Alexandre and Miguel’s Epic Surf & Van Journey
A few months ago, photographer and surfer Alexandre Ahmarani received an unexpected call from O’Neill team surfer Miguel Kilford. Miguel invited him on a surf trip along Europe’s coast, traveling by campervan from Lisbon to Hossegor, France. At first, Alexandre hesitated—he already had a trip planned to sunny Sri Lanka, with beautiful beaches and incredible food. But the opportunity to capture Miguel surfing Europe’s best waves, even if it meant braving the cold, was too tempting to pass up. He chose the adventure.
The Journey Begins
With four friends packed into a Sun Catchers Portugal campervan, armed with Why Not sodas, wetsuits from Matuse & O’Neill, and an almost absurd amount of surfboards, they set off on a 15-day trip with a simple plan: follow the swell and chase the best waves. Their first stop was Peniche, but things didn’t start off as planned. The tides were too high, and the swell was nowhere to be found. However, when the tide finally dropped, they seized the opportunity for their first of many unforgettable sessions. Sunrise became their routine, and for four days, they camped among Peniche’s cliffs, surfing all day and heading into town in the evenings to review the day’s footage over happy-hour beers at Lagide Coffee & Food.
Into the Heart of Nazaré
When the swell faded in Peniche, they pushed north to Nazaré, home to the famous Praia do Norte. This time, the swell wasn’t massive, but it was powerful, breaking near the shore with force. They camped on the beach, cooked dinner in the van, and shared wine as the lighthouse glowed against the roar of the ocean. As the winds turned against them the next day, they realized their plans often had to be made last-minute, dictated by the ever-changing forecasts. Their next move? Head towards Spain’s northern coast.
Galicia and the Soul of Surfing
Arriving late in Galicia, they found a camping spot using the Park4Night app. Galicia was peaceful, but the waves were nearly non-existent. They pressed on, heading east until they reached Noja, a small town with a beautiful beach break. They stayed here for several days, surfing despite the chilly, rainy weather. The waves were worth it, and so were the local cafes, serving up cheap yet delicious pintxos and tortilla de patatas. It was here that they embraced the simple rhythm of surf and solitude, with a touch of local flavour.
The Grand Finale: Hossegor
Finally, the forecast looked promising for Hossegor, France. The sight of the ocean filled them with excitement—massive waves, surfers being towed in by jet skis, big barrels straight ahead, and clean shoulder-high waves to the left. It was a paradise for surfers of all levels, spread out over just three kilometers of beach. They spent the remainder of the trip here, riding wave after wave and soaking in the incredible conditions. A final stop in San Sebastián wrapped up the journey before they set their sights back on Lisbon.
A Journey of Waves and Wonders
Each location held something unique: Peniche with its laid-back vibes and stunning cliffs; the rugged beauty and incredible food of northern Spain; and the unrivaled surf conditions in France. Every part of the trip—from sunrise sessions to beachside dinners under the stars—captured the heart of surf culture and the thrill of adventure. Lifestyle Portugal is proud to share the highlights, stories, and visuals from Alexandre and Miguel’s ultimate coastal surf journey, embodying the raw spirit of Europe’s waves and the freedom of the open road.
