Summary

Surfing in Algarve is a very unique experience. Unlike Ericeira, Portugal’s premium surf town, the Algarve region is a peninsula strategically positioned on the south-western tip of Portugal. This feature allows the surfers to find good conditions on almost any given day as long as you chose the right side of the peninsula depending on the swell and wind direction.

The Algarve region includes the cities of Faro, Sagres and Lagos amongst many others, which are all very popular surf towns. It is also a busy region for holidayers because of its year-round sunshine and picturesque beaches and cliffs. Algarve is a top destination for surfers from all around the world and particularly for Europeans because of proximity reasons.

As this region is blessed with very consistent surfing conditions, rarely will you find a day without anywhere to surf. Many young travelers rush to Algarve in summer leading to some very good social life and opportunities to meet fellow surfers.

When to go

The best time to surf in Algarve Porugal is in autumn and winter from September to April. Even during those colder months, climate and water stay relatively warm while the waves are peaking in height and consistency making it the best time to surf.

Summer obviously brings many more tourists while the waves mellow down which is perfect for learning how to surf.

Where to stay in Algarve

The best place to settle on a surf trip to Algarve is probably Sagres for its accessibility to several surf spots and general great vibe within this small town. Another good option is Lagos, which has great accommodation, restaurants and beaches.

Getting there

Faro airport is the best way in from overseas. Trains and buses are also very reliable for anyone on the European continent.

Safety/things to know

• For information about visas and required documents, visit the official tourism department website.
• More than 300 days of sun annually
• Can get very crowded over summer (June-July-August)

Surf spots in Algarve

Tonel

A nice beach break for all level of surfers located on Sagres’ west coast. It remains more sheltered than Costa Vicentina due to Cape Sao Vicente.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Beliche

A high-level, hollow wave that doesn’t catch the usual W-NW swell. Needs some south to start working and should not be attempted by beginners.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Martinhal

Located east of Sagres, Praia do Martinhal is a wide beach that catches south swells and remains fairly uncrowded.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Sagres (south)

Located on Praia da Mareta, this beach break is sheltered by Cape Sagres which prevents any north swell from getting into the bay. It takes a south swell or a gigantic NW to break properly. Good beach for any level of surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Zavial

This one is located a little further away from Sagres but is one of the region’s most popular break. It is a high-level point that works not so often and needs a well-oriented swell.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low to mid
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Meia Praia

Widest beach in Lagos, Meia Praia offers a nice set up for surfers of all skill levels. It can get crowded but there are several peaks along the beach which helps spreading the crowd.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Porto de Mos

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : N

Arrifana

A nice beach break with a pretty backdrop that catches most of the swell and offers solid peaks. It also has a point break at the north end of the beach for advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Castelejo

Probably Algarve’s most consistent surf spot, Castelejo is a very exposed beach break located just a few minutes from Vila do Bispo.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

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