Faro surfing is some of the remoter, less-known surf in the Portuguese Algarve. Find it on pristine golden beaches near authentic local towns. Okay, so it lacks a little in big swell but there are surf camps here that can offer trips to Atlantic beaches, plus it’s a fine place to learn.
An introduction to Faro surfing
The cobbled lanes and cantinas of the Cidade Velha of old Faro town instantly let you know that you’ve discovered one of the more authentic corners of the Algarve. Further east than the resorts of Albufeira, this is a place where the beaches are quieter and the waves – thankfully – are emptier. But there are still waves…
A car is a must to find the best of them. Having your own wheels can take you out to the beaches of Fuzeta or Praia da Falesia. They are known primarily for their light and welcoming beach breaks. And if that sounds like it’s a beginner’s heaven, that’s because it is! In fact, Faro surfing, being sat in this rather sheltered corner of the Algarve, is some of the mushiest the country has to offer. Come summer, the downside is that it can be flatter than a giant flat thing.
Adding to all that is the relative accessibility of Faro surf. The main Algarve Airport (or Faro Airport) is served by countless direct flights from all over Europe. And it’s close to the beaches and breaks. You could touchdown and be checking into a surf school in as little as 20 minutes.
If you’re wondering what we really think of the Faro region as a surf destination, let’s put it like this: Don’t come solely for the waves. If you want an out-and-out surf trip there are better options in Portugal (Sagres and Peniche come to mind). But, if you’re keen to swim, sunbathe and enjoy good seafood between the odd beginner surf lesson, Faro surfing could be for you!
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This is a part of our greater guide to surfing Portugal
Faro surf at a glance
The good:
- Not so busy as the western Algarve
- Lovely warm water
- Stunning beaches
The bad:
- Not much variety
- Not really a surf destination in its own right
- Can be flat as a pancake in the summer
- A little touristy around the resort areas
What will I find in this guide to Faro surf
Where is Faro?
Faro straddles the ocean and the inland of the Algarve. It’s the town at the heart of the Faro Region, which runs from the wetlands and lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa to dusty hills clad in olive trees and palms.
The city itself is about 5km from the coast at its closest point. The popular resort areas of southern Portugal begin with Vilamoura around 28 minutes’ drive to the west.
Going eastwards, it won’t be long until you reach Spain – the border is just 45 minutes by car.
Where to surf in Faro?
Faro surfing might not be up there with the likes of Peniche or Sagres, but it’s got some darn decent spots up its sleeve…
Praia de Faro
This should be the number one spot on the radar if you’re basing your surf trip in Faro town itself. A short 15-minute drive from the centre through the lagoon, it’s a long beach break. The wave quality is basically beginners only, except on the largest of days. That’s why there are lots of Faro surfing schools dotting the streets immediately behind the beach.
Anything from 2-3ft is normal on good days. After that, there can be closeouts, but flat days are likely to be the greater threat. Peaks vary considerably, although it’s mostly mushy stuff that’s fun to ride. A few wedges are nice A-frames (often occupied by the local crew) that work consistently throughout the winter months. The best part is that there’s over 5km of beachfront in total – you can easily find a place to be alone. Watch out for shifting conditions with the altering of the sandbanks after storms.
Praia da Falesia
Praia da Falesia is a stunning sand beach that’s close to the popular golf and holiday resort of chic Vilamoura. At its westernmost end is a manmade harbour wall jetty that creates one of the best left-handers in the area. It’s a sand-bottomed break that works nicely on 3ft+. Expect the shape to be wedge like and offer short rights but longer rippable lefts. Water is clean. Usually uncrowded. Some good residential surf camps in the nearby region.
Fuzeta Beach (Fuseta)
Faro surfing also extends out to the east. That’s where you’ll find the small fishing town of Fuseta. The beach itself is actually on a barrier island just across the lagoon. You can reach it by swimming, but most choose to take the ferry from the downtown pier. The only question is whether you think it’s worth it. Fuzeta Beach is more sheltered again than its neighbors in Praia de Faro and Vilamoura. If everywhere else is small, it’s likely to be tiny. Perhaps leave this one for a day on the SUP?
Surf camps in Faro
Sadly, Faro isn’t actually the epicenter of the Portugal surf scene. However, it is the gateway to the Algarve, which has some great surf locations and the surf camps to match. To hit those, you’ll almost certainly need to travel west a little, closer to the Atlantic. The bonus here is that camps take care of just about everything for you: Gear rentals, transport to breaks that are working, surf lessons – you name it.
The closest surf camps to Faro that we think are pretty darn good would be:
- 8 Day Surf and Yoga Retreat in Praia da Luz – A really highly rated offering from a camp based in the family-friendly resort of Praia da Luz, an hour’s transfer from Faro Airport. Includes 8 yoga classes and 5 surf lessons. Transfers from airport can be added on for about $90.
- 5 Day Surf Holiday with Hostel on the Hill – A five-day surf camp that operates out of a fun hostel in Vila do Bispo, a whitewashed Algarvian town to the west of Faro. The package includes up to two hours of surfing each day.
There are way more stays and surf camp choices around the country. Check out our guide to the 10 best for 2023 right now. We also have a full guide to the top surf camps in the Algarve for this year.
Good hotels for surfers in Faro
There are loads and loads of hotels in Faro, mainly because this is one of the Algarve’s top tourist hotspots, and a gateway to the region besides. The ones you’re looking for as a surfer will be nearer the coast. We’ve got some tips here…
Golden Beach Guest House
Golden Beach Guest House is right on the front of Faro’s main beach. That means good surf for beginners, and plenty of sunbathing if you’re not into the waves too much. The place itself hits a zenith with its salt-sprayed breakfast terrace overlooking the ocean. Darn nice spot to start the day!
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Hotel Faro & Beach Club is slick and modern, with a gorgeous sun terrace gazing down at the Faro marina. Located in the town itself, it’s about 15 minutes’ drive to the main surf. Luxury awaits on return from a day on the waves, with a pool and marble-clad bathrooms.
Hostellicious
Hostellicious is a budget stay immersed in the historic center of Faro. Cobbled streets and whitewashed Portuguese townhouses abound all round. It’s got a good vibe for backpackers and is often used by surfers looking to explore the eastern Algarve.
Step-by-step guide to planning your Faro surfing trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Faro surfing…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 four: Enjoy!
When to surf in Faro?
Surfing Algarve waves is a trickier business than surfing the waves of, say, Ericeira or Peniche.
Because the coastline here bends eastwards, you don’t get the full crack of the whip from the Atlantic Ocean. That naturally means that groundswells taper off.
In addition, the unique geography of the shore – with steep cliffs, sandbanks, lagoons, and dunes – helps to temper the strength of the sets that do get through. Let’s take a look at what you can expect at different times of the year in this corner of Portugal…
Autumn/winter (October-April)
Sorry, sun seekers – the colder months of the year offer the prime time to surf Faro. Granted, the weather isn’t as good. You don’t get weeks on end of scorching sunshine and temperatures in the 30s. But you do get the dominant swell direction and a bit more punch from the Atlantic. That can bring waves that go overhead on occasion. They make the harbour wall spot at Praia da Falesia pretty fast as a left-hander and can add some good challenges to the peaks on Faro Beach itself. Wetsuits are needed. Booties and hoods optional (but we’d pack just in case).
Wear: 4/3 wetsuit
Spring/summer (May-September)
You might have some joy towards the start and end of the spring and summer season. That’s when offshores and N-NW wind and groundswells can be found still rolling up into the Med channel from the ocean. But don’t get your hopes up. The chances are that this end of the Algarve will be flat most of the time from May onwards. To get reliable waves, you’re looking at a drive down the coast to Sagres.
Wear: Sometimes rash vest 2mm or 3/2 on colder spells
Surf shops in Faro
Because Faro doesn’t have the same booming surf scene as Sagres (yet), there aren’t as many surf stores in the area. There are a few worth noting down on the map before you fly in though…
Pipeline Surf Shop
This locally-owned shop is the go-to spot for gear in Faro’s old town. It’s small but has plenty in stock. For hardware, you’ll find nice Al Merrick shorts and long beginner Torq boards. Clothes wise, there are boardies, rash vests and wetsuits to fit the Portuguese surf season. In addition, they look like a friendly bunch!
Where to eat in Faro
Faro’s historic centre has plenty of traditional Portuguese eateries. Settle in to get a taste of the region’s seafood and meat. Or, pick something a little different for a vegan lunch. It’s up to you…
Sem Tempo
Sem Tempo is a local’s favourite that sits just to the north of the Faro old town. It’s just the thing if you’re looking to sample and authentic Algarvian tavern. Of course, that means loads of meat. Kebabs, surf and turf, BBQ skewers – you name it. A huge pan of chips seems to be the side of choice.
l’Osteria
l’Osteria is a taste of rustic Italia on the south coast of Portugal. Fresh carpaccio and mozzarella sharing platters can be followed by cheesy pastas and seafood plates inspired by the Boot. There are also pizzas up for grabs. The inside is cosy and warm (check out the log fire), but the alfresco sitting is where you’ll want to be for people watching.
Outro Lado
100% vegan Outro Lado is the place for a fix of plant-based nourishment in Faro. It’s got green bagels and make-believe fried eggs next to curries and intriguing salads. There’s also a nice mix of eco wines and locally made beers on the menu.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Faro
The Faro surfing isn’t the most consistent in the country. So, what will you do on those inevitable flat days? Which beaches will keep the suntan browning? Are there any unique cultural treasures to get stuck into? You bet…
Ria Formosa Lagoon
The whole of the Ria Formosa estuary is now a protected nature park. It’s a wonderful corner of the south Algarve, with flat farmlands meeting sloshing waterways. A day spent boating around the islets and channels is a must. There are barrier island beaches to get stuck into (some of which even have their own surf breaks), small fishing towns with bars and seafood restaurants, and even birding spots where you can see cuckoos and flamingos!
The best way to do this? Book yourself one of the morning catamaran tours.
Cidade Velha
The Cidade Velha is the historic core of Faro itself. It’s sure to help you forget about the flat conditions with its mix of lovely Moorish architecture and charming stone-topped streets. A day here can easily be spent people watching in the roadside cafes or taking photographs of the flower-covered Algarvian cottages that line the alleys. Also don’t miss those centuries-old city walls and arched gateways – they’re pretty impressive.
Should I rent a car for surfing in Faro?
That’s totally up to you. The temptation is that you can score some of the cheapest car hires in the region from here, simply because Faro is the home of the main international airport that serves the Algarve. (From experience, it’s possible to get a car for around $300-500 for up to three weeks in shoulder seasons like fall).
What a car will bring to the table is the freedom to drive the whole length and breadth of the Algarve. That’s pretty special if you’re the sort that likes to seek out hidden beach breaks that you can have to yourself. Plus, it helps a whole load here because there are two coastlines – one that faces west, the other south. You’ll be able to go wherever is offshore; wherever has swell.
We probably wouldn’t recommend getting a car if all you want to do is see the beaches of the Rio Formosa and Faro itself. There’s no need. Those are real close by and a day trip is a better choice.
Use RentalCars.com to check for car hires. We find it to be the cheapest on the whole for Portugal. Plus you can cancel like the day before usually (double check that though).
Be aware that most pick ups will be at the airport. Plus, some car companies are finickety about getting estate cars if you’re bringing boards, or so we hear. We’ve never had an issue stuffing our 6 footers into Fiat Pandas!
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!
