Around our guesthouse in the Algarve there are surf beaches on two coasts. That is the big advantage of this corner: if the west coast is too big or the wind is wrong, you switch to the south coast – and the other way round. The notes below are a guide. Which beach works on a given day depends on swell, wind and tide. Check the forecast first and, if in doubt, ask a surf school.
West coast
Praia da Bordeira
With lessons also for beginners when the waves are small. Very exposed to wind and Atlantic swell; powerful and demanding when it's big, and quickly too big in winter. Right on the beach: Carrapateira Surf School with lessons and equipment rental. Our favourite beach – not least for the dunes.
Praia da Bordeira on the map →
Praia do Amado
Suits different levels depending on size. East wind is good, and the headland gives some shelter from north wind. Watch out for currents and rocks. Relevant in winter too, demanding when the waves are big. Amado Surf School offers lessons and rents boards and wetsuits, with courses also from October to May – confirm the date and beach in advance. Large parking areas above the beach, cafés and public toilets.
Praia da Ponta Ruiva
A long left-hander over rocky ground – better for experienced surfers. Remote, with an unpaved access road.
Praia da Ponta Ruiva on the map →
Praia da Cordoama
Small days can work for lessons, bigger days are more for intermediate surfers. East wind is good. The sandbanks shift; watch out for currents and rocks. Often powerful in winter. FreeRide has a beach station with lessons and rental, according to the provider from June to November. Parking, bar and restaurant.
Praia da Cordoama on the map →
Praia do Castelejo
With a school also for beginners when the waves are small, for experienced surfers when it's big. Wind from east to north-east is good, light north wind can work. A reliable spot that quickly gets demanding in winter. Local surf schools teach here depending on conditions. Paved access road and parking at the beach.
Praia do Castelejo on the map →
Around Sagres
Praia do Tonel
On the west side of Sagres, right next to the fortress. Mainly for intermediate surfers; beginners only in suitable small conditions. Wind from east to north-east with swell from west to north-west is good. Watch out for rocks and currents. One of the more consistent spots around Sagres, very demanding in big winter swell.
Praia do Beliche
A sheltered bay at the cape. The cliffs block the north wind; interesting in strong swell from west to north-west. Small conditions can work for lessons, bigger waves break fast and steep – sheltered does not automatically mean beginner-friendly here. Access via a long staircase from the car park above the bay.
Praia da Mareta
On the south side of Sagres. Interesting for beginners and longboards when the waves are small. North wind is good. Works with south swell or when strong Atlantic swell wraps around the cape – an alternative when the west coast is too big. In big south swell Mareta can get heavy too, and on calm days it is often flat.
Sagres has surf schools with a surf shop and board rental, such as Wavesensations. The schools choose the beach every day according to conditions and also teach around Sagres in winter.
South coast
Praia do Zavial
One of the most important winter spots near us. In winter more for intermediate and experienced surfers. North wind is good. In big swell from west to north-west a fast, hollow right-hander forms. Beginners only in explicitly suitable small conditions and with a school – Good Feeling from Raposeira teaches here.
Praia do Barranco
Works with the right south swell or strong west swell. Remote, with a bumpy access road.
Praia do Barranco on the map →
Praia das Cabanas Velhas
An occasional winter spot with south swell or very strong north-west swell. North wind is good, and the bay gives some shelter from east wind. Watch out for stones in the water and fishing lines.
Praia das Cabanas Velhas on the map →
Praia de Burgau
Works less consistently than the west coast and needs the right south swell or strong winter swell wrapping around the cape. Also interesting for beginners in small conditions.
Praia da Luz
Occasional waves on the sandy beach in winter. Separate from that are the more demanding waves over rocky ground at Rocha Negra – so the beach is not a beginners' beach across the board.
Further north: Arrifana
In small conditions there are lessons on the sandy beach, and the headland shelters it from north wind. The rocky spot at the northern end is only for very experienced surfers. Park at the top and walk down.