Surf trips compared
Portugal vs France for surfing
Waves, seasons, crowds and costs side by side, from the 75 surf spots we cover in the two.
France means Hossegor and the long beaches of the Landes: powerful beach breaks that are at their best in autumn, when the sandbanks are good and the summer crowds have gone. Portugal is more varied, with points, reefs and beaches, and because the coast faces both west and south there's usually somewhere working. It's also a little cheaper and warmer in winter. For autumn barrels, go to France. For a winter trip, or a mix of levels, go to Portugal.
Plan and price both tripsSide by side
| Portugal | France | |
|---|---|---|
| Surf spots we cover | 46 | 29 |
| Areas | 12 | 8 |
| Beginner-friendly spots | 13 | 9 |
| Wave types | beach 89%, reef 11% | beach 88%, reef 12% |
| Best season | Sep-Apr | Sep-Apr |
| Average crowd | quiet (2.3/5) | moderate (2.8/5) |
| Flight from Europe | 2-3h | 2h |
| Daily budget (tight / comfortable) | $25 / $55 | $25 / $60 |
| A week from, with flights | $287 | $327 |
Crowd is the average of our 1 to 5 rating across all spots. Week from: seven nights on a tight budget in the cheapest area, with flights from Europe.
Month by month
| Month | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| January | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| February | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| March | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| April | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Finistère (Brittany)) |
| May | Good (The Algarve) | Good (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| June | Good (Porto & the North) | Good (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| July | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| August | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| September | Prime (Porto & the North) | Prime (Finistère (Brittany)) |
| October | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| November | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| December | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
Guides
Portugal vs France: common questions
Is Portugal or France better for beginners?
Portugal has more beginner-friendly spots: we list 13, against 9 in France.
Is Portugal or France cheaper for a surf trip?
Day to day, Portugal is cheaper: from about $25 a day on a tight budget, against $25 in France. A cheap week with flights from Europe starts around $287 for Portugal and $327 for France.
When is the best time to go to Portugal and France?
In Portugal, at least one region is at its best in these months: September to April. In France: September to April. Both are in good shape in these months: September to June.
More comparisons
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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