Aivados Beach – Alentejo’s Best-Kept Surf Secret?
Aivados is one of the northernmost of the beaches that sit within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a reserve that stretches from Alentejo all the way south into the Algarve; one that hosts many of the very best surf beaches in Portugal – Arrifana, Bordeira, the list goes on and on.
And so it is with Aivados Beach, which is arguably the best sandbar beach break in the whole region (Alentejo, that is).
It’s the sort of thing you leave Lisbon behind for – think classic southern Portuguese regional beach breaks that have just a fraction of the crowds of the beaches around the Estoril Coast and the Costa da Caparica.
Talking of crowds – that’s the kicker here. You get pretty much the same consistency and punch as a proper Algarve or Silver Coast wave, only there’s basically no one on it, plus there’s enough room along the 1-mile-ish-long run of sand to get somewhere to yourself basically no matter how good it’s looking.
That, plus that the fact it’s a stunner. This one’s really undeveloped, has big coast bluffs and dunes to its back, and loads of space to spread out along a sandy shore for between-session chills.
The nearest urban spots with stays will either be the super-small and rural village of Ribeira da Azenha, or the larger town of Porto Covo, a bit of local secret that has SPECTACULAR beaches, just to the north.
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The surf at Aivados Beach
Pretty much 99% of Aivados Beach is classic Portuguese beach break.
It’s basically a whole mile of dune-backed sandbars that suit all levels, provided the swell is playing ball.
I’d say the 2-4 foot region is perfecto for complete beginners, and it’s hardly a surprise that local surf camps now come here with learner groups throughout the summer and spring months when those smaller swells are the norm.
Above that, say up to 8 foot, it can still hold well, but rides will section out and get shorter unless you have a decent E offshore, which is rare down here in the Alentejo (W is dominant wind).
When it gets even bigger than that, there is the chance of a few reef patches at the south end of the bay working, though I’ve not seen that happen – it seems they are faster, left-hand lines over rock shelves, so better for more advanced surfers.
Mid to pushing tides are the best, but it can be bit full on high high. At full lows the waves will still work sometimes but they get dumpier and faster.
Aivados Beach is kinda a great place for roadtrippers who want nice, easy, non-busy waves as they cruise the coast roads north to south or vice versa. It’s bread and butter to Portuguese surf trips TBH – the sort of place you can surf for hours on moderately fun waves, almost alone, watch great sunsets, then do it all again.
Other spots close to Aivados
There’s loads. You’re in the heart of the Alentejo here, with all the incredible surf (and non-surf) beaches of the Algarve only an hour’s drive to the south, and more niche surf towns like Sines on the doorstep.
Even closer to home, you have more in the way of regional beach breaks. Check out:
- Porto Covo – This small town to the north is known for its lovely beaches and coves, many of which are tucked into the river estuary or behind large cliffs to protect from the swell. Praia Grande is the exception, offering nice, wedgy beach breaks for all levels (depending on swell size).
- Malhão – Another all-level spot and beach break with some extra S-wind protection and probably a bit more challenge to the waves when those heavier swells are in, occasionally with semi-hollow walls.
When to surf in Aivados Beach?
The peak season for swell here is the autumn and late spring, same as it is with the rest of Portugal.
Winters have more consistency, but are also more likely to be too big or blown out, and a spot like Aivados Beach, since it lacks the high cliffs of further south in the Algarve, or the multi-directional beaches of Peniche and Ericeira, will suffer when big winds set in.
The high summer is a great time to surf at Aivados Beach if you’re learning. It might very well be quite small indeed, but there tend to be lots of days with medium swells in the chest-to-head range that are great. What’s more, that sand bottom is ever-forgiving.
Where to stay near Aivados Beach?
Okay, so, you’re not likely to find any hotels right beside Aivados Beach. Just look at it – there’s not even a building here, and that’s why it’s so fricking lovely.
There’s two upshots to that: 1) A car is a must – you’ll need your own ride to get back and forth from the beach here and 2) you’ll either have to stay in a nearby town or in a country hotel that’s close by.
I like the country option, because…
- Monte da Bemposta – An absolutely gorgeous country lodge that’s been converted into a luxury hotel. Less than five minutes’ drive down a country road from the parking for Aivados Beach. Beautiful interiors with a touch of Wes Anderson about them. Niceeee pool and even tennis courts.
- Rapture Surfcamp Portugal – If you’d prefer a package surf camp then Rapture have this option. It’s based just outside of Porto Covo, includes seven nights accommodation, 3x surf lessons, video analysis, and dinner each night.
