Surfing in Portugal in May

Insights, Portugal Costa Verde, Surfen
To the surf camp

Surfing in Portugal in May

Michael Kirchner·1. January 2024·0 comments

Surfing in Portugal in May

A FEW SENTENCES FROM JAN – OUR GUIDE FOR THE SURF AREA

We’ve been traveling to the northern region of Portugal to surf for almost 15 years now and we’ve been in Gelfa with our surf camp for 10 years. I’ve been there every month except January and February. As one of the founders of the camp, I can only say: it’s worth it in all months. A wave magnet in the summer, deserted in the off-peak months – your choice of month determines what kind of vacation you will have. Our camp and the atmosphere on the beach change almost every week. I think everyone who has been here before can confirm that.

How many people are in the camp? How important are the wave conditions to me? What kind of atmosphere do I want for yoga by the sea? Do I need 30 degrees and sun? What is it like to have a bay to myself for a week? It all depends on the choice of month. My favorite is May – I’ve been saying that for years.

Surfing in May in Portugal Goodtimes-Surfcamp

My opinion: May is THE best month to surf in northern Portugal

I’m coming to Gelfa for the same reason as you. I want to surf and get out of the city. To be in nature – to experience the sea. I don’t think I need to tell you that May is not yet high summer. Of course, you increase your chances of better weather if you come here in August or September – but that actually applies to the whole of Europe. The special thing about May is the atmosphere. The harsh winter climate has already disappeared, the sun makes everything blossom and the beach is empty. You don’t see any people in the morning, you don’t hear any noises. Fishing boats on the horizon, the Frenchman with the white car and the little dog makes his daily rounds in the morning. He has lived just around the corner here for years. From the terrace, you can watch the spear fishermen passing by the camp and feel like an odd neighbor. “Look at that one. Do you know him?”. You greet anglers on the beach and a few steps further on you can enjoy the sea on your own. During yoga, the mats are rolled out right by the sea, the sun is rising, no people, no cars. Gentle instructions for the asanas, one eye on the sea. Nothing else. You have that in summer too, but not all day long. It somehow becomes more colorful, busier, with surfers, cyclists or hikers on the Way of St. James. The restaurants are busy and the weekly market is bursting at the seams. Oyster stall in Caminha, sardine festival in Ancora – small local tourism. Gelfa is hardly ever really touristy, but if you ask me: in May, the place feels untouched and the camp even more like a small microcosm. It’s just like we found it back then. We thought it was a secret spot but actually we were just in the right place at the right time. I can only recommend everyone to include timing as an important factor in their planning: What do I want on my surfing vacation and does the month fit? The best way to find out is to get in touch with us. Then we can advise you.

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Michael Kirchner

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