Photo “Xavial Beach (3576216657).jpg” by Sheila Thomson, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Surfing in Portugal: Best Beaches, Surf Spots, and Campervan Road Trip Guide
Nina
Ocean Camper CEO
Ocean Camper CEO
Surfing in Portugal is a dream come true for every surfer. With more than 900 km of coastline, mild weather, and waves for every level, it offers year-round surfing conditions. The Algarve and Alentejo regions, in the south and southwest, are especially attractive — where rugged cliffs meet golden beaches and Atlantic swells meet sunshine. Whether you’re chasing your first waves or planning an off-grid surf road trip, this guide will help you find the best surf beaches in Portugal — all accessible with an Ocean Camper surf campervan.
Make your surf adventure simple, flexible, and affordable with Ocean Camper. Our Campervans are compact, affordable, and are fully equipped for surf trips:
Outdoor shower and 80L water tank
Roof rack with fixation belts for surfboards of any size
Optional surfboard and wetsuit rental
Comfortable double bed and cooking setup
Solar system (in some models) for off-grid staysOur vans are compact, efficient, and perfect for chasing waves from Sagres to Sines and beyond.
| Season | West Coast (Vicentina & Alentejo) | South Coast (Algarve) | Typical Wind | Water Temp | Wetsuit Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct–Dec | Consistent Atlantic swells | Sheltered, fun waves | NW/W winds | 16–19 °C | 4/3 mm |
| Jan–Mar | Strong winter swells | Clean surf on small days | Variable, best E winds | 15–17 °C | 4/3 + boots |
| Apr–May | Mellow surf, fewer crowds | Frequent fun days | Mornings E wind | 16–18 °C | 3/2–4/3 |
| Jun–Sep | Smaller waves, windy PMs | Great for learners | NW sea breeze | 18–22 °C | 3/2 shortie |
💡 Tip: When the west coast is too big, the south coast (Sagres, Zavial, Faro) offers clean, smaller surf.
Zavial is one of the most iconic south coast surf spots in the Algarve, known for clean waves, golden sand, and a peaceful natural setting. Tucked in a narrow valley near Raposeira, it stays sheltered when the west coast is too big or windy, making it one of the most reliable winter options.
On small to medium swells, Zavial offers long, fun walls for beginners and intermediates. With solid west or southwest swell, the wave becomes fast and powerful, ideal for advanced surfers. The beach is wide, quiet, and easy to access, with clear water and dramatic cliffs. For campervan travelers, it’s a great stop on a campervan surf trip in Portugal.
📍 Best for: beginners on small days, intermediates and advanced on medium to solid swells
🌊 Wave type: beach break with occasional point-like sections
💨 Wind: NW winds are offshore; east winds create clean walls
⏰ Best tide: mid to high
✔️ Why surfers love it: clean water, beautiful scenery, reliable winter waves, uncrowded vibes
Photo “Xavial Beach (3576216657).jpg” by Sheila Thomson, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Mareta is the most sheltered surf beach in Sagres, protected by high cliffs that block wind and heavy swell. This makes it one of the safest and most consistent beginner surf spots on the south coast. The waves are usually soft and friendly, ideal for first sessions, surf lessons, or relaxed days when the west coast is too powerful. On larger winter swells, Mareta can produce fun, playful peaks that intermediates enjoy. The beach sits close to cafés and surf schools, making it convenient for a full surf day.
📍 Best for: beginners on most days; intermediates on bigger winter swells
🌊 Wave type: soft beach break with gentle, rolling waves
💨 Wind: east or southeast for the cleanest conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: sheltered from swell, great for lessons, easy access, cafés and surf schools nearby
Photo “Mareta Beach Beach hut – Sagres – The Algarve, Portugal (1388511228).jpg” by Glen Bowman, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Tonel is one of the most exposed and powerful west coast surf spots in Sagres, sitting directly in the path of Atlantic swells. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and open to the ocean, it delivers consistent, punchy waves with strong energy, especially in autumn and winter. While conditions can occasionally be friendly for confident intermediates, Tonel is primarily known as an advanced surfer beach, offering steep take-offs, strong rips, and heavier sets. It’s a favourite among experienced surfers looking for powerful, raw wave conditions close to Sagres town.
📍 Best for: advanced surfers; intermediates only on smaller days
🌊 Wave type: heavy beach break with powerful peaks
💨 Wind: east wind is offshore and creates clean faces
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: strong consistent swell, challenging waves, beautiful cliffs, central Sagres location
Photo “Strand In Sagres (158927813).jpeg” by the Archive Team, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Beliche is a stunning, cliff-protected surf beach just outside Sagres, known for its turquoise water, steep canyon-like access, and fast, punchy waves. The high cliffs create a unique amphitheatre that often shields the beach from wind, making conditions cleaner than at nearby west-facing spots. On the right swell, Beliche offers quick, hollow peaks and fun ramps — especially loved by intermediates and bodyboarders. It’s one of the most scenic surf spots in the region, with a dramatic golden-sand bay framed by towering limestone walls.
📍 Best for: intermediates; advanced surfers on heavier swells
🌊 Wave type: fast, punchy beach break with occasional hollow sections
💨 Wind: NE or E winds provide clean conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: protected from wind, crystal-clear water, powerful peaks, dramatic cliff scenery
Photo “Praia do Beliche (52652773726).jpg” by Michael Gaylard, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Ponta Ruiva is one of the wildest and most remote surf spots in the Algarve, known for its dramatic red cliffs, untouched nature, and powerful waves. Reached only by a long dirt track, it offers a true off-the-beaten-path surf experience far from crowds. When conditions line up, Ponta Ruiva delivers long, peeling left-handers and heavy peaks that attract experienced surfers looking for raw Atlantic power. Its exposed location means it picks up a lot of swell and can get challenging, with strong rips and fast take-offs.
📍 Best for: advanced surfers with strong ocean experience
🌊 Wave type: powerful left-hand point-style waves and heavy beach break sections
💨 Wind: east or northeast for clean conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: wild landscape, long powerful rides, uncrowded feel, ideal for adventurous surfers
Amado is one of the most iconic and consistent west coast surf beaches in the Algarve, famous for its reliable swell, surf schools, and wide sandy bay. It picks up almost any incoming swell, making it surfable on most days of the year. The beach offers multiple peaks spread along the shoreline, creating options for all levels—from beginners taking lessons to advanced surfers hunting powerful winter waves. With easy parking, surf rentals, and stunning natural surroundings, Amado is a must-stop on any Algarve surf road trip.
📍 Best for: all levels
🌊 Wave type: multiple beach break peaks across a wide bay
💨 Wind: east wind is offshore and provides the cleanest waves
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: very consistent waves, surf schools, beautiful scenery, plenty of space across the bay
Photo “Looking south across Praia de Amado.jpg” by Kyle Taylor, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Arrifana is one of the most famous surf beaches in Portugal, set inside a stunning, cliff-lined bay on the west coast. Its long right-hand point-style wave makes it especially popular with intermediates and advanced surfers, while the southern corner offers gentler conditions for beginners on smaller days. The beach picks up consistent swell and often has cleaner conditions than nearby west-facing spots, thanks to its curved, protected shape. With a surf village on top of the cliffs and breathtaking views from above, Arrifana is a must-visit stop on any Algarve surf road trip.
📍 Best for: all levels, depending on the swell
🌊 Wave type: long right-handers plus multiple beach break peaks
💨 Wind: east wind is offshore and ideal
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: iconic long right wave, stunning cliffs, surf-friendly village, consistent conditions
Photo “Praia da Arrifana.jpg” by Patrice78500, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Praia de Faro is a long, sandy beach located on the barrier island opposite Faro city, offering mellow waves and a relaxed local atmosphere. It’s one of the easiest surf spots to reach in the Algarve, making it ideal for beginner sessions, casual surf days, and quick sunset rides. From autumn to spring, the beach receives small but fun swells that create clean, playful peaks. In summer, it’s mostly flat, making it a great place to swim, stroll, or unwind during a campervan trip.
📍 Best for: beginners & casual surfers
🌊 Wave type: mellow beach break with small, friendly waves
💨 Wind: northwest wind is offshore and offers cleanest conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: close to Faro city, relaxed vibe, long sandy beach, ideal for easy sessions
Photo “Praia de Faro – Portugal (6697971433).jpg” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Odeceixe is one of the most unique surf beaches in Portugal, located at the mouth of the Seixe River where the Algarve meets Alentejo. The river creates a beautiful, wide bay with gentle peaks that are perfect for beginners on smaller swells, while bigger days offer fun, rippable waves for intermediates. Its scenic mix of cliffs, dunes, and river makes it a favourite stop for road-trippers exploring the Vicentina Coast. The beach has plenty of space, easy parking, and a peaceful, natural vibe — ideal for relaxed surf days.
📍 Best for: beginners to intermediates
🌊 Wave type: mellow beach break with river-mouth influence
💨 Wind: east or northeast winds offer cleanest conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: scenic river-mouth setting, fun friendly waves, spacious bay, perfect for relaxed surf sessions
Photo “Aljezur – Odeceixe-3 (48890405646).jpg” by Otávio Nogueira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Zambujeira do Mar is a picturesque surf beach set below dramatic cliffs, offering a peaceful village atmosphere and clean, consistent waves. The beach stretches across a wide sandy bay with several peaks that work best on small to medium swells, making it a great spot for confident beginners and intermediates. Its scenic setting and laid-back vibe make it a favourite for surf road trippers exploring the Alentejo coast. While it doesn’t pick up as much swell as the exposed west coast beaches to the south, it often provides fun, playful waves with fewer crowds.
📍 Best for: intermediates; beginners on small swells
🌊 Wave type: beach break with multiple shifting peaks
💨 Wind: east or northeast provides clean conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: scenic cliffs, relaxed village, fun peaks, quieter than southern Algarve spots
Photo “Odemira – Zambujeira do Mar (48885308782).jpg” by Otávio Nogueira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Malhão is one of the wildest and most expansive surf beaches in the Alentejo, known for its rugged dunes, wide sandy bay, and powerful Atlantic exposure. The beach picks up a lot of swell and offers multiple shifting peaks, creating fast, challenging waves that are best suited for advanced surfers. Its remote feel and natural beauty attract vanlifers and surf road trippers looking for space, solitude, and raw ocean energy. On smaller days, Malhão can also offer fun, rippable conditions for confident intermediates.
📍 Best for: advanced surfers; intermediates on smaller swells
🌊 Wave type: powerful beach break with multiple shifting peaks
💨 Wind: east or northeast gives cleanest conditions
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: remote atmosphere, strong swell exposure, beautiful dunes, plenty of space across the bay
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two / julesvernex2.com / CC-BY-SA-4.0.
São Torpes is a well-known Alentejo surf spot famous for its long, soft waves and slightly warmer water than the surrounding coast. The beach is wide and sandy, with multiple gentle peaks that are perfect for beginners, longboarders, and relaxed sessions. Thanks to its consistent but forgiving conditions, São Torpes is often one of the easiest places to learn or refine surf basics in the region. On larger swells, it can offer clean, cruisy walls for intermediates.
📍 Best for: beginners & longboarders; intermediates on bigger days
🌊 Wave type: long, soft beach break waves
💨 Wind: east or northeast wind creates clean lines
⏰ Best tide: mid tide
✔️ Why surfers love it: warm-ish water, long friendly rides, wide beach, ideal for beginners and cruisy surf days
Photo “Praia de São Torpes – Portugal (53858261194).jpg” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
| Beach | Region | Wave Level | Best For | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zavial | Algarve (S) | Medium | All levels | Great when west is too big |
| Mareta | Algarve (S) | Small | Beginners | Light east wind |
| Tonel | Algarve (W) | Big | Advanced | Clean NW swell, E wind |
| Beliche | Algarve (SW) | Medium | Intermediate | Sheltered from wind |
| Ponta Ruiva | Algarve (W) | Big | Advanced | Mid tide, clean NW |
| Amado | Algarve (W) | Medium | All levels | Consistent all year |
| Arrifana | Algarve (W) | Medium | All levels | Long rights, mid tide |
| Praia de Faro | Algarve (S) | Small | Casual | Autumn–spring pulses |
| Odeceixe | Alentejo | Medium | All levels | River mouth peaks |
| Zambujeira | Alentejo | Medium | Intermediate | Scenic cliffs |
| Malhão | Alentejo | Big | Advanced | Strong NW swells |
| São Torpes | Alentejo | Small | Beginners | Gentle long rides |
When is the best time to surf in Algarve and Alentejo?
October to May offers the most consistent swells. June to September brings smaller, cleaner waves — great for learners.
Can beginners surf in the Algarve?
Yes. Beaches like Mareta, Amado, and Praia de Faro offer soft, friendly waves and surf schools.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Yes, especially outside summer. A 4/3 mm works from autumn to spring; a 3/2 mm is fine for summer.
Which is better for surfing — west or south coast?
The west coast has stronger, more consistent swells. The south coast is more sheltered, ideal for smaller days or windy conditions.
Is a campervan practical for a surf trip?
Absolutely. A surf campervan gives you total freedom to chase conditions and stay overnight near your favourite breaks.
From Arrifana’s dramatic cliffs to Odeceixe’s river mouth and São Torpes’ long rides, southern Portugal is a surfer’s paradise.
Wake up by the ocean, cook breakfast at sunrise, and surf until sunset.
🚐 Ready for the perfect surf trip?
Rent your surf-ready campervan with Ocean Camper and follow the waves through Algarve & Alentejo.
Why solo travelling?
Advantages of solo travelling
Safety and social environment
Suggestion for activities
A map with all the best places to visit in Portugal: Surf beaches, SUP & snorkel sports and campsites.
Tips for travelling with our e-Nomad 100% electric Camper: where to charge it, charging points map and history of the eCamper.
