Surf camps in the Algarve

With more than 200 kilometres of coastline, the Algarve offers a variety of surf spots for different seasons and surfing levels. From beach breaks to point breaks, from fat o hollow - you really will find every type of wave you can imagine and dream of.

Basically, the Algarve coast is divided into the west and south coasts. While the west coast is wilder and more natural, you can expect more infrastructure on the south coast. The two coastal sections are connected by the beautiful surf location Sagres and the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, the most south- western point of the European mainland.

The advantage of the two coastlines is obvious: depending on the wind and swell, you generally always have alternative options and a coastline that delivers. As a rule of thumb, in summer and autumn you'll find the best waves on the west coast, while in winter and spring the surf spots on the south coast will wake up. 

As many advantages as the extensive coastline with its two sections has, the disadvantage is that the routes are longer and you need to have some experience to be in the right place at the right time. The advantage for you is that if you choose one of our surf camps, you can just sit back and relax and thanks to the local surf instructors, you'll always be in the best waves of the day.

As you can imagine, it's impossible to present all the surf spots in the Algarve. However, to give you a first impression of what to expect, you will find a small selection of our favourite surf spots below:

Surf spots on the west coast

The west coast of the Algarve is wild and picturesque - especially the nature parks and the large bays with their steep coastlines. With 150 kilometres, it is the longer stretch of coastline and therefore offers many surf spots for different levels:

• Arrifana: Probably the most famous surf spot in the Algarve - and not without reason: the setting with the high cliffs is fantastically beautiful, the bay is protected from the north wind and there are two spots for surfing - a long right-hand wave that breaks over a reef and is suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers, and a beach break that is ideal for learning to surf and practising.
• Praia da Amoreira: A beach break with several peaks with right- and left-hand waves. Praia da Amoreira is perfect for learning to surf and is therefore high on the list of our surf camps in the region.
• Vale de Figueiras: Further south of Arrifana, in the middle of a national park, you will find the small bay of Vale de Figueiras. Another beach break with many different peaks awaits here, perfect for beginners and advanced surfers. You can find our recommendation for a surf camp in Vale de Figueiras here.
• Praia do Amado: Praia do Amado is probably the most consistent surf spot on the west coast all year round. The many waves that break over sand are suitable for all surfing levels. As a result, it can get crowded here.

Surf spots around Sagres

Sagres is located at the most south- western point of Europe and is particularly popular among surfers thanks to its proximity to both coastlines. In addition, two of the best surf spots in the Algarve are located directly in Sagres:

• Tonel: The most popular surf spot in Sagres. This is partly due to the consistency of the waves, even in summer, and partly due to the variety of waves that the beach has to offer depending on the swell and tide. The large white water rollers at low tide are ideal for beginners, while intermediate and advanced surfers get their fun at mid tide. But be careful: the waves can get quite steep and there are rocks in the water - so don't underestimate this spot.
• Beliche: A stunning bay with a very special wave that comes to life in the winter months during the bigger swells and should be left to the experienced locals. But it's definitely worth watching! In the summer months, Beliche is mostly flat and more like the Mediterranean. It is therefore ideal for sunbathing.

Surf spots on the south coast

The south coast is the destination for days with big swells. Especially in winter and spring, the waves on the west coast can be really big and for most of us more scary than inviting. The advantage of the Algarve: in this case, you simply head to the south coast, where the various surf spots come to life:

• Salema: A perfect beach for beginners and intermediates looking for relaxed waves. If it's too big on the west coast in the winter months, you can expect relaxed left- and right-hand waves spread over several peaks.
• Zavial: Zavial is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and produces fast right-hand waves with barrel sections during big west swells in winter. As the wave is really challenging and breaks over rocks, it is only for experienced surfers and is particularly popular among locals.
• Meia Praia (Lagos): If you want something a little more lively for your surf holiday, Lagos is the right choice for you. In addition to various restaurants, bars and shops, Meia Praia is a long sandy beach with many right- and left-hand waves that are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

From Aljezur, via Sagres, to Lagos - what sounds like the perfect destination for your next surf holiday?