With beaches for different levels on either side of the town, Sagres surf is up there with the best in Portugal. This guide reveals the top spots, the best places to stay, and more…
An introduction to Sagres surf
The unique geography of Sagres makes it a haven for all levels of surfers. The town straddles a high headland that pokes into the Atlantic Ocean on the far southern end of Portugal. On one side, you’ve got the relatively calm waters of the Algarve. On the other, the open ocean pumps swells over reefs, rocks, and beaches alike.
Splitting its spots between two sections of sea like this means there’s usually something working no matter how good you are. Surfing in Sagres for beginners is more popular on the southern beaches of Martinhal and Mareta, for example. Meanwhile, the more exposed bay of Tonel has waves for intermediates and experts. But it’s not just about abilities. There are also two totally different Sagres surf zones to choose between. If the waves or the wind aren’t working in one, you can always check the other.
Let’s also not forget that the town is perched right on the edge of the nation, in one of the country’s sunniest, most beautiful regions. It’s got upcoming surf schools, lovely villas, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe to it. It’s hardly a surprise it’s become something of the de facto capital for those surfing Algarve waves season after season.
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 and surfing in the Algarve
Surfing in Sagres at a glance
The good:
- Waves on two coastlines – the south and the west
- One of the sunniest parts of Portugal
- Really pretty town
The bad:
- Some concealed rocks beneath the west-coast beaches
- Summer can be flat
- Some crowds
What you’ll find in this guide
The best Sagres surf spots
There are two main breaks within walking distance of the town center itself. However, it’s common for any surf camp in Sagres to make use of the whole medley of different spots that line the coast to the north and west. They range from exposed ocean points with the potential to get BIG to pulsing beach breaks with golden sand and beginner-friendly swells. Let’s take a look at the lot…
West coast surf spots (harder)
Aljezur/Arrifana
Arrifana is widely considered to be one of the best beaches for beginners in the Algarve. That’s mainly down to its mellow beach break, which we’d say is decent but prone to close outs. The nearby town of Aljezur is the hub of an area that spans about five fantastic spots. They are mainly intermediate but don’t suffer from the same crowds as the Algarve coast.
We’ve got a complete guide to surfing in Arrifana and Aljezur
Carrapateira/Bordeira
About 25 minutes’ drive to the north of Sagres will transport you to some of he best surfing Algarve can muster. It’s a region that really begins with Bordeira and the Carrapateira cliffs. The wide beach there opens onto a left point break that can handle nice 8-10 footers in winter and gets hollow on some rides. Further down the beach you get the fatter sets of Bordeira, which are rippable but suffer from rips. Best in autumn and rarely crowded.
We’ve got a complete guide to the Carrapateira surf right here
Cordoama
Lucky enough to have your own ride? Drop the shortboard into the van and head north to Cordoama. This secluded beach break often means way fewer people. But it’s not just that. The summer conditions pull in swells from the N-NW to create some sculpted peaks that can turn glassy. Watch out for northerly winds that spray everything all over the place. Beware of rips.
Beliche
Bide your time and wait for the right swell (a straight southerly) direction to hit Beliche. That should make it one of the most enticing surf breaks in the Sagres region. Peaking into a neat wedge, it’ll curl into a left-right barrel when it’s properly working. During the summer, it’s common for the Beliche surf report to read flat, flat, and more flat.
Tonel
Probably the most famous Sagres surf spot of all sits beneath the high cliffs on the west side of town. It braces the full force of the Atlantic but has surrounding headlands and submerged rocks to thank for the slight protection. It’s a real peaky beach break that shifts with the sandbanks. Keep an eye out for those coveted westerly swells.
South coast surf spots (easier)
Mareta
The beginner’s surf spot in Sagres lines the Algarve to the south and east of the town. It’s neatly tucked between two high peninsulas, which means plenty of protection from westerly and north-westerly winds. The upshot is that the waves here tend to be tamer. That’s especially true in summer when the ocean glows sky blue and its perfect for finding your surfing legs. When a southerly push swings around, Mareta will get big – think possible overheads that roll right and left. Those are usually limited to winter.
Martinhal
Just check the map: Martinhal is the most protected of the three main beaches in Sagres. It huddles under the cliffs, facing away from dominant swell directions to the SW. The result is a stretch of sand with much calmer waters. A few surf schools hoover up the beginners here. It’s a fine place to head if you’ve never ridden a surfboard before and fancy something really tame to get going.
Praia do Zavial
Praia do Zavial is a more classic Algarve beach that lies nearly 10 km down the coast from Sagres. It’s south facing, so picks up any swell moving up across the Atlantic. When something is happening, the waves can get fast and high. When the swell is lower, expect a calm, beginner-friendly place to try your first Portuguese waves.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro surfing takes you nearly 60 km along the shores of the Algarve to the east of Sagres. It seems like a hefty drive to make for much tamer waves. We only mention it here because the breaks you’ll pass along the way offer great Sagres surfing beginners’ level. What’s more, you’ll be able to explore gorgeous whitewashed Algarvian fishing villages once you’re done in the water!
Where to stay on a Sagres surf trip
The great thing about choosing somewhere to stay on your Sagres surf trip is that this loveable town isn’t just for wave aficionados. Holidaymakers also love it, so the accommodations include luxury resorts, apartments, and your rough-and-ready surf camps. Check them out:
Algarve Surf Hostel – Sagres ($)
There’s no shortage of Sagres surf camps to pick from in this town, but we think the Algarve Surf Hostel is close to the top of the list. It’s a simple but much-loved lodge right in the heart of the town. The good vibes are the main draw. You’ll be surfing with new buddies and sharing tales of your best waves over a cold beer at night. It ticks all the boxes.
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel ($$$)
Family surf trips hardly get better than this! This gorgeous beach resort sits at the far end of Martinhal Beach – home to some of the easiest Sagres surf going. And when the kids are hitting the waves? Parents can kick it by the pool or head to the spa for some seaweed massage treatments!
Casa Azul Sagres ($$)
A perfect example of the new-breed of stylo surf houses that are uber-popular in Portugal, Wavesensations is a clean and comfy place to base yourself. The rooms are airy, bright, and resemble hotel doubles. But you also get the added enjoyment of the low-key surfer’s chillout area. There’s a healthy breakfast, and – most importantly – a huge on-site selection of rental boards and wetsuits.
Wavesensations – Sagres Surf House ($-$$)
Housed – as the name implies – in a lovely little blue building right in the heart of Sagres, Casa Azul has some great apartment options. Spaces are modern, bright, and simple. There’s also an optional breakfast to set you up for a day in the ocean.
The best surf camps in Sagres
Surf camps aren’t the same as the hotels above. These are fully pre-made packages that let you book everything you might need for a surf hol in one swoop. They tend to include multiple guided surf lessons or surfari sessions, surf theory classes, gear rental, and even extra activities like daily yoga. Sagres happens to be one of the best places to do a surf camp in Portugal and even the whole of Europe, largely because it’s got breaks for different levels on either side of town. Here are some of the best out there…
- 7 Day Reset, Recharge, and Reconnect through Yoga and Surf Holiday in Sagres – We kinda love everything about this tailored surf and fitness package. The hotel – the Memmo Baleeira Hotel Sagres – is simply amazing (think beachfront location and an infinity pool) and there’s 3x surf lessons with the highly rated Freeride Surf School. Plus, you’ll enjoy 11 yoga sessions and guided hikes.
- 15 Day Surf and Stay Package for Beginner and Intermediate Surfers in Sagres – A full two weeks of surfing the Algarve’s best breaks is what’s offered by this amazing surf camp run by Natura, one of the leading names in the country. It includes at least 10 lessons and loads of extras, from healthy breakfasts to chill time in charming local villages.
For more inspo, we also have this list of the very best surf camps in the Algarve!
Step-by-step guide to planning your Sagres surf trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Sagres 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: 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 is the Sagres surf season?
The seasons can alter the quality and the style of the waves in Sagres considerably. Generally speaking, the colder months equals conditions for better standards of surfers. However, there’s a more protected south coast to factor in here, which keeps Sagres a beginner-friendly option for much of the year (that’s rare in Portugal!).
Summer (June-August)
The south of the Algarve transforms into a major holiday destination in the summer months. That’s not good news for surfers because a lot of the folk come specifically for the still seas. Your best bet for finding something rideable is on the west coast. Head across to Bordeira (about 20 minutes from Sagres) or Arrifana and there’s usually a surf school offering sessions. Some days pick up some swells on the Atlantic, and can be downright lovely when they do – glassy, warm. It’s just not that reliable.
Wear: 3/2 or 2mm
Autumn (September-November)
This is when the surf in Sagres really comes into its own. Right across the Algarve, autumn usually means balmy days and loads of sun. The waves also tend to be tamer, but there’s also enough pumping for shortboarders on the nearby West Coast breaks at Cordoama and up to Arrifana. We recently spent a month surfing here in Oct-Nov and counted just one flat day. Add that to the two extra-large days that were unsurfable and you’ve still got pretty decent stats. West coast is higher. South coast is much smaller, but does have its moments.
Wear: 4/3 always and boots if you want
Winter (November-March)
Winters are rarely woolly-jumper cold this far south in Portugal. However, there are some changes to the predominant swell conditions that means the Sagres surf can get particularly gnarly during the winter months. Beaches like Tonel can be heavy work, with high overheads and big closeouts when there’s onshore winds. On smaller days it’s really cracking. Good groundswells, wide periods, and the best the Atlantic can muster comes through. Bring a thick wetty and boots too.
Wear: 4/3 with boots and a hood for windier sessions
Spring (April-May)
Spring is the Sagres surf season of change. Early on, March, it’s very similar to autumn, with strong NW swells firing on the points and beach breaks of Arrifana and Bordeira to create some mega waves for advanced surfers. Things get progressively quieter and May is usually warm and relaxed – a great time for occasional long surf sessions in conditions that are prime for intermediates.
Wear: 4/3 in the early season, down to 3/2 at the end
Surf shops in Sagres
Sagres has a growing clutch of great surf shops. There are a few that we always rely on. Drop in. They’re friendly folk with a good range of gear…
Surf Planet Sagres Surf Shop
Just off the main N268 road as it leaves Sagres to the north, Surf Planet is a fantastic stop off for both people heading to Tonel and folk heading to the waves of Arrifana further north. Look for the quirky surfboard-shaped benches outside. Inside, you’ll get a good range of stock, from accessories to leashes to wax and more.
Sagres Natura Surf Shop
Look for Natura in a charming little Algarvian cottage in the midst of Sagres town. They’ve got fins, wetsuits, and foamies in stock, along with a nice range of locally designed Sagres surf wear. They also sell skateboards for you concrete lovers, and they organise surf lessons and rentals.
Things to do in Sagres when you’re not surfing
There’s no doubt that the Sagres surf spots are an enticing prospect, no matter what level of boarder you are. But it’s not only the waves that make this a desirable destination. With its rock-ribbed cliffs, its earthy seafood eateries, and prime position right where the golden beaches of the south Algarve give way to the rugged Atlantic, there are oodles of reasons you might want to make a visit.
Lighthouse of Ponta de Sagres
Known locally as the Farol de Sagres, this lighthouse occupies a dramatic perch above Tonel Beach. It’s a fantastic place to go for sunset, with uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean at the very south-western tip of the Iberian Peninsular.
Fort of Santo António de Belixe
This mighty citadel on the shoreline near Beliche is one to take the breath away. It dates back to at least as far as the 1500s, and it’s thought that the English explorer Francis Drake once attacked it from the sea. Today, you can visit to get dramatic vistas of the coast and learn about the rich history of the site. It’s only 10 minutes’ drive from Sagres town.
Go beach hopping
One of the best things about choosing Sagres surf over other Portuguese surf spots is that you get the wonderful beaches of the Algarve’ south coast on the doorstep. Cruise to the east to find places like Praia de Porto de Mós and Praia da Rocha backed by golden cliffs and washed by turquoise seas. They’re both within an hour’s drive.
Travel essentials for anyone surfing in Sagres
Where exactly is Sagres?
Pull out your map of Portugal. You see where the country sort of pokes its toe into the Atlantic Ocean on its far south-western edge. That’s pretty much exactly where you’ll find Sagres. The geography alone is enough to show just how awesome the surfing in Sagres is. You’ll find waves of different sorts to the north and the east.
Currency and ATMs in Sagres
The same as in the rest of Portugal. You’ll need euros (€) to pay for your surf rentals in Sagres.
There are a few ATMs in the town itself. Look for them around the Spar supermarket on Matoso road, toward the entrance to Praia da Baleeira.
How to get to Sagres
- Low-cost airlines: Faro Airport (or the Algarve Airport) is around 75 miles to the east of Sagres. That’s the best place to land if you’re catching a low-cost airline. It’s served by the likes of easyJet, WizzAir, Vueling, and Ryanair. They offer loads of seasonal and year-round connections.
- Premium airlines: Full-frills fliers like Lufthansa and Air Swiss also run routes into Faro Airport. They have direct links to major European hubs like Frankfurt and Munich, opening up long-haul connections across to the US and Asia.
- Bus: Regional bus services from both Lisbon and Lagos to Sagres are noticeably thin on the ground. However, there are a few connections. From the latter (Lagos) you can catch the public Eva Transportes link for around €3 each way. To get in from Lisbon, head to the Sete Rios station, from where tickets cost just under €20 per person. You’ll need to check with individual companies if they’ll let you travel with a surfboard, though.
How to get around Sagres
- Foot: Walking around Sagres is a joy. This is a pretty Portuguese coast town with low-rise cottages and cobbled pavements. You’ll find cafes on the street corners and be able to feel the breeze coming off the ocean – a gift in summer. There’s a gravel path leading down to Mareta Beach on the south side of town. To get to Tonel, follow the L-shaped track around to Tonel Beach Bar. That’s a slightly harder walk, especially with boards in tow.
- Drive: There’s not much in the way of public transport in Sagres – the town is simply too small. Instead, most people who want to explore the area’s surf spots will rent their own car. It’s an option we’d 100% recommend. It means you’ll be able to get stuck into the very best surfing Algarve has up its sleeve. Places like Arrifana to the north are only 40 minutes or so, and you get the whole south coast down to Luz and beyond.
This ultimate guide to Sagres surf aims to help you put together the perfect wave-riding holiday in south Portugal. If you’ve got anything to add that you think we’ve missed, we’d love to consider including it. Get in touch or drop us a message in the comments below the line. Happy surfing!
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!
2 comments
Where is that spot in first youtube video,The Peace of Sagres? Is there camping there, and do you need a permit to camp?
Hey Paul – pretty sure it looks like Praia da Barriga to me but I could be wrong. It’s been a couple of years since I was back there now. It’s actually close to Vila do Bispo, about 20 minutes from Sagres.