Portugal is arguably one of the most dense surf zones in Europe – and for great reason. There are waves of all types, split across two coastlines, the food is brilliant and the people welcoming.
Now, the country’s turning their surf offering inland as Surfers Cove, a £22 million Wavegarden Cove, has officially broken ground – with plans to launch the joint in 2026.
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The facility houses 46-modules, which is larger than Bristol’s 40, but smaller than Lost Shore’s 50, is located in Óbidos, which is about a 20 minute drive east from world-class surf zone, Peniche – the home of Supertubos.
“Surfers Cove is going to be a magical place,” said Fernando Odriozola, Chief Commercial Officer at Wavegarden. “Sharing the coastline with legendary surf spots like Supertubos, Ericeira, and Nazaré, Óbidos is already globally recognised for surfing, and the addition of a Wavegarden Cove will further elevate the region’s reputation.”
The project will cover five hectares and include up to 56 accommodation units, a restaurant, a surf shop, a wellness area, a skate park, padel and beach tennis courts, a surf school, a gym, and bike track, green areas, and spaces for corporate events.
The project is backed by investors including Menlo Capital, Manuel Maria Vasconcelos, Despomar, Admar, and Marcelo Martins (Onda Pura Surf Center), as well as Kanoa Igarashi.
The site in question.
“Wavegarden is innovating the sport, and I want to be part of this growth,” said pro surfer Kanoa Igarashi. “This is the future of surfing. When I had the chance to be part of the Óbidos project, I didn’t hesitate. Portugal is my second home, and the country just got even better.”
While the Portuguese coastline is known for its high-quality waves, like most ocean breaks, they are often inconsistent and subject to the effects of tides, winds, and fluctuations in swell size, which can make surfing conditions unreliable.
According to Manuel Maria Vasconcelos, Co-Founder and CEO of Surfers Cove: “The start of construction is a historic moment – not only for us as promoters, but also for tourism and sport in Portugal.”
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