Surf Camps in Algarve

The Algarve is a premier surf destination in Portugal, boasting a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches and reliable waves for all levels.

Summary

The Algarve is a premier surf destination in Portugal, boasting a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches and reliable waves. While known for its sun-kissed shores and vibrant towns, the Algarve offers excellent surfing opportunities for all levels, from beginners to seasoned surfers.

Surf Spots

The Algarve has two coastlines – one to the west and one to the south. The first faces the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean, so expect the waves there to be pretty heavy and hard, with reliable sets coming in most months of the year. It’s the most consistent surf zone for sure, with something for all levels. On the south, meanwhile, rideable days are less common, but there’s way more shelter that makes for some good beginner locations and excellent protection at key spots, which can fire with world-class waves when the heavy NW winter sets wrap around to come in.

West Coast

• Odeceixe: A fine intro to proper south Portgual beach breaks, with good rivermouth waves and high consistency.
• Arrifana: Probably the most famous beginner-improver spot in the Algarve, and for good reason. It offers two distinct breaks.
• Aljezur: A lovely little town in the northern Algarve. It’s become something of an international surfer’s hub in recent years.
• Carrapateira: The cliffs of Carrapateira can fire off some of the best lefts in the region. Can handle a lot of size and power but are mainly for experienced surfers from Autumn onwards.
• Praia do Amado: A genuinely fantastic spot. It’s a beach break with some attitude, picking up lots of swell thanks to a NW orinetation.
• Praia da Cordoama: Longer than its near neighbor of Castelejo and generally a bit more popular, though it offers a similar combo of consistency and sandbar waves with the odd rock poking out here and there.
• Castelejo: Can be a super-nice beginner A-frame with small, knee-slapping practice waves. Or it can be a heavy spot with steep right and lefts coming off a central peak.
• Ponta Ruiva: A pretty epic wave when it works. It’s a long left hander pont that comes off the jagged rocks you can see poking out from the western end of the bay.
• Beliche: You’ll find Beliche beach huddled under dramatic cliffs to the north of Sagres. It’s a gorgeous setting, far enough away from town never to be busy.

South Coast

• Zavial: A great option for winter surfing, when the big NW swells wrap around the headland.
• Praia da Rocha: A popular beach break that can get crowded in the summer.

Best Time to Visit

October to April is prime time, with bigger and more consistent swell hitting the west coast. Summer is smaller but still surfable, especially for beginners and longboarders.

Getting There

Faro Airport (FAO) is the main international gateway to the Algarve. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to your destination.