Buarcos
A series of long rights sheltered by Cape Mondego, which work in big swell.
Along the Buarcos coast, below Cape Mondego, there are several spots with long, very similar rights; there's also the odd left. They're sheltered from the north, so they need a big swell and handle the northerly wind that ruins other beaches.
When they work, they're some of the longest rights in Portugal.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, N, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE, E |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | Winter, in big swell |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or longboard; a step-up in very big swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Buarcos
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 18 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
There are few surfers and most are locals. Keep a low profile.
Surfing style
Long point rights.
Hazards
Currents and rocks.
Map
Other spots nearby
Figueira da Foz
A right by the Mondego's south jetty, a regular contest venue.
Marinha Grande
A village among pine forests with sand and rock waves, and far fewer people than Nazaré or Peniche.
Nazaré
The most famous giant wave in the world, amplified by the Nazaré submarine canyon.
Peniche
Baleal bay: Portugal's most famous learning beach, full of surf schools and camps.
All spots in Central Portugal →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.