Surfing in January

Anchor Point is one of the great right-hand point breaks in the world — long, peeling walls that reward rail-to-rail surfing. The surrounding coast has a dozen named breaks across all skill levels. Only 3 hours from major European airports and cheap to operate in.

One of eleven World Surfing Reserves on earth. Coxos is a world-class right-hand reef; Ribeira d'Ilhas hosts the WSL event. Intermediate and advanced surfers find consistent challenge across a compact stretch of coast 45 minutes from Lisbon.

Supertubos at Peniche delivers some of Europe's most powerful and consistent beach break. The town has a full ecosystem of surf schools, shapers, and flat-day alternatives within 20 minutes in every direction.

The continental edge of Europe catches raw, unfiltered Atlantic swell from multiple directions. Protected national park status limits development and keeps crowds minimal. A serious surf zone for those who have outgrown the busier spots further north.