VIANA DO CASTELO
CITY
Viana do Castelo is the northernmost Atlantic city in Portugal, located about 30 minutes from Porto and 40 minutes from Vigo (Galicia, Spain). With good road connections and a seaport, it is easily and comfortably accessible. The city offers residents and visitors a high quality of life: a safe and peaceful urban space; a rich natural, historical and monumental heritage; and excellent cultural, sporting and social facilities.
Its location — nestled between river, mountains, and sea — offers breathtaking landscapes that delight the senses, promote well-being, and invite healthy and enjoyable leisure. The hospitality infrastructure is rapidly growing, suitable not only for tourism but also for conferences, seminars, and academic meetings, supported by modern auditoriums and meeting spaces.
A modernized network of cultural spaces (theatres, cinemas, libraries, museums) supports cultural enrichment; while access to the river and the sea offers exceptional conditions for recreational sailing and all kinds of water sports. The ethnographic heritage is unique: the city is known as the heart of Portuguese folklore, with distinctive crafts—especially ceramics and embroidery—and high-quality cultural activities throughout the year.
Surfing has been practiced in Viana since 1987, on beaches such as Cabedelo, Rodanho, Afife, Vila Praia de Âncora and Moledo. The Viana coast is one of the most consistent in Europe in terms of wave quality (regardless of swell size), consisting mostly of beach breaks, with some reef breaks in larger swells. Since the 1990s, Viana has played a central role in shaping surf culture in Portugal.
Key data
Population: 91,000
Area: 314 km²
Coastal strip: 24 km
Golden Beaches: 2
Blue Flag Beaches: 6
Atlantic beaches: 11
River beaches: 17
VIANA SURF CLUB
Founded on January 25, 1989, the Viana Surf Club (SCV) established itself as a pioneer in the Portuguese surf scene by creating the first surf school in Portugal. A non-profit association with an adventurous spirit, SCV built its identity on the pillars of innovation, perseverance, and excellence, contributing decisively to the history of surfing, both nationally and internationally.
Throughout its history, SCV has played a central role in the governance and development of the sport. For two years, it hosted the headquarters of the Portuguese Surfing Federation (FPS) and, subsequently, also for two years, the headquarters of the European Surfing Federation. Its impact has gone beyond competition, becoming a dynamic agent in sport, social inclusion, environmental responsibility, economic promotion, and tourism development.
Key milestones of SCV:
1990 : Creation of the first Surf School in Portugal.
1993 : Organization of the first Coaches and Referees Course certified by the FPS.
1994 : Temporary headquarters of the Portuguese Surfing Federation and the European Surfing Federation.
1998 : Organization of the 1st edition of the Luso-Galician Championship.
2002 : Creation of the first Sports Training Center within the scope of School Sports.
2008 : Introduction of surfing in public higher education (ESDL / IPVC).
2013 : Inauguration of the High-Performance Surf Center in Viana do Castelo, still managed by SCV today.
2018 : First European Adapted Surfing Championship held.
2019 : Organization of the 5th Euro'Meet of Nature Sports.
2020 : Award of Merit Prize by the Municipality of Viana do Castelo.
2023 : Organizing the Blue Surf Festival.
Currently, SCV is responsible for managing the High Performance Surf Center in Viana do Castelo, where it maintains its headquarters. It continues to invest in the training of new surfers, the development of competitive athletes, the organization of international events, and the promotion of a sustainable and inclusive surf culture.
With over three decades of dedication, SCV remains a driving force in surfing, reinforcing the visibility of Viana do Castelo, the region, and Portugal on the world map of the sport.
