Algarve surf rolls through clean, warm waters along one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal. It’s often thought to be best for beginners but actually has something for everyone. Winter can be big on the more exposed points of Zavial out west. Spring and autumn bring good conditions to more sheltered beach breaks around Luz for intermediates. Let’s dig deeper…
An introduction to surfing in the Algarve
Mention the Algarve and surfing ain’t usually what comes to mind…
Sun-kissed beaches, high cliffs, green-blue sea waters, and pumping party towns are probably closer to the mark.
But wave hunters shouldn’t discount this corner of Portugal. It’s got plenty going for it in the swell department, and a whole western coastline that’s actually pure quality. What’s more, the south-facing shore works well for total beginners; the people who come to soak up a tan, chase their first peak, and practice their pop-up between sunbathing sessions.
Sagres leads the way in the west. Together with Aljezur, it’s one of the two only real out-and-out surf towns in the region, with two great breaks right on its doorstep. Backing it up are places like Arrifana, where the right-hand point is a heavy set barrel that kicks up some serious challenges in the winter season and the beach breaks are uber-consistent and a learner’s gift.
The Algarve really shines for novices as you head south. The coastline there hosts popular holiday towns like Lagos and Portimao and Albufeira. But the golden beaches aren’t only for lazing with a Super Bock in hand. They can offer some top waves that are glassy and green, particularly from November to March.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
This is a part of our greater guide to surfing Portugal
Algarve surf at a glance
The good:
The bad:
What you’ll find in this guide to Algarve surf
Where is the Algarve?
The Algarve caps off the southern end of Portugal. It’s right on the south-western tip of mainland Europe as a whole, which means it faces the straight out to the Atlantic Ocean. That’s where the swell comes from. To the north is the lesser-known and huge region of Alentejo. To the east is Spain, and the surf towns of Cadiz and the south coast.
How to get to the Algarve?
Because the Algarve is such a big tourist hotspot, you shouldn’t find it hard to get there. Faro Airport is the main aviation hub. It’s a top arrival point for low-cost carriers coming from all over the continent (with loads of connections on Ryanair and easyJet from the UK, BTW). Most those run seasonally, which means fewer dates during the peak Algarve surf season of the late autumn through to spring.
Either way, you can check all the best current deals using Omio – search box below. (We use that and Google Flights for all our searches these days)…
Buses can take you to towns like Lagos, Sagres, Faro and Albufeira straight from Lisbon. They take a just shy of four hours in total and cost in the region of €20. There are also bus options straight from Faro Airport to Sagres, taking maybe 1h20 in total.
Again, you can search and book those using Omio, which offer pre-book tickets with most major Portuguese bus companies.
Should I rent a car to surf in the Algarve?
That’s totally up to you.
The way we see it, there are two types of surf trips possible in the Algarve.
There’s the trip where you pick one beach or surf town and make do with that wave for your whole 4, 5, 6 days, whatever you come for.
Then there’s the surf trip where you plan on surfing multiple spots around the region.
The latter option is actually something that the Algarve – particularly the western Algarve – is uniquely well suited to, because it’s linked up by excellent roads that are rarely busy. Oh yea, and car hires in these parts tend to be cheap by US and European standards – think around $250-400 for the WHOLE MONTH, depending on the season.
Our two cents is that if you’re looking to move around a little and surf various spots, then the Algarve is one of the best regions in Europe to do it. You can base yourself in Aljezur or Sagres and hit 20+ spots within 20 minutes’ driving. Or you can plan an itinerary that includes four or five separate surf towns in the same week.
We use RentalCars.com for all our Euro car hires cos’ it has the best rates we’ve ever seen in Portugal and your bookings are usually cancelled up to about a day before.
(We’d really appreciate if you book through our links here – it’s just a bit of extra moolah to help us keep surfing and writing these guides!)
A guide to Algarve surf spots
The Algarve has two coastlines – one to the south and one to the west.
The first faces the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean, so expect the waves there to be pretty heavy and hard, with reliable sets coming in most months of the year.
On the south, meanwhile, rideable days are less common, but there’s way more shelter that makes for some good beginner locations.
We’ll take a look at both in depth here…
Surf spots in the western Algarve
The western Algarve is arguably the best surf territory in the whole of Portugal. It’s got miles upon miles of stunning bays, most of them pretty remote. The waves are really reliable, because they have a swell window open to anything in the NW down to the SW channels. It can get big here, but there’s also plenty for beginners.
Arrifana
Arrifana surf offers two distinct breaks. There’s a pretty reliable beach break that can often be a closeout on bigger days. That’s host to surf schools and everyone up to intermediates trying to improve their take offs. At the northernmost end of the bay is a point break. It’s always busy with local surfers when its working, thanks to the hollow sections that move superfast from left to right. If you’re heading there, beware of localism and shallow rock pools.
Aljezur
Aljezur is a lovely little town in the northern Algarve. It’s become something of an international surfer’s hub in recent years. There’s access to a handful of fantastic beaches, most notably the famous breaks at Arrifana (see above). You’ll need a car to explore the area, but it’s a great base for Portuguese surf trips. Personally, we can’t wait to go back.
Check out our full guide to surfing in Aljezur
Carrapateira
The cliffs of Carrapateira host some of the most spectacular lefts in the region. Can handle a lot of size and power but are mainly for experienced surfers from Autumn onwards. The beach here also has multiple breaks that can get peaky and hollow on harder days, but there’s plenty of crumbly stuff for beginners too. The whole place is also downright stunning!
Check out our guide to the Carrapateira surf today
Beliche
You’ll find Beliche huddled under dramatic cliffs to the north of Sagres. It’s one of the classiest waves in the whole region. Locals love it for its fat triangles that move slowly and present nice rippable surfaces. Add in some challenging hollow sections and nice walls that can handle a lot. On smaller days, beginners often come to enjoy the soft beach peaks.
Sagres
This is the kingpin of Algarve surf culture. Perfectly situated right at the end of the region, where it pokes straight out into the Atlantic Ocean, the town has two induvial beaches. Tonel is the one that most intermediates will head for. It’s a good beach break with reliable surf at low tide. On the flipside of the headland is Praia do Martinhal. Have that on the radar if you’re a beginner or elsewhere is blown out.
Have a look at our complete guide to surfing in Sagres – the surf capital of the Algarve
Surf spots in the south Algarve
The south Algarve has nowhere near the same consistency as the west Algarve. However, we would never write it off. There are actually some onerously quality break in the area, like the hollow walls of Zavial (hotly contested, mind you). When the winter is battering the Atlantic seaboard, it can also be one of the best places to seek shelter and catch some nice waves. The water’s warmer, too, and the weather is fine…
Praia da Luz
Mostly a holiday town but facing a gorgeous big beach, Praia da Luz has two point breaks. One goes left and is fast and shallow. The other is a little easier going. Both waves hold up to around 5ft. Hazards include the reefs that ring around the big Rocha Negra rock. Only a short drive from the city of Lagos for easy access.
Zavial
A beautifully consistent wave that always seems to take the same shape, no matter the swell, Zavial breaks along the southern Algarve cliffs around 20 minutes’ drive from Sagres town. It’s not actually just a single peak, but a few. However, the headline act is that quick, barreling point break that usually goes right but can also throw up awesome A-frames. Gets busy. Lots of localism if you show you don’t know what you’re doing!
Albuferia
Albufeira is better known as one of Portugal’s buzzy resort towns. In the summer, it’s a party and R&R mecca. Access to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe is a major draw. However, surfers can enjoy lots of surrounding breaks, which tend to be suited mainly to beginners.
Read our full guide to surfing in Albuferia
Faro
Faro is the home the main airport in the Algarve. It also comes surrounded by long, wide beaches where the surf can sometimes sit up on a SW swell in the winter. It’s mainly beginner stuff, but there are some faster lefts on the harbours of Praia da Falesia for more experienced boarders.
Read our full guide to Faro surf right now
Surf camps in the Algarve
If you’re coming to the Algarve simply to surf and nothing else, then there’s really no better way to plan your trip than with a full-on surf camp. There are over 60 available. You can search the lot here. However, there are a few that’s we’d recommend for what they include and the accommodation that’s available…
- 8-Day Camp Beginner-Intermediate at the Tiny Whale Surf Lodge – We ADORE the Tiny Whale Surf Lodge. Seriously, it’s fantastic. Super chic and very nicely designed, it’s away from the hubbub of the southern resorts. There’s an in-house yogi guru for your morning chi and a top pool to chill at. The surfing takes place on both the west and south coasts, with instruction that lends itself to intermediates.
- Algarve Watersport 8-Day Beginner Surf Camp – One of the best beginner-surf programs in the region takes place out of the Kite House Lagos. It’s a great base with a pool, close to the nightlife of Lagos town and staffed by ISA or FPS surf instructors. They drive you to the right beaches on the right swell and have a good focus on technique. Yoga is included too and it’s full board.
We’ve got loads more tips on the top surf camps currently running in Portugal right here. Plus we have a guide to the best surf camps in the Algarve as a whole.
Some of the best surf hotels in the Algarve
The Algarve is no stranger to hotels and resorts. This is the most holiday-friendly corner of Portugal, remember? These days, you’ll also find places that are either out-and-out surf establishments or really well located for waking and hitting the waves…
Endless Summer Surf House ($-$$)
Endless Summer Surf House gets you into the heart of the prime surf territory of the Algarve, above the beaches of Arrifana (great for beginners) and Monte Clerigo (intermediates+). It’s a stunning accommodation that attracts a crowd of young wave-hungry folk. The style is sort of boho boutique and there’s an on-site pool. It really is a corker. Book early for the summer – it usually fills up!
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel ($$-$$$)
Hit the two surf beaches in Sagres (one for beginners one for intermediates) by booking the highly rated Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel. It’s perfect if you’re coming as a whole family, thanks to it big suites that sleep six people or more. The pool is also a stunner, with sweeping views right across Martinhal Beach – you can check the quality of the swell from your balcony!
Salema Beach Village ($$-$$$)
A series of self-contained holiday rentals ring a beautiful pool in this resort. Some of them are big enough to host groups of six, which makes it a doozy for surfing families. Beginner riders will also love the location, because it puts you within reach of lots of the good and mellow breaks on the southern shores of the Algarve. A car will be required.
Carrapateiramar Guest House ($$)
Carrapateiramar Guest House offer a place amid some of the best intermediate and up breaks of the western Algarve. They’re rustic and simple pads really close to the ocean. A great escape from it all for couples searching for the region’s best waves…
Surf lessons in the Algarve
If you don’t go for a surf camp and you just book accommodation somewhere, or if you’re just on a holiday in the Algarve and fancy trying surfing, then there are plenty (like – PLENTY!) of really great surf schools that offer short lessons for about $30-60 a pop.
Most of them are around two hours and include initial out-of-water training followed by help catching at least whitewash in the water. If you’re a more advanced surfer, then these are still good options but be sure to make a note of your level when you come to book.
As we say, there are tonnes to pick from in towns like Sagres and Aljezur. You can usually just walk into the surf school and book a lesson on the spot. However, if you’re the organized type or like to ensure you’re getting something quality, you can prebook the ones below…
- Algarve: 2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson – The quintessential 2-hour package that total beginners need to get started, this one takes you to the fantastic surf area of Sagres. The equipment they use is top quality and it’s never more than eight in a group, so you should get plenty of attention.
- Albufeira: Surfing Lesson at Galé Beach – A surf package that’s squarely aimed at family and group holidayers in the town of Albufeira, this 2-hour lesson is on the best beach in the area (Galé Beach) and includes all your gear and equipment. You’ll need to meet on the beach itself.
Step-by-step guide to planning your Algarve surf trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Algarve surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step five: Enjoy!
For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account. They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.
How difficult is surfing in the Algarve?
The beauty of the Algarve is that it has two very different coastlines. Facing south, the one that runs from Sagres to the Spanish border is WAY less exposed than the one out west, which goes north from Sagres all the way to Odeceixe. When the waves are pumping in autumn and spring, it’s common to find one stretch (the west) firing off huge overheads while the other (the south) is suited to beginner surfers. That’s why you often find many of the surf schools and Algarve surf hostels are near to the bigger resorts of the south coast.
The downside is that those southern beaches aren’t very reliable. To put it another way, the easy-level surf of the Algarve can often totally disappear. When that happens, the surf schools tend to move to other towns and beaches (which are rarely more than 40 minutes’ drive away) that are known for more forgiving waves – Arrifana, especially.
On the top end of the spectrum, the Algarve can fire out some seriously gnarly conditions for the rippers. Even the west coast’s easier beaches like Arrifana have right-hand barrels that come alive on big winter storms. The season really is key, though. From November onwards, there are many more intermediate+ only sessions to be had out west. Learners need to stick to the south coast when that happens.
When to surf in the Algarve?
The Algarve has one of the longest swell seasons of anywhere in Portugal. That’s thanks to its unique geography; one foot southwards, one foot westwards. Summertime generally sees things mellow out and the Algarve surf schools draw more beginners. Winter can be big, but it’s no Nazare – there’s usually something going for intermediates in the more sheltered bays.
October – March
The best time to come to surf Algarve’s shores. When the ocean starts putting swells up through that all-important N-NW channel, there’s really nothing better than a morning session down on the southern Algarve or in the big beach bays that filter away from Sagres. They can go overdrive sometimes, true, putting closeouts into the unsheltered spots. But, generally speaking, the conditions are reliable, with more rideable days than not.
The seas do cool in the winter, but they are still the warmest in the country. A wetsuit and booties are probably needed. Winds come offshore to help with wave shape, and the weather tends to be mild and spring-like, save in the height of winter – Dec, Jan.
Wear: 4/3 – that’s enough to see you through the whole season unless you really feel the cold. We’d also pack boots and gloves for December and Jan.
April – September
The start of the busiest season in the Algarve means the coming of the tourist crowds. Places like Luz and Lagos will fill to bursting with sun seekers. Resorts like Albufeira will be nigh on unbearable. What’s more, the Atlantic slackens its power from autumn onwards. There’s not the same day-to-day surf hitting the south coast, and even the west coast can be unpredictable. Still, there are great sessions to be had, especially for novices who are keen on mellow beach breaks in warm, clean conditions.
Wear: 3/2 is the wetty of choice. Nothing else needed. Apart from a good sunscreen, of course!
Things to do when you’re not surfing in the Algarve
Be sure to check out the other draws of the Algarve when you’re not in the water. There are a great many of them – this is the sunniest corner of the country, after all. It’s also riddled with amazing historical sights and stuff to do. Here’s just a taster:
Party in Albufeira
Sagres might have some great après surf bars, but there’s no match for the hedonism of Albufeira in the midsummer. Think about bookending your Algarve surf trip with a few days in this pumping resort. The main strip has karaoke and loads of DJ dives, so there’s never a dull moment.
Praia da Rocha
Perhaps the most stunning of all the seriously stunning beaches that fringe the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is one you’ll want the camera at the ready for. It’s framed by high cliffs of ochre and orange, washed by seas of see-through blue. There’s a big rock arch at one end and high stacks of stone that seem to jut straight out of the water. It’s simply beautiful.
Lagos Old Town
The Lagos Old Town is a pretty conglomeration of tile-fronted buildings and cafe-filled squares that’s a great place to explore if it happens to go flat for a day or two. The 16th-century walls are generally the highlight but there’s also and amazing fish market and some top Portuguese seafood taverns.
This ultimate guide to Algarve surf is always being updated and changed. If you think we’ve missed something or gotten something wrong, we’d sure love you to get in touch. You can use email or just drop a message in the comments below.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
