THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A SURFER IN PORTUGAL — Chapter II-Porto and Esmoriz
Our trip in Portugal is not like drawing a line between two points. Our teleportation machine isn’t very reliable, so we know from where we leave but we have serious doubt about where we are going.
We left Lisbon and Costa da Caparica in our Chapter I, and since Portugal is always a winning bet, we were not so worried about our next destination. And we were lucky. Definitely damn lucky. We are always searching for the best waves, but since between us and and the beach there is something worthy to know, why don’t take a look at it?
This is Chapter II of our journey in Portugal.
From Lisbon to the North of Portugal. From Lisbon to Porto.
Enjoy.
“A beleza do Porto é óbvia. É uma cidade que, de certa forma, é excêntrica. O Porto tem um carácter único: é uma cidade estabelecida, com arquitectos estabelecidos, com uma cultura estabelecida. Desse modo, não vai ser um único edifício que vai pôr a cidade no mapa, ela já está no mapa.”
“The beauty of Porto is obvious. It is a town that may look quite eccentric. Porto has a unique personality: it is a well defined town, with well defined architects, with a well defined culture. According to this, there isn’t one building to represent the town, because the town represents itself. “
Rem Koolhaas, architect of Casa da Música.
ANOTHER TOWN ANOTHER RIVER
It is really difficult to make a comparison between Porto and Lisbon, and this isn’t the right place to discuss about old old rivalry between the two largest and most representative Portugal cities. Someone could tell you that Porto is the city that gave the name to Nation (did you ever wonder why it is not named “Lisbon-gal”?), but we are not so sure about it (and we have a lot of friends in Lisbon, so it is a risky business for us). However, our first purpose is giving you some tips in order to explore this part of Portugal, where you can breathe the ocean in all its greatness. Porto is really a charismatic city, and it is impossible for you to not appreciate it, waiting for jumping into the water with your surf board.
Porto’s river is named Douro, and it is crossed by 6 bridges (the city is known as “The City of bridges” and the people of Porto are very proud of them). Porto is quickly becoming one of the coolest place in Europe, so let us lead you at the discover of this town, and then get ready to surf.
1. THINGS TO SEE
The six bridges!
For sure they are one of the main attractions of Porto. Cross them to reach every part of the city, and choose the one you like more between:
Cais de Gaia
Probably the best skyline view of Porto, and located in the Gaia riverfront, Cais de Gaia gives the chance to watch the city from a unique perspective. Imagine to have a stunning bridge at your side, traditional boats crossing the river in front of you, a lot of places where to eat and where to taste the most famous product from this part of Portugal: Porto wine! Porto is a sweet wine perfect for desserts, produced in a lot of varieties in Douro region.
Bolhão Market
Located in Rua Morosa, if you are searching for a genuine place where you can feel the true side of Porto, you cannot go away before visiting the Bolhão Market. It could look as a simple fruit and vegetable market, but what makes Bolhão different is the attitude of the sellers. You will ear them shout, make noise, trying to catch your attention, but always in a friendly way. On the ground floor, you have the chance to choose between a lot of cafes and little restaurants.
2. I AM HUNGRY, WHERE I CAN EAT?!
Nabos da Pùcara
Little and delicious restaurant located near José Falcão bus station, it can offer you a selection of traditional dishes and creations of their own. A smart and tasty way to understand the importance of eating local products, in a friendly and informal space. Portions are not so big but this allows you to experiment different levels of yesterday and today’s Portuguese culinary art.
O Paparico Restaurante
O Paparico is an institution in Porto. A restaurant maybe a bit distant from the usual touristic route, it is a place where traditional Portuguese kitchen meets the exigence to experiment more sophisticated and ambitious dishes. What is at the base of O Paparico philosophy is a quote from Auguste Escoffier: “Cooking is science and art, and the man who gives all his heart to satisfy another one, deserves respect and consideration”. www.opaparico.com
A Sanderia
Do you want to eat a 5 euro lunch without loosing quality? Go to A Sanderia! All sort of sandwiches, soups, salads and homemade lemonade. A Sanderia is really small, so maybe you should wait a little bit, but once you’re in you won’t regret.
3. NIGHT LIFE
Porto is well known for the growing party culture and clubbing. Everything grows up from multicultural roots.If you are thinking where to spend the night, take a look at our favorite places in town.
Portologia Porto, La Maison des Porto
If you want to know really everything you need to know about Porto wine, do not hesitate a moment and go to Portologia, probably the best tasting and Port Wine Shop in town. You will be hosted in an elegant but quite friendly location, where the staff is always able to transmit their passion for Porto wine.
Rádio
Both to start or finish your night, Rádio is always a good choice. Counting on an high musical level and a very nice location, Rádio is a place with a true history at its back. It was the location of the Court during the XIX century, and then became the well known Spring Cabaret. Garden with terrace + discoteque + cocktail bar.
Kasa da Praia
Previously a gas station and a school, Kasa da Praia is now a modern environment located between the city park and the Ocean. “Gupo K” transformed Kasa da Praia in a multilevel location where you can choose from dancing in some of the better parties in town, eating in the restaurant or chill out in the open air space.
TAKE ME TO SURF PLEASE!
Ok, now you know Porto too. Time to go to the beach. Check forecast and take a look at webcams here.
First of all, the big advantage of surfing in the North of Portugal, is that everything looks bigger. More space for everyone, that means less crowded spots, no rush to arrive to the line-up, and a sense of freedom that will overwhelm you.
Obviously surfing in Porto will be different from going to a secret spot.
According to our experience, we can easily suggest you to take a look at these three beaches/spots near Porto.
PRAIA DE LEÇA
Typical urban beach (with the chance to park your car without any problem), when Leça gets big it will be really really funny (if your able to handle it ;) ), with tubing section with offshore wind. Not so easy to paddle out, because of strong currents, so take your time and pay attention to what expert surfers do in the water before entering. This beach is usually exposed to North wind, but it works better with East and South-East winds. Be always aware from some rock on the left side near the shore.
PRAIA DE MATOSINHOS
This funny beach break is perfect for learning the best sport in the World. It is less exposed, and this means less currents, and an easier approach to the line up. According to your level, if you expect more from Matosinhos you have to wait bigger days. Praia de Matosinhos as a good reliability, especially on the left side, in front of a glass building called “Edifício trasparente”. As it hosts a lot of surf schools, crowd could be a problem, especially during the weekends.
ESMORIZ
Esmoriz, 15 minutes far from Porto,is an exposed beach break with both left and right peaks, good for surfers of every level. Here you can find, by moving a little bit to North or South, the really undiscovered and empty Portugal spots we were talking about. The scent of the ocean is strong and provide you a sense of freedom difficult to forget. Esmoriz has a selection of very reliable spots, that work with different swells where you can surf in complete safety. Usually the spots in Esmoriz start working with 1 meter waves, and in the biggest days can reach 3 meters. There are a lot of restaurants, parking and other facilities that will allow you to enjoy your surf experience without any concern.
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR SURF EXPERIENCE IN PORTO AND ESMORIZ.
There is always a good option when you go surfing in a new place, in order to get information, find surf lessons or rent equipment. Problem is that maybe you are not aware of where to go. Honula is proud to introduce you our partner in Porto and Esmoriz, to help you enjoy your surf experience in the Nort of Portugal.
SURFIVOR SURF CAMP
Our friends of Surfivor will give you the chance to have the greatest surf experience in Nort of Portugal, by choosing from two different services and locations.
SURF CAMP ESMORIZ
Founded in 2004, until today it remains the first and most popular surf camp in North-Portugal. Each and every year, hundreds of people from around the globe learn how to surf at our Surf Camp in Esmoriz, where the beach is only 100m away.
You will have the chance to enjoy a surf — based holiday choosing from the variety of local beaches in Esmoriz. Every level of surfing will be delighted from Surfvivor, from March to October
The strenght of Surfivor Surf Camp is a team of enthusiastic people who take every effort to make your surfing vacation the best holiday you’ve ever had. Surfivor staff is made by professional instructors that will help both beginners and advanced surfers.
Experience and professionalism, combined with laid back and positive vibes, will guarantee quality service and a great stay in North of Portugal.
They also provide some additional amenities which have been included to make your whole holiday as relaxed and fun as possible. For example there is the completely renewed Beach house, with fully equipped kitchen for self catering and other services as free bicycles to discover Porto on two wheels, or exploring the beautiful local forest of Maceda Nature Park.
Monday night welcome BBQ for everyone and yoga lessons 3 days per week in High season only will complete your experience with Surfvivor.
It is quite a unique way to enjoy your surfing holiday — not to be found anywhere else.
SURFIVOR PORTO SURF HOSTEL
Surfivor Porto Surf Hostel boasts an excellent seaside location in one of Porto’s most historic town quarters. This makes it the perfect option if you are looking to spend a fantastic vacation surfing in Portugal and want to discover a diverse and culturally rich European city.
Surf Hostel in Porto is located in Foz do Douro (‘Mouth of the river Douro’), one of Porto’s oldest and most beautiful city quarters. It is within walking distance of the best surf spots in Porto — where surf lessons are held.
From the hostel you can be in the heart of Porto within 15 minutes by bus or tram.
Take a look on honula.com the offers of Surfivor and choose the package that best fits for you.
Chapter II of our journey ends here. Where are we going to land next time?
Stay tuned and come with us discovering Portugal, this amazing Country that never stops surprising us.
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