THE SURF
The Algarve receives waves all year round and for beginners there are always suitable waves to be found. For more experienced surfers autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons, the surf is consistent, the weather better than the north of the country and the tourist chaos of the summer is largely forgotten.
LAGOS
On big swells you'll surf the beaches just to the west of town, while on smaller days you're only a forty minute drive from the consistent west coast beaches.
SAGRES
Sagres is a great base for surfing as there are several beaches all working under different conditions within easy walking distance of the town center. There are waves here to suit surfers of all abilities from the sucky hollow and heavy waves of Beliche, to the mellower beachbreak of Tonel.
CARRAPATEIRA
Empty peaks can be surfed at Carrapateira's two main beaches. These beaches provide some of the most reliable surf conditions in the western Algarve and when it gets good they offer cracking surf.
ARRIFANA
This is the home of one of Portugal's premier big-wave spots. When it's on, the point is a spectacular wave to surf or watch. Big wave chargers only. The beachbreak is suitable for surfers of all abilities and holds waves up to 4-6 ft.
PRAIA DA LUZ
See Lagos (above).
WHY THE WESTERN ALGARVE?
One of the big attractions of surfing in the Western Algarve is the incredible diversity of the waves and surfing locations. The beautiful beaches, steep cliffs, pleasant water temperature and waves that work under various conditions all make this area a great surf destination. The popular breaks get crowded when the surf is good, but there are literally dozens of uncrowded quality waves to be found with a little exploration. For more information on the Western Algarve please see our 'Destination Guide'.
WHAT'S ON OFFER?
We run Surf Camps for newbies & beginners and surfaris for intermediate or experienced surfers on the Algarve's southern and western coastlines.
The Surf Camps are great base for people who want to immerse themselves in the surf travel lifestyle and learn how to surf or perfect their surfing techniques. We offer Surf Camps in Lagos, Sagres, Carrapateira and Arrifana. Each camp offers something slightly different and there is something to suit all tastes. We can offer Professional Surfing Tuition backed by proven coaching techniques to anybody who's got the passion to learn or improve their surfing.
If you are an experienced surfer looking for more challenging waves then minimise your time driving around and maximise your time in the water by joining one of our surfaris. We offer surfaris in Lagos, Sagres, Carrapateira and Arrifana. Our local Surf Guides will give you a safe introduction to the more challenging, lesser known and uncrowded breaks in these areas. Your surf guide will pull out all the stop to get you into the best waves on any given day.
Our Custom Surf Trips offer you the chance to surf the Western Algarve coast we can arrange anything from your surfing accommodation, car hire and surfing lessons to personal surf guides or equipment hire.
WHO WILL IT APPEAL TO?
The quality and diversity of the waves, the pleasant climate, and excellent tourist facilities and the choice of lively resort or complete getaway make the Western Algarve a suitable destination for all levels of surfers, all year round Especially for those surfers with a sense of adventure.
Experienced surfers will find a wide range of challenging waves from autumn through to spring when the swells are bigger and the waves super consistant.
People new to surfing and beginners will prefer the waves in summer the swell tends to be a bit smaller with fun surf available at the many beach breaks.
