Surf in the Algarve today
Algarve, Portugal · 21 spots ranked
Monte Clérigo is the best choice in the Algarve today: chest to head high, 11-second swell, light offshore wind, rated fair.Amoreira is close behind.
Tomorrow, Wednesday 4 November
Praia do Amado is the best choice in the Algarve tomorrow: knee to waist high, 9-second swell, light onshore wind, rated poor to fair.Praia da Cordoama is close behind.
Surfing in the Algarve
The Algarve has two coasts that meet at Sagres, and they rarely work on the same day. The west coast - Arrifana, Amado, Carrapateira, Cordoama - faces the open Atlantic and takes everything the ocean sends, wind included. The south coast - Zavial, Salema, Burgau, Luz, Meia Praia - is sheltered from the prevailing north wind and only breaks when a swell is big enough to wrap round the corner.
So the daily question is which corner of the Algarve to drive to, and the answer flips with the wind. A north wind that wrecks the west coast is offshore at Zavial; a small day that leaves the south flat is head high at Amado. This page ranks both coasts from today's forecast, using the same model as the app.
Where should a beginner surf in the Algarve?
Amado and Arrifana on the west coast have surf schools and long sandy beaches, and work most days from September to May. On the south coast, Meia Praia at Lagos and Praia da Luz are gentle when the swell wraps in, and calm when it doesn't.
Beliche and Tonel at Sagres are for experienced surfers - powerful, with rocks and rips - and Zavial gets hollow and crowded when it's on.
When is the best time to surf the Algarve?
October to April on the west coast, when Atlantic swell arrives with size; summer there is small, windy and full of learners. The south coast is a winter and spring option, needing a big west or south-west swell to work. Water is warmest in September and October, and the Algarve's south coast stays surfable in a spring suit longer than anywhere else in Portugal.
Common questions
West coast or south coast today?
West on a small to medium swell with light or easterly wind; south when the west coast is big and blown out by the north wind. The ranking above weighs both from today's forecast.
Where should a beginner surf in the Algarve?
Amado or Arrifana on the west coast, both with schools and sand. Meia Praia at Lagos on the south coast when the swell wraps in.
When is the best time of year to surf the Algarve?
October to April for the west coast. Autumn gives the best balance of size, warm water and light wind.
Is Sagres good for surfing?
Yes, but it is the serious end: Beliche, Tonel and Mareta are powerful, rocky and exposed. Better for experienced surfers than for learning.
How far is the Algarve from Lisbon?
About two and a half hours by car to Sagres on the A2, or three hours by coach to Lagos.