The 5 Best Surf Spots in the Algarve

The Algarve is a year-round wave magnet, but the best season depends on your level and what kind of ride you’re after. Autumn and winter (September to March) bring the juiciest swells, serving up powerful, hollow waves that get advanced surfers frothing, although in the south coast there are still waves for beginners and longboard riders. Spring and summer (April to August) deliver mellow rollers, perfect for beginners and cruisy sessions. With sun-kissed beaches, and a variety of beach breaks, the Algarve is a surfer’s dream playground.

1. Zavial

• Swell Direction: W, SW, S, strong NW.
• Consistency: Moderate (best in winter).
• Level: All levels. It can get very hollow with off-shore wind conditions. 
• Tide: Mid and low tide. 
• Wave Type: Hollow right-handers with occasional barrels. Tasty A-frames at the center of the beach.
• Wind: Loves offshore breezes from the north (specially for perfect barrels). 
• Best Conditions: A solid west swell with light northerly winds. It will make long period waves with perfect shape. 
• Why Surf Here? When it’s firing, Zavial is a heavy, fast-breaking wave that packs a punch—expect steep drops, powerful walls, and some epic barrels. On smaller days, it mellows out.

2. Beliche

• Swell Direction: W, SW.
• Consistency: Low to moderate (best in autumn and winter).
• Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
• Tide: Best at mid-tide.
• Wave Type: Hollow, punchy beach break.
• Wind: Prefers slightly offshore from the north. 
• Best Conditions: Clean north winds and a solid west swell
• Why Surf Here? Tucked between towering cliffs near Sagres, Beliche turns on when the swell is just right, serving up some of the best barrels in the Algarve. This wave is quick and powerful—perfect for those who love a steep takeoff and a fast ride. It’s not always working, but when it does, it’s magic.

3. Cordoama

• Swell Direction: NW, W, SW.
• Consistency: High (works year-round).
• Level: All levels.
• Tide: Works at all tides but best at mid-tide.
• Wave Type: Beach break with shifting peaks, offering lefts and rights, A-frames… it is the perfect playground to practice your technique no matter the level.
• Wind: Best with light offshore winds from the east. 
• Best Conditions: A medium west swell with gentle offshore breezes.
• Why Surf Here? Cordoama is an open, exposed beach with multiple peaks and plenty of space to spread out. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a hollow section to rip, this spot has something for everyone. Plus, the views from the cliffs? Unreal.

4. Bordeira

• Swell Direction: NW, but much better with W, SW.
• Consistency: High.
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Tide: Best at mid to high tide.
• Wave Type: Long, playful beach break with many peaks, you can even surf alone if you fancy a walk to the end of the beach.
• Wind: Best with light offshore breezes.
• Best Conditions: A medium-sized W swell with clean winds.
• Why Surf Here? If you’re looking for a fun, cruisy session with long, forgiving waves, Bordeira is the go-to. With a huge stretch of sand and multiple peaks, there’s always a wave to be had—even when other spots are jam-packed.

5. Arrifana

• Swell Direction: W, SW and strong NW.
• Consistency: High (best in autumn and winter). Very protected from the north wind.
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Tide: Best at mid-tide or high tide.
• Wave Type: Rights and lefts, different peaks. 
• Wind: Everything except west or southwest winds.
• Best Conditions: A medium west swell with soft offshore breezes.
• Why Surf Here? Arrifana is one of the Algarve’s most iconic spots. It’s super consistent, great for long rides, and a solid choice for improving surfers looking to step up their game. On bigger days, the point break fires, giving intermediates a taste of something punchier.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hunting for thumping barrels, fun rippable peaks, or mellow rollers to practice your pop-up, the Algarve has a break for you. Big west swell? you can surf the south. Flat south? you can surf the west coast. The amount of kilometers of beaches makes it the perfect playground. A car is needed if you really want to score the nicest conditions, but if you want to be comfy and not move, Arrifana can normally offer you the best consistency and cleaner conditions.

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