The Algarve’s favourite surf beaches
Praia do Amado
The Algarve is a surfer’s paradise — a land where golden cliffs meet turquoise waves, and Atlantic swells roll into sandy bays kissed by the sun. With two distinct coastlines, the region offers year-round surf for every level, from powerful reef breaks to gentle longboard waves.
Here are the Algarve’s favourite surf beaches, where each wave tells its own story.
1. Praia do Amado
Set on the Costa Vicentina’s wild west coast, Praia do Amado is one of Portugal’s most famous surf spots. Surrounded by dunes and cliffs, it’s a favourite for both beginners and professionals.
Municipality: Aljezur
Getting there: From Vila do Bispo or Carrapateira, follow signs to Praia do Amado (about 10 minutes). Parking above the cliffs.
Best time for surfing: Autumn and winter (September–March) bring consistent swells.
Access & Facilities: Wooden walkways, parking, beach cafés, toilets, and lifeguards in summer.
Surf Schools & Shops: Amado Surf School and Algarve Surf Camp operate directly on the beach; surf shops available in Carrapateira.
Curiosities: Praia do Amado often hosts national surf competitions and remains one of the most photographed surf beaches in Portugal.
2. Praia da Arrifana
Framed by black cliffs, Praia da Arrifana is famous for its consistent right-hand point break and stunning natural amphitheatre.
Municipality: Aljezur
Getting there: From Aljezur village, follow signs to Arrifana (10 minutes). Parking at the top; steep road down.
Best time for surfing: Works all year, peaking in winter; smaller, clean waves in summer.
Access & Facilities: Clifftop bars, surf lodges, and restaurants. Wooden stairs lead down to the sand.
Surf Schools & Shops: Arrifana Sunset Surf School and Aljezur Surf School offer lessons and rentals.
Curiosities: The view from the cliff-top lookout is one of the most photographed in the Algarve.
3. Praia da Cordoama
A vast, dramatic bay with golden sands and rolling Atlantic breakers, Praia da Cordoama is a magnet for surfers who love raw beauty.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo
Getting there: From Vila do Bispo, take the coastal road (approx. 5 km). Parking and restaurant near the beach.
Best time for surfing: Autumn–spring; east winds create ideal conditions.
Access & Facilities: Paved road, lifeguards in summer, beach café and surf-friendly facilities.
Surf Schools & Shops: Freeride Surf School and Good Feeling Hostel & Surf Camp (Raposeira).
Curiosities: At low tide, Cordoama connects to Castelejo Beach — two surf gems in one stretch of sand.
5. Praia do Tonel
Facing northwest, Praia do Tonel catches solid Atlantic swells and delivers some of the most powerful waves in the Algarve.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo (Sagres)
Getting there: From Sagres, follow signs to Praia do Tonel. Parking near the cliffs.
Best time for surfing: Winter for advanced surfers; spring/autumn for intermediates.
Access & Facilities: Steps to the beach, surf café, and restrooms.
Surf Schools & Shops: Tonel Surf School, Algarve Watersport, and Magic Board Center.
Curiosities: From the lineup, you can see Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point.
6. Praia da Mareta
Praia da Mareta faces south, offering gentle waves when the west coast is too wild — the go-to beach for beginners or longboarders.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo (Sagres)
Getting there: From Sagres centre, follow signs to Mareta (5 minutes).
Best time for surfing: Autumn–spring; sheltered from strong westerly winds.
Access & Facilities: Parking, cafés, surf rentals, and lifeguards in summer.
Surf Schools & Shops: Mareta Beach House and Algarve Surf School.
Curiosities: Its horseshoe-shaped bay is ideal for long rides on mellow waves.
Praia do Castelejo
7. Praia do Castelejo
Sheltered and scenic, Praia do Castelejo is a local favourite for reliable surf and fewer crowds.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo
Getting there: Follow signs from Vila do Bispo toward Cordoama/Castelejo. Easy access and parking near the cliffs.Best time for surfing: Autumn and winter; early mornings in summer.
Access & Facilities: Beach restaurant, showers, and lifeguards in high season.
Surf Schools & Shops: Sagres Natura Surf School and Algarve Surf School operate nearby.
Curiosities: Its name — “little castle” — comes from a fortress-like rock that juts out toward the sea.
8. Praia da Amoreira
Where the Aljezur River meets the sea, Praia da Amoreira offers peaks for all levels — from river mouth rollers to punchy beach breaks.
Municipality: Aljezur
Getting there: From Aljezur, drive 7 km northwest to the beach. Parking near the river mouth.
Best time for surfing: Autumn–spring, when sandbanks shift and form perfect waves.
Access & Facilities: Easy access, beach bars, and surf rental hut in summer.
Surf Schools & Shops: Future Surf School and Aljezur Surf Adventures.
Curiosities: Between sessions, float upriver with the tide — a favourite local pastime.
9. Praia do Beliche
Praia do Beliche is a stunning cove protected by high cliffs, ideal when the west coast is too windy.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo (Sagres)
Getting there: Between Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente. Stairs descend to the beach.
Best time for surfing: Autumn and spring; smaller, glassy waves on calm days.
Access & Facilities: Café, summer rentals, and car park above the cliffs.
Surf Schools & Shops: Beliche Surf School and Mareta Surf Shop.
Curiosities: Its steep stairs keep it quieter — making it one of the most scenic spots to surf at sunset.
10. Praia da Bordeira (Carrapateira)
Praia da Bordeira combines wild nature with endless space — perfect for both shortboards and longboards.
Municipality: Aljezur
Getting there: From Carrapateira, follow signs west (3 km). Parking by the cliffs.
Best time for surfing: Autumn and winter for big swells; summer for small fun waves.
Access & Facilities: Easy car access, beach café, surf school in summer.
Surf Schools & Shops: Bordeira Surf School and Carrapateira Surf House.
Curiosities: The beach changes shape constantly due to the river estuary — no two sessions are ever the same.
11. Praia do Zavial
Praia do Zavial is a clean, fast right-hand point break that rewards experienced surfers when the swell direction is just right.
Municipality: Vila do Bispo
Getting there: From Raposeira, drive 10 minutes south following the signs.
Best time for surfing: Winter and spring; best with medium tide and southwest swell.
Access & Facilities: Parking, beach restaurant, lifeguards in summer.
Surf Schools & Shops: Zavial Surf School and several surf rentals in nearby Sagres.
Curiosities: On smaller summer days, Zavial becomes a paradise for longboarders and paddleboarders.
12. Praia de Faro
Though calmer than the west coast, Praia de Faro surprises surfers with fun beach breaks — especially in winter when southern swells wrap into the Ria Formosa barrier islands.
Municipality: Faro
Getting there: From Faro city, cross the narrow bridge to the Ilha de Faro barrier island (10 minutes by car).
Best time for surfing: Winter (December–March) for clean southern swells; early mornings in summer.
Access & Facilities: Excellent — cafés, restaurants, surf rentals. Parking limited in peak season.
Surf Schools & Shops: Algarve SUP & Surf School and The Surf Experience Faro. Surf shops in Faro city centre.
Curiosities: Locals call it “the city surf spot” — you can catch a wave and be back downtown for coffee in under 20 minutes.
Praia da Galé
13. Praia da Galé
With wide sandy banks and playful waves, Praia da Galé is a favourite among beginners and families learning to surf.
Municipality: Albufeira
Getting there: From Albufeira, drive west along the coastal road (10 minutes). Parking and boardwalk access.
Best time for surfing: Autumn–spring; ideal for smaller south or southwest swells.
Access & Facilities: Restaurants, bars, lifeguards, surf schools, and excellent accessibility for all visitors.
Surf Schools & Shops: Albufeira Surf & SUP School and Epic Surf School provide lessons and rentals nearby.
Curiosities: When the tide is low, the sandstone formations at the east end of the beach create natural pools — perfect for post-surf relaxation.
Surfing the Algarve — Tips for every wave rider
Wetsuit: 3/2 mm in summer, 4/3 mm in winter.
Water temperature: 16–21 °C year-round.
Best months: September–May for consistent surf; June–August for beginners.
Board choice: Shortboard or hybrid for the west coast; longboard for southern beaches.
Travel tip: Rent a car or van — most surf spots are within 30 minutes of each other.
From the fierce Atlantic peaks of Amado to the mellow rollers of Galé, each beach in the Algarve offers a unique surf experience — bound by sunshine, salt air, and endless freedom.
Whether you’re chasing your first wave or your next barrel, the Algarve will welcome you with open arms and open horizons.
