The best surf spots - wave paradise Portugal
The west coast of Portugal is a wave guarantee for everyone - whether beginner, advanced or pro. It's not for nothing that the best big wave surfers in the world find their way to the western end of Europe every year. Our surf camp is located near Arrifana and Monte Clerigo. But these are just two spots, if you want to go on a surf safari yourself, here are a few tips:
Arrifana
Arrifana - Our home spot for perfect waves!
Nestled between steep cliffs, Arrifana offers ideal conditions for all surfing levels.
The organized waves and gentle sandbanks make it the perfect spot for our surf lessons. Less powerful waves reduce the risk of injury and ensure maximum fun in the water. No wonder Arrifana is one of the most popular surf spots in the western Algarve!
Monte Clerigo
Monte Clérigo - extensive sandy beach with perfect waves
To the north of our surf camp lies the beautiful beach of Monte Clérigo, surrounded by a charming village.
As the spot is a little more exposed, we move here when the waves in Arrifana are too small. Thanks to the wide expanse, we always find a suitable sandbank for surfing lessons.
There are also cozy bars right on the beach for a relaxing lunch break.
Carrapateira
Carrapateira is also one of the best-known surfing spots in Portugal and has two very beautiful and large sandy beaches with several peaks that are also suitable for beginners. The southern beach is more sheltered from the north wind. The northern beach is more open to the north and is embedded in a beautiful dune landscape. It is also a beach that is very popular with kiters.
Cordoama
You can reach Cordoama by driving through the small village of Villa do Bispo and then after a few kilometers take the turn-off to the right, a small road that leads to the beach. The beach usually has several beautiful peaks, and the viewpoint at the top of the cliff is perfect for a spot check.
Sagres
Sagres is a small fishing village where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the bars after surfing. Sagres is the most south-westerly point in Europe, a small coastal town with a fishing port, plenty of vacation accommodation, a campsite and a handful of bars that are great for partying. The fortress and Cap São Vicente, the most south-westerly point in Europe, are major tourist attractions. The surrounding area offers many surfing opportunities, which are used by many surfers and bodyboarders. One very good spot is Beliche. However, this beach break requires a large north swell or a south swell. You will find more consistent conditions in Tonel, but the waves are often blown away by the wind in summer, which also attracts windsurfers. In winter, Mareta regularly impresses with good waves.
Zavial
Zavial is one of the many small bays on the south coast of the Algarve and not the only one with good waves. On the right-hand side of the bay, there is a nice right over rocky ground with a bigger west swell. There are usually two main peaks in the middle of the bay, but they often break close-out.
Season and weather
Almost everyone who has been to Portugal likes to come back. Not just for surfing.
Portugal offers an impressive selection of almost perfect waves all year round. From flat white water waves for beginners to barrels for pros - there really is something for everyone here. "You should have been here yesterday " - the legendary line from the famous surf movie "Endless Summer" - does not apply here.
Beginners will find almost perfect conditions all year round to make their first attempts at surfing. For the pros, spring and fall are better. Places like Nazare, Peniche and Ericeira make the hearts of many big wave and professional surfers beat faster.
The Atlantic always offers enough swell, it is never too shallow for surfing. The water temperature in Portugal is always between 15 degrees in winter and 20 degrees in summer, although it is always a few degrees warmer in the Algarve than in the north of the country.
The Algarve has a mild climate all year round, with a pleasant breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, which is ideal for refreshment on the beach, especially on hot summer days. With the most days of sunshine in the whole of Europe, the Algarve is at its best here. It cools down pleasantly at night, so there is no need for fans or air conditioning in the rooms.