Zambujeira do Mar has some punchy point breaks and access to fabulous Alentejo beach breaks. Really, the town should be seen as a good base that oozes authentic Alentejan charm. There are waves on the doorstep but they’re challenging and fickle.
An introduction to Zambujeira do Mar
The salt-washed fishing town of Zambujeira do Mar sits smack dab in the heart of the wonderful Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. It’s mainly known as the home of MEO, or MEO Sudoeste, one of Europe’s biggest hip-hop electronica festivals, which takes place in the hills of nearby Odemira. But there’s also surf.
It’s mainly stuff for the performance surfers. The shape of the Alentejo coast is a bit more twisted and rocky than it is up in Comporta and Sines. High cliffs lurch straight above the sands and there are reefs that suck in powerful NW winter swells to create some of the region’s punchiest waves.
The regional classic of the Zambujeira Left is the main star; heavy, hollow, fast and on the rocks. But there are loads of little bays that have potential. You’ll just need a car and the patience to watch and learn a break before paddling out, since the ruggedness of the region means some waves here aren’t surfable even if they look it.
Alternatively, base yourself in Zambujeira do Mar and then drive north and south to do your surfing. That will open up the sweeping bays of south-central Portugal but also some of the emptier beaches of the much-loved Algarve, from Praia de Odeceixe down to Arrifana.
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This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in Portugal
Zambujeira do Mar at a glance
The good…
The bad…
What’s in this guide to Zambujeira do Mar?
Where is Zambujeira do Mar?
Zambujeira do Mar is a laid-back coastal village located in the Alentejo region of southwestern Portugal (itself a region that’s still pretty laid-back compared to the Algarve and others).
Nestled right along the Atlantic coast, it’s part of the famed Rota Vicentina, a network of walking trails along the rugged coastline. The spot grabs the attention of surf travelers primarily because of its scenic cliffs, pristine beaches, and relatively uncrowded waves.
Surfing in Zambujeira do Mar
For surfers, Zambujeira do Mar is mainly a good idea because it’s between the best of Alentejo and the best of the Algarve. It does have breaks on its main beach, too, though…
Vila Nova de Milfontes
If you’re reading this because you’re trying to decide which surf town to base yourself in in the Alentejo region, go for Vila Nova de Milfontes. Zambujeira do Mar is good for getting a local feel, but Milfontes has access to long beach breaks, better point breaks, and a much better surf infrastructure. Plus, it’s hardly without its charms. There are a couple of great surf camps here too.
We have a complete guide to surfing in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Praia de Nossa Senhora
We’ve heard stories of some folks scoring at Praia de Nossa Senhora but we think its apocrypha. There are just too many rock stacks here cutting up the surf zone, to the point that we doubt there’s any way you could manage it without grazing board or body. Our advice is don’t try. Stunning beach though. Walk over the high cliffs and down the path and it’s likely you’ll have it totally to yourself.
Zambujeira Left
The Zambi Left is a fun old wedge of a wave that breaks over the rocks on Praia da Zambujeira do Mar right in front of the town itself. Needs a full tide and a middling swell to get going. Too big (like 8 foot+) and it will close out and be dangerous. Too small and it’s invisible.
The 3-6 foot range is perfect with light winds from the north or the east. Then, you’ll get a peak that lifts up above the reef before A framing to the right and the left. The right isn’t worth it – think two meters into a nothing paddle zone. The left can be super nice, bowling into a semi-hollow face right by the sand.
Zambujeira Right
The northern end of Zambujeira’s main urban beach has a right that also fires off at high tides. It’s a way more ferocious wave than the left and is hardly makeable most days because it will close out right on the take off zone so fast there’s almost no way to make it onto the shoulder for the ride.
On occasion with a winter E offshore, there’s enough to slow the water movement down a touch and give you time to slot into a neat mini barrel and then shoot out for a ride into the bay. It’s a wave for locals who’ve grown up watching it, a bit like the Arrifana harbor right.
Praia de Odeceixe
The first beach in the Algarve south of Zambujeira do Mar, Praia de Odeceixe sums up the west coast of the region in perfect style – these are punchy, powerful breaks that come off the local river mouth to give fun lefts. It’s very consistent but hardly that popular because there are other spots in the region that tend to draw the crowds. Good for all levels when it’s 5 foot or under. Leave it to good paddlers and more advanced surfers when it’s 6 and up.
Surf camps in Zambujeira
Zambujeira doesn’t have any surf camps of its own – yet! The town of Milfontes has kinda been pushed to the forefront of the scene for the Alentejo, so that’s where you’ll need to go for surf-stay options. Some of them are pretty darn amazing, though, so it’s worth considering…
- Rapture Surfcamp Portugal – Rapture are a well-tested name in the industry and they’ve got an all-new surf house right in the middle of Milfontes north of Zambi. It’s stylish but chilled and the 7-day package is great for total beginners looking to find their feet.
- Alentejo Surf Camp – Also in Milfontes is the simply named Alentejo Surf Camp. They do fantastic packages for small groups and throw in regional coastal tours, daily yoga, and fun evening BBQs together for good measure.
Where to stay when surfing in Zambujeira do Mar?
Because Zambujeira do Mar is more of a local’s spot and not really on the tourist radar of southern Portugal, there’s not a mega overload of hotel options. The town is great for self-catering apartments, though, which are kinda’ our go to on a Portuguese surf trip.
- A casinha da avó – If we were to go to Zambi right now, we’d be staying here. It’s right on the edge of the cliff walk down to the beach, so you check the surf from the window. Inside is functional but cosy, with a little kitchenette for your evening meals.
- Alojamento Sudoeste – A simple, charming apartment with a street view just a few blocks back from the main beach. It’s been recently refurbished, so there’s a modern kitchen and comfy bedroom with lots of space.
Step-by-step guide to planning your Zambujeira do Mar trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Zambujeira do Mar…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.
When to surf in Zambujeira do Mar?
Your surfing level should determine when you come to Zambujeira do Mar, same as it should the rest of Portugal. Late autumn through to spring are better for intermediates and advanced surfers, while the late spring and summer months are perfect for learners. There are times when there’s no swell around, but it’s rare.
Days in the winter are bigger, with overheads possible off the big Atlantic storm systems. Summertime is usually 2-6 foot, with warmer water and better weather all round, though there will be more visitors in Zambujeira do Mar overall and hotels are likely to cost a bit more.
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!
