With two coastlines, dozens of spots, year-round sunny skies and swell on tap, the Algarve is one of Europe’s top surf destinations. But with so much choice in where to stay, where to surf, and when to go, where do you start? Here’s everything you need to know about surfing in the Algarve.
Overview
- Warm year-round
- Spot variety
- Consistency
- Crowds
- Summer slop
When to Go
You’ll find fun waves year-round in the Algarve, but the best time to score it at its full potential is winter. (December, January and February). But spring and autumn can also be a good time to tap into good swells and nice conditions. Summer, while lovely and hot often comes with minimal swell and onshore winds.
Where is the Algarve?
The Algarve is located in southern Portugal and the main city is Faro.
Main Algarve Surf Spots
There are dozens of surf spots in the region, and many of them are lesser known, so I’ll let you go and hunt them. But here’s a rundown of some of the main Algarve surf spots.
Arrifana
Arrifana is a long stretch of golden sand and one of the most famous surf spots in the Algarve. Mostly, it’s a fun punchy beach break suitable for all abilities. But at the northern end, the waves break off the rocks in a point-break style righthander. Because of it’s popularity and consistency, it’s usually crowded here.
Beliche
Close to Sagres and with a wicked backdrop of plunging cliffs, Beliche offers wedgy hollow peaks. Belcihe is a beautiful spot to surf and one that can throw up racy left-hand walls and peaky a-frame tubes. Mostly an advanced spot, unless it’s smaller where it can be suitable for intermediates.
Tonel
Tonel is another super popular beach close to Sagres. It’s a rocky beach that offers multiple peaks across the length of it. The break can offer something for everyone, depending on the conditions. When it’s small almost anyone can surf (providing they know the tides, rocks and rips), whereas on bigger days it’s better left to the experts.
Zavial
Twenty minutes outside of Sagres, you’ll find Zavial. It’s a fun consistent beach break that offers a right-hand wedge off the rocks at one end and then more a-frame peaks to the south.
What to Wear (Algarve Water Temperatures)
Despite the Algarve being one of the warmest surf destinations in Europe, the water can never be considered warm, even in summer. In summer you’ll get away with a short arm for most sessions, but generally, you’ll want a 3/2mm. In winter, you can still get away with the 3/2mm but a 4/3 is the go if it’s windy. See the Algarve sea temperatures here.
Enjoying this post? You might like some of our other Portugal surfing content such as the complete guide to surfing in Portugal. Or, our guides to top Portuguese destinations like Peniche, Ericeira, and Madeira.
Getting There
By Plane
The best way to get to the Algarve is to fly to Faro. This will put you within a short drive of all the surf spots and places to hang out in the area. You can find the cheapest flights to Faro on Skyscanner.
By Public Transport
If you’re travelling within Portugal, you can also reach the Algarve by public transport. For example, you can take the train from Lisbon to Faro and go from there. Check out Rome2Rio for the best routes and prices.
Getting Around
I always like to have a car whenever I’m in Portugal, whether it’s Peniche, Ericeira, or here in the Algarve, it just gives you the most flexibility for surfing. If you can’t drive, stay in Sagres and try to arrange transport via one of the many surf camps and accommodations in the area.
Where to Stay?
Sagres Sun Stay
A clean, modern hostel located in Sagres. By staying here, you’ll have an affordable dorm room in proximity to all the best surf breaks in the Algarve. Dorm rooms start from $33 per night. Learn more about Sagres Sun Stay.
Kichershome
If you’re looking for your own room right in the heart of Sagres, Tiny Whale Surf Lodge is exactly that. Clean, modern and minimalistic, this lodge has everything you need for scoring fun waves in comfort. Learn more about Kichershome.
Tips for Surfing in the Algarve
Crowds
As you’d expect for such a popular surf destination, this area does come with the crowds. At the main spots, you can always expect to be surfing with other people no matter what. But if you’re willing to drive and explore, there is so much untouched coastline here, that you’ll have no issues finding something to yourself. Just don’t tell anyone about your bank 😉
Two Coasts
While the main spots are crowded, the beauty of the Algarve is that it has two coastlines and is rugged enough so that there’s always somewhere to surf.
Algarve Surf Camps
If you want to take the stress away from planning your Algarve surf trip, then why not book a surf camp? Book Surf Camps have surf camp package deals from all over the world, including ones right here in the Algarve. Check them out here.
Final Words
The Algarve is the perfect winter escape especially, if you’re a European surfer, looking to escape the harsh winters further north. With dozens of spots and a coastline that always offers something, going surfing in the Algarve is hard to beat in winter.
