Actually, the Algarve may not be a winter beach destination, but it’s a year-round surfing destination. Except for those on the west coast, the beaches of most of the region lack the waves for the sport in the summer. The waters of the main beaches are usually calm between mid-June and September, so for some surfing under the warm sun, you’ll have to head west, around Sagres and Costa Vicentina. Beginners will also find gentler waves around Lagos.
Here are the best surf spots and beaches in the Algarve
- Praia de Porto de Mós / Lagos
Most beaches in Lagos are sheltered by cliffs and known for their towering rock formations in the water, but this one is a long stretch of sand, with calm or rougher waters, depending on the tides. Beginners will find the waves at this beach to be just perfect throughout much of the year.
- Praia do Beliche / Sagres
This beach is located by Cape St. Vincent, which in ancient times was believed to be the “end of the world”.The scenery is magnificent, with tall cliffs offering some protection from the winds. A cliff divides it into two, with the eastern end for surfers and the western for naturists. There are days when there are no waves at all, but it can be a surfing paradise throughout much of the year. It’s better suited for experienced surfers, but surf schools often bring their clients here. The access is via a long staircase, but going back up with your surfboard is quite a workout.
- Praia do Tonel / Sagres
It’s very similar to the neighboring beach of Beliche, but even closer to the center of Sagres, within walking distance. It’s somewhat sheltered from the north winds by the cliffs, which offer a magnificent view from the top, especially at sunset. When they’re not in Beliche, the local surf schools are here, and the calmer summer waters here are ideal for beginners. The powerful waves of the autumn and winter months should be for the more advanced levels only. It’s usually possible to rent surfboards and wetsuits here, but most people come prepared.
- Praia do Zavial / Sagres
Surrounded by countryside, this is a quiet beach for surfers and naturists. Surf schools sometimes come here, but most people with surfboards are experienced foreign tourists. There are days in the summer when the sea is just too calm, so surfers remove their wetsuits and sunbathe nude. When the swell comes from the south, however, it has some of the best waves on Algarve’s south coast. The water is cold, but still warmer than at the beaches on the west coast. Stick to the left or middle sections, as there are rocks on the right side, although this side is great for more advanced surfers.
- Praia da Arrifana / Costa Vicentina
Although just about all of the beaches in Costa Vicentina are great for surfing, this one is the most popular. The beach is protected from the wind by tall cliffs, which offer breathtaking views from the top. It’s a year-round destination, but for surfers, it’s best in autumn and winter. It’s great for all levels. There is a surf school here, which also rents equipment. Pros will enjoy the northern end and the beach break is excellent for beginners and those with little experience.
- Praia da Bordeira / Costa Vicentina
The largest beach in Costa Vicentina is mostly frequented by surfers. The beach is very beautiful, with dunes stretching inland to the village of Carrapateira and a river forming a lagoon as it reaches the sea. You often see more wetsuits than bathing suits, and there’s a school that rents equipment. The waves can be quite challenging here, even for advanced surfers, but beginners also have good opportunities to gain experience.
- Praia de Vale Figueiras / Costa Vicentina
The surfing conditions are good on the beach since it’s located between Arrifana and Bordeira. Surf schools bring beginners here, but it’s also challenging enough for the more experienced. You have to bring your own equipment, as there are no rentals or facilities here.
- Praia de Monte Clérigo / Costa Vicentina
It’s quite a picturesque place, with the houses of a hamlet cascading down a hill towards the sand. There are dunes stretching for half a kilometer, and although this is a popular destination for surfers and local families, there’s always enough space for everyone. The best times to surf here are autumn and winter when the south and southeast winds are common. There are always waves, even in the summer, and the hotter season is the best time to learn how to surf at this beach.
- Praia da Amoreira / Costa Vicentina
Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Costa Vicentina. It’s flanked by cliffs and backed by dunes. A family-friendly beach that also attracts surfers. Parents bring the kids to swim on the calm and shallow waters of the river that meets the ocean at the beach, while surfers ride the waves of the Atlantic. The swells are good for all levels and you can rent equipment from the surf school. It’s quite a big beach, so it’s never crowded.
- Praia do Amado / Costa Vicentina
One of the most popular surfing beaches in Costa Vicentina. It has big waves throughout the year and has hosted national and international competitions. But it’s not just pros who come here, the beginners also find good conditions for them, except in winter, when the water is just too rough. For lessons or to rent equipment, head to one of the surf schools right on the beach.
- Praia do Castelejo / Costa Vicentina
Today it’s one of the most popular surfing beaches in southern Portugal. Here you always have waves. It should be noted, however, that sometimes the sea is just too rough and the currents are often strong. Always follow the advice of instructors, and watch out for the rocks that aren’t always visible in the water. Nonetheless, this is a good beach for beginners or the more experienced. It has a surf school with rentals, but other schools from the region often bring their clients for lessons as well.
- Praia da Cordoama / Costa Vicentina
It’s right next to Castelejo, so it’s also a good beach for surfers of all levels. It’s just a little quieter and the sand is often shared with naturists. There’s a surf school in the summer, which rents equipment.
- Praia de Odeceixe / Costa Vicentina
Unlike many remote surfing beaches on Costa Vicentina, this one has accommodation nearby. It has the calm waters of the Seixe River and the powerful waves of the Atlantic, so it’s a beach for families and surfers. It’s good for beginners, and you can find also two surf schools here, the Odeceixe Surf School and Surf Seixe Academy. They are providing equipment and lessons for all skill levels.
