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Scenic view of the entrance gate to Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, known for its big waves.
📷 Artūras Kokorevas · Pexels

Praia dos Coxos

4.1 — based on 25 community signals
4.3 12 species 35 contributors

Praia dos Coxos is a year-round Portuguese surf spot with consistent waves and a laid-back beach vibe.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Praia dos Coxos location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
1.3 kn
Wave
2.12 m
Water
15.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (32%)
Now: NNE (27°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.71m

Today: High 08:00 (+0.13m), Low 15:00 (-0.76m)

+1.0 m0 m-1.7 m
▲ 08:00 · +0.13m ▼ 15:00 · -0.76m ▲ 21:00 · -0.09m ▼ 03:00 · -0.72m Now -0.6m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV6.45 · high Air PM2.55 · good 07:22 19:39
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 5.8 2.22 6 0mm
09-20 6.7 1.82 6 0mm
09-21 6.1 1.38 6 0mm
09-22 3.9 1.36 6 0mm
09-23 5.3 1.84 6 0mm
09-24 7.3 1.64 6 0mm
09-25 12.3 1.86 6 0mm

About this spot

Praia dos Coxos sits on Portugal's Atlantic coast and draws surfers of all levels with reliable swell and sandy breaks. The beach offers a straightforward entry and good wave shape, making it popular with locals and visiting surfers seeking uncrowded conditions. The spot works across the year, though winter swells tend to be more powerful. The beach is accessible and welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere that suits both beginners working on their pop-up and intermediate riders looking to refine technique. Wave quality and size shift with seasonal swell patterns and wind direction, giving surfers reason to return through different months. The area around the beach supports basic amenities for a full day out on the water. Community footage from the spot shows the beach in various conditions, offering real-world insight into what to expect. Local observations have recorded 12 species sightings, reflecting the active marine ecosystem in the water. Praia dos Coxos is not located in a marine protected area, so access is straightforward for traveling surfers.

📖 Guide: 10 Best Diving Spots in Portugal

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 49%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1551km · ~357kg · €6

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 5h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to surf Praia dos Coxos?

The spot works year-round. Winter months typically bring bigger Atlantic swells and more powerful waves, while summer offers smaller, cleaner conditions—good for progression and learning.

What is the skill level for Praia dos Coxos?

The beach accommodates multiple skill levels. Beginners can find smaller, forgiving waves in calm periods, while intermediate surfers enjoy the consistent shape and shoulder during larger swells.

What marine life is found in the water?

Community observations have recorded 12 species sightings at Praia dos Coxos, indicating a healthy local ecosystem. Common Atlantic marine life may include fish, rays, and occasionally larger pelagics during migration.

Is Praia dos Coxos easy to access?

Yes. The beach is not part of a marine protected area, so access is unrestricted. The shore has straightforward entry, and the area supports basic facilities for day trips.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Blue Ocean Ericeira Surf School & Rentals

2 km
Surf school

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

PERFECT COXOS, PORTUGAL - RIPPABLE WALLS & HOLLOW TUBES

Global Zoo - Surfing Videos
💬 3 top comments
  • @2:07 One day! Thats was glorious man.

    @cemetarygates2800 · 👍 1
  • Surf conditions perfect! Lots of open tubes to slide into. Two tubes on one wave. Aloha ke akua!!

    @raymondperez2972 · 👍 1
  • Totally Beautiful 🌊 Bless y'all ;

    @mercoledi_falco · 👍 1

HEAVY COXOS - RAWFILES - 08/FEB/2023 - 4K

Surf Raw Files
💬 3 top comments
  • Please Subscribe and Like the Video so my Mom can be proud! Thanks!

    @SurfRawFiles · 👍 9
  • @lucaguichard owned that session! (black board, yellow fluro rails)

    @jopemafi · 👍 13
  • God bless this body boarder at 4:30 for save that surfboard of been smashed in those rocks.

    @sambado · 👍 6

BIG AND HEAVY COXOS - PORTUGAL - RAWFILES - 09/JAN/2024 - 4K

Surf Raw Files
💬 3 top comments
  • It's even heavier than it looks.

    @matthewwillis4892 · 👍 9
  • That ride at 3:02 was just insane.

    @AageV · 👍 42
  • Not much more you could ask for not crowded perfect size and you documenting the session for us Thanks as always my friend Be well 👍

    @michaelj8793 · 👍 9
wind peaks Jan-Mar-Jun, calmest Apr-Oct-Sep, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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