818 Centro Nautico e Restaurante is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.6★ Google rating from 327 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Aldeia Caiçara Surf House is a surf camp in Sagres, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 229 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Algarve Adventure is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 100 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Aljezur Surf Spot shop are inspired in a surfing lifestyle space at Aljezur on the beautiful Vicentina Coast of Algarve - Portugal.
Algarve surf camp in Portugal in Sagres and Carrapateira, Amado, is THE surf school to learn to surf.
Amazigh Design Hostel is a surf camp in Aljezur, Portugal. With a 4.0★ Google rating from 288 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Experience world-class surf lessons, cozy camp stays, and board rentals at Arrifana Surf School & Camp in the Algarve. Surf, relax, and embrace the ocean lifestyle.
Birds of Paradise is a surf camp in Aljezur, Portugal. Boutique lodge with wellness focus in the algarve countryside.
Experience an epic surfing adventure in Sagres, Algarve, with Freeride Surf School. Explore Natural Parks and rejuvenate with our retreats.
Good Feeling Hostel is a surf camp in Sagres, Portugal. With a 4.6★ Google rating from 335 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Jho'La Surf Camp in Praia da Luz: intimate eco-friendly, surf lessons, yoga, diving & accommodation. Max 10 guests. Homemade meals. Book now!
Karma Surf Retreat is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 25 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Living Lodge Portugal is a surf camp in Aljezur, Portugal. With a 4.8★ Google rating from 131 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Luz Surf Village is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.5★ Google rating from 12 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
MissionToSurf Portugal - Surfcamp is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.6★ Google rating from 490 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Pure Surf Camp Algarve is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 307 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Rocha Beach House is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.8★ Google rating from 218 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Russo Surf Camp is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. Located in a quiet fishing village with uncrowded waves.
Welcome to the Sagres Natura Surf Company: beautiful Surf Camp, Surf School and Surf Shop in the Algarve, Portugal. Book your perfect Surf Holiday now!
Sagres Sun Stay - Hostel & Surf Camp is a surf camp in Sagres, Portugal. With a 4.5★ Google rating from 397 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Sagres Surf Camp is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. Located at the southwestern tip of europe with dramatic cliffs and consistent waves.
Surf Lodge Algarve Ingrina is a surf camp in Algarve, Portugal. With a 4.9★ Google rating from 307 reviews, it offers quality surf experiences on the Portuguese coast.
Welcome to the Sagres Natura Surf Company: beautiful Surf Camp, Surf School and Surf Shop in the Algarve, Portugal. Book your perfect Surf Holiday now!
Welcome to our surf camp Portugal in Aljezur. Enjoy surf lessons, cozy rooms, ocean vibes and the warm, relaxed atmosphere of Mayla Surf House.
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.
The best time to surf in the Algarve depends on your skill level. For beginners, the summer months (June-August) offer smaller, more manageable waves and warm weather. Autumn (September-November) is considered the best all-around season, with consistent swells, warm water, and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) brings bigger and more powerful waves, ideal for experienced surfers. Spring (March-May) offers a good mix of conditions as the swells begin to ease.
The Algarve is a fantastic destination for all skill levels. There are numerous surf schools and sheltered beach breaks with sandy bottoms, such as Praia da Arrifana and Praia do Amado, which are perfect for beginners. Intermediate surfers will find plenty of fun waves along the south and west coasts. Advanced surfers can challenge themselves with the powerful winter swells that hit the west coast.
The water temperature in the Algarve varies throughout the year. In the summer, it can reach up to 22°C (72°F), while in the winter it can drop to around 15°C (59°F). A wetsuit is recommended year-round. A 3/2mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for the summer and autumn, while a 4/3mm wetsuit is advisable for the winter and spring months. You can find more information on our packing guide.
Besides your surfboard, you'll want to pack a good quality wetsuit appropriate for the season. Sunscreen is a must, as the sun in the Algarve is strong year-round. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. For your time out of the water, pack comfortable clothing, including a jacket for the cooler evenings. Check out our Algarve surf camps for accommodation options.
The Algarve has a rich culture and delicious cuisine. Seafood is a staple, with fresh fish and shellfish available everywhere. Be sure to try 'cataplana de marisco,' a seafood stew cooked in a special copper pan. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the region has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Explore the charming fishing villages and historic towns to get a taste of the local culture.
The cost of a surf trip to the Algarve can vary depending on your travel style and the time of year. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury villas. A meal at a local restaurant can cost between €10-€20. Surf lessons typically cost around €50 for a group session. You can find a variety of options to suit your budget on our surf camps in Portugal page.
Yes, the Algarve is generally a very safe place to surf. Many of the popular surf spots are beach breaks with sandy bottoms, which are safer for beginners. It's always important to be aware of the current conditions, including the tides and swell size. If you're a beginner, it's highly recommended to take a lesson with a certified surf school. Always surf at beaches with lifeguards and never surf alone.
When you're not surfing, there's plenty to see and do in the Algarve. Explore the stunning coastline with its dramatic cliffs and hidden grottos, like the famous Benagil Cave. Visit the historic towns of Lagos and Sagres, or hike the scenic trails of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. For a change of pace, you can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife in towns like Albufeira. Discover more in our guide to the Algarve.