Surf and Bodyboard

Passion for waves

The coastline and oceanographic dymanics provide some of the best surfing spots in the word.

Back to the land-sea interface and if you’re looking for some adrenaline rush, wave sports are the answer. Within Europe, the Western Algarve is a prime site for sports, such as surf and bodyboarding. Its geographical characteristics, its exposure to North Atlantic winds and waves and its temperate climate combine to create perfect conditions nearly all year round and call practitioners from all over the world.

Waves coming from a hundred kilometres away from the surf zone (North Atlantic storms) and a weak to moderate offshore wind (blowing from land to the ocean) create the ideal surfing conditions. This combination occurs quite often in the Western Algarve, namely between autumn and spring, as SW–NW waves arrive together with east–north winds. In summer, southeast waves (levante) together with north winds create the ideal conditions for beginners.

In short, summer presents favourable and appealing conditions, ideal for beginners, and winter is mild, offering a good number of days with conditions suited to a higher practice level. Therefore, in recent years, surf schools and surf camps have developed, receiving thousands of wave tourists, particularly in the area between Lagos and Aljezur. Sagres has turned into the unmatched wave capital of the Western Algarve, due to its unique location in the transition from the south to the west coast. A few kilometres away, beaches like Zavial, Tonel, Beliche, Ponta Ruiva, Arrifana, Bordeira or Amado show outstanding conditions and world class waves that thrill Portuguese and foreign athletes.

In addition to these popular places, this wild coast holds many beaches and coves, surprising the more adventurous surfer seeking for high quality waves and uncrowded places, the ‘secret spots’ in surf slang.

Short guide for the most famous beaches: