General Area
The Algarve has one of Europe’s most consistent surf zones with both a west and south facing coast. Located in the South of Portugal it is also one of the few destinations that has the mildest air temps. The Algarve is an easy holiday destination with most tourist facities very accessible but there is also plenty of chances to go exploring down dirt tracks. Like most of Portugal the Algarve has many great affordable restaurants with brilliant seafood options. The Agarve is a very beautiful area and therefore there is plenty to do for non surfing partners. The surf in the Algarve is mostly based along the south west tip.
G
The Surf
Having both a north and west coast gives great options to chase swells and winds. The West coast picks up most swells while the south coast often offers protection in larger swells and stronger winds especially the furter east you go. The Algarve many argue has no ‘world class’ wave as there is no Mundaka, Hossegor or Supertubes that focuses media attention however there is a multitude of quality waves such as Aranfana and Zaviel. There is also a lot of dirt tracks which hide many semi secret spots. These breaks are reasonably easy to find if you spend a little time and drive down many of the dirt tracks. Most of the waves are sand bottomed and are perfect for beginner/ intermediate surfers wanting to Improve. The Algarve is home to many travelling surfers and maybe the surf camp capital of the world however there are so many different beaches it is easy to find somewhere reasonably quiet if you want. There is localism in the Algarve especially from local bodyboarders but this seems to be concentrated in the breaks around Sagres and is easy enough to avoid.
The Seasons/ water temp
The Algarve is a year round surf destination with mild water temps most of the year. The west coast can max out in big swells so is probably best in small to mid range swells which are more common in Summer/Spring. In small Summer swells some of the more popular beaches do get crowded. The south coast either needs bigger west swells or south swells which generally happen in Autumn/Winter. It is possible to use boardies in a hot day in summer/autumn but best to pack a shorty. In Winter a 3/2 is fine however it can be chilly putting it on early morning before the sun rises.
The Nightlife
Most of the nightlife centres around Sagres or Lagos. Sagres is busy in the late spring to early Autumn and the nightlife is based around 2 or 3 local bars which have parties on alternative nights. Lagos is the bigger town and has more nightclubs and bars for the party animals.
