Surf trips compared
Portugal vs Morocco for surfing
Waves, seasons, crowds and costs side by side, from the 77 surf spots we cover in the two.
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.
Plan and price both tripsSide by side
| Portugal | Morocco | |
|---|---|---|
| Surf spots we cover | 46 | 31 |
| Areas | 12 | 12 |
| Beginner-friendly spots | 13 | 15 |
| Wave types | beach 89%, reef 11% | beach 71%, reef 24%, point 5% |
| Best season | Sep-Apr | Oct-Mar |
| Average crowd | quiet (2.3/5) | moderate (2.5/5) |
| Flight from Europe | 2-3h | 3-4h |
| Daily budget (tight / comfortable) | $25 / $55 | $25 / $55 |
| A week from, with flights | $287 | $173 |
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 | 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) |
Guides
Portugal vs Morocco: common questions
Is Portugal or Morocco better for beginners?
Morocco has more beginner-friendly spots: we list 15, against 13 in Portugal.
Is Portugal or Morocco cheaper for a surf trip?
Day to day, Portugal is cheaper: from about $25 a day on a tight budget, against $25 in Morocco. A cheap week with flights from Europe starts around $287 for Portugal and $173 for Morocco.
When is the best time to go to Portugal and Morocco?
In Portugal, at least one region is at its best in these months: September to April. In Morocco: October to March. Both are in good shape in these months: September to May.
More comparisons
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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