Why Portugal is the Perfect Winter Surf Escape + Strader´s favourite surf breaks
“if you´re looking for a luxury vacation property in portugal that combines surfing, wellness, relaxation and nature, blanco bungalow is your ideal winter escape”
Feeling the winter blues? If you or your partner loves to surf, now’s the perfect time to escape to Portugal! winter is one of the absolute best times to visit portugal - but why?
Winter brings the most powerful Atlantic swells to Portugal’s coast, much more than summer, making it a dream for intermediate to advanced surfers. there’s also more consistent off shore winds, and way less people in the water. While the rest of Europe experiences harsh winters, Portugal remains mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 12-18°C (54-65°F). You can enjoy crisp mornings, cozy nights by the fire, and uncrowded surf spots — all without the summer rush. and did I mention, we’re located in the world surfing reserve? we´re literally surrounded by world class surfing waves in every direction.
strader´s favourite portugal surf breaks:
santa cruz
consistent beach breaks with lefts and rights, suitable for all levels, especially during larger swells
coxos
A fast, barreling right-hander with a sketchy entry for advanced surfers only
praia azul
a strong beach break with lefts and rights, ideal for intermediate surfers - especially when the swell is big
pedra branca
a powerful right hand point break, great barrels when conditions align - advanced surfers
foz do lisandro
reliable left-hand beach break near the river mouth - beginners and intermediates
são juliao
A more forgiving beach break with plenty of peaks.
ribeira d´ílhas
A long right-hand point break, perfect for beginner + intermediate surfers.
supertubos in peniche
powerful barreling right hand wave - advanced surfers
I’ve personally been a “surfer wife” for 14 years now, and I don’t think I´ve been on one vacation in those 14 years that didn't revolve around surf - if you know you know:). therefore, the most important thing for me when we travel, is where we stay. typically strader will wake up before dawn, and make his rounds, letting coyote and I sleep in, and its super important for me to have a luxurious, relaxing place to stay, where we can cook meals, go for nice walks, be close to restaurants and shops, and have amenities that make it feel like home, especially if we’re stuck at the house for hours on end. when we bought our seaside portugal farm, I had myself (and every other surfer wife) in mind when designing the space. I know what it´s like being “stuck” for 6 hour periods - so I wanted blanco bungalow to feel like you’re never stuck, more like you never want to leave. I think it´s the perfect place for surfer families to hang and spend the week, having everything they need right in one place - pool, nature, kitchen, natural wine shop, private yoga, optional private chef, fitness studio - and our new sauna and hot tub - coming soon!!
For travelers seeking peace, authenticity, and personalized experiences, a boutique retreat like blanco bungalow provides:
✔️ Exclusivity – No crowded resorts, just serene oceanfront living in a quiet portuguese village.
✔️ Personalized Experiences – guided surf trips, Private chef dinners, natural wine tastings, wellness sessions, and yoga.
✔️ relaxed, sustainable, luxury – eco-friendly design to sustainable practices, and carefully curated spaces
Nestled in the quiet seaside village of Assenta, just 15 minutes from Ericeira, Blanco Bungalow is an intimate boutique retreat designed for those who want a mix of surf, relaxation, and natural luxury.
✔️ Spacious boutique casitas & villas with nature views
✔️ outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub and gym for post-surf recovery
✔️ optional private chef farm-to-table meals featuring local organic produce
✔️ Mini Shetland ponies & gardens for a truly unique countryside escape
✔️ Natural wine & curated slow living experiences
casa corazón
casa corazon is the perfect group holiday rental for a larger family, friends, or a group of surfers searching for their next wave. it´s one of the best places to stay near ericeira, and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, living room with fireplace and two rooftop patios.
casa palo verde
casa palo verde is a cozy yet spacious private villa rental. a two bedroom, one bathroom bungalow perfect for a small surfer family of 4 or some friends looking for a winter surf retreat in portugal. it features a full bathroom, large kitchen, bonus yoga room, living room with wood burning fireplace, and sunny patio with bbq and outdoor dining.
cowboy casita
the cowboy casita is the perfect surfer apartment - a one bedroom, one bathroom with living room, this spot is just the right size for a surfer couple with a small child, or a couple of friends. the living room sofa folds out to a full size bed, and there’s a mini fridge, and coffee maker as well. it also has a sunny little patio and looks out onto the pool. did I mention it’s also directly adjacent to our poorhouse, so guests can use the full kitchen (indoor and outdoor) with bbq, dining, oven & stove.
property buyout
have a few surfer families or friends traveling together and want a more exclusive high-end ericeira group vacation? Now you can book all three vacation homes at our unique seaside quinta, the Blanco bungalow and have the farm to yourselves (besides us of course, because we live here:). but there will be no outside guests, and we can fully cater experiences for you and your guests, like a surf guide and driver for the day, private chef dinners, or an in-house chef for the week. this is the ultimate luxury vacation experience - surfers can froth all day long being driven from wave to wave, while those staying back and seeking a more relaxing experience, can spend the day digital detoxing by the pool, enjoying the sauna, and reading their favourite book while sipping one of our natural wines, and soaking in all of the beauty around us.
a few questions we get asked alot:
how close are you from the airport?
we´re conveniently located 40 minutes from lisbon airport
do i need to rent a car?
yes. I always advise guests to rent a car, we are next to the beach, but also in the country, and there is so much to see here, a car just makes life easier.
How close are you to the beach?
We are about a 5-8 minute walk to the ocean, and you can hear the waves from our house
how close are you to surf?
we are within a 5-10 minute drive from some of the best waves in the world - we´re located in the world surfing reserve
if you´re considering booking a surf trip to portugal this winter,
we would absolutely love to host you!
talk soon!
laura + strader
