Top 5 Algarve Surfing Spots

Portugal is blessed with great weather and great waves throughout the year. If you’re a surfer, you will already know of Portugal’s reputation for some of the best surfing spots in the world - but did you know that many of them are only a short drive from Vila Vita Parc? In the spirit of spring, we also invite anyone who’s always dreamt of riding the waves, but never have, to finally dive in and take a look at our top 5 Algarve surf spots! 

On the south coast, you will find Praia do Zavial, as well as Praia da Mareta. On the right side of the Zavial bay, you will find some beautiful waves - and, once in the water, you can simply wait until the waves reach you.  

Arrifana is a beautiful beach on the Algarve’s west coast - and slightly more sheltered from the wind than other spots. The view from the cliff is fantastic and overlooks a simply stunning beach.  

One of the most famous spots on the west coast is Praia do Amado, close to Carrapateira. The relaxed vibes make it ideal for surf schools - and make it a popular place for camping holidays.   

Praia de Faro is a unique beach separated from the mainland by the Ria Formosa, so it almost feels like you’re surfing from an island. A fantastic surf spot with great beach bars and restaurants, this is also a place of outstanding natural beauty.  

Ask any Portuguese local about surfing - and they will definitely recommend Odeceixe to you. Both the village and the beach are absolutely beautiful - a place where you will want to surf all day long, from dawn to dusk. 

The great thing about Surfing in the Algarve is that the water is warm; still about 22 degrees Celsius in October. The rays of sunshine will hit you exactly in the right spot, while the waves are breaking. You will be able to see shoals of fish in the impossibly clear blue water. The sun shines from the moment you wake up, till the moment you go to sleep. 

And if you’re for example in Sagres, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the west coast of the Algarve (Tonel Beach), as well as the south coast of the Algarve (Mareta). 

With world famous destinations such as Supertubos and Ribeira d’Ilhas on the west coast, near Peniche and Ericeira, Portugal has plenty to offer. 

Algarve is rightly considered an epic place for a surf trip. Like Lisbon you get the options of west or south coast and if the Atlantic isn’t playing ball, you can even get south swells or easterly wind swells on the south coast. 

But in the Algarve area, you can also find an abundance of surf spots – and what an area the Algarve is for surfing!