should you pick?
Two weeks with waves every day
Portugal. Ericeira, the Lisbon coast and the Algarve are all within three hours of each other, and one of them is almost always working. A week in Ericeira and a week in the Algarve is an easy plan.
Two weeks of road trip
Spain's north coast: start in the Basque Country and drive west through Cantabria and Asturias to Galicia, with quieter beaches every day you go further.
Winter sun
Spain, in the Canaries. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are warm all winter and get the same swells as the mainland.
Fewer crowds
Spain. Asturias and Galicia are much emptier than Ericeira or the Lisbon coast on a good day.
Learning
Either. Both have plenty of beginner beaches and surf schools; Portugal's are easier to string together without a car.
When to go
Both are at their best from September to April. Both are in good shape from September to June.
| Month | Portugal | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| January | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Basque Country) |
| February | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Basque Country) |
| March | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Basque Country) |
| April | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Galicia) |
| May | Good (The Algarve) | Good (Basque Country) |
| June | Good (Porto & the North) | Good (Basque Country) |
| July | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Basque Country) |
| August | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Basque Country) |
| September | Prime (Porto & the North) | Prime (Galicia) |
| October | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Basque Country) |
| November | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Basque Country) |
| December | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Basque Country) |