The ultimate guide to surfing in Sagres Portugal

The small town of Sagres on Portugal’s Atlantic Coastline sits at the most southwesterly point of the county. Many people come here for the sun, sea and sand, and importantly, to try surfing in Sagers!

Sagres’ location on the southwestern tip of the Algarve in Portugal makes it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels and surfing is one of the best things to do in Sagres by far.

On one side, you have the calm waters of the Algarve, while on the other side, the open ocean creates swells that hit reefs, rocks, and beaches creating solid waves pretty much year-round for all abilities of surfer.

During my recent month in Portugal, I returned to Sagres and spent two weeks exploring the Algarve coast and the town of Sagres and its beaches was one of my favourites.

From the great surfing we enjoyed there, to the delicious food and the cute Sagres town, there’s so much to enjoy in Sagres.

If you’re looking to go surfing in Sagres Portugal then I’ve put together the ultimate Sagres surfing guides.

Below you’ll find a surf guide with all the information you could need about the best beaches for surfing in Sagres, where to stay in town, and the best surf retreats (accommodations designed specifically for surfing in Sagres with lessons and equipment often included).

Quick overview of the best Sagres surf schools and surf camps

What to know about surfing in Sagres

There are plenty of places you can surf through Portugal, from up in Cascais near Lisbon, to down on the Algarve Coast in Sagres.

However, there are some things that make Sagres stand out compared to other Portuguese surfing towns and I’ve outlined those below so you can get a good idea of what to expect.

The best Sagres Surf Camps

Good Feeling Hostel & Guesthouse

Good Feeling Hostel and Guesthouse in Sagres was set up by two Portuguese surfers and is run by people living and surfing in the area so it has that truly authentic surfing culture.

Every day guests can be taken to the beaches for free and the staff will take you to places that have the best surf that day.

You’ll have access to surfing equipment, paddleboards, lessons, yoga and more.

They have great accommodation offering dorm rooms, private twin rooms and even a 2-bed apartment which is great for privacy and the additional space you get.

There’s a communal kitchen, living room and space for digital nomads to get some work done.

• Best for: Friendly, surf-loving team + private apartment options
• Downside: Many guests say having a car would make staying here even better so you’re not reliant on the hostel’s own transport

Casa Azul

Casa Azul Sagres is a small B&B that’s about 10 minutes from the centre of Sagres and the beaches too.

All rooms and apartments have a private bathroom and there’s a great outdoor area for all guests to use too. They’re also decorated nicely which is always a plus when staying in hostels!

They hold surf lessons for beginners to those who are more advanced and the lessons are said to be really good.

The hostel has a chilled-out vibe that’s unpretentious and the staff’s ‘love’ of surf is super evident.

There’s a weekly BBQ at this hostel too which is great fun!

• Best for: Private rooms + bathrooms as standard
• Downside: Though not far from beaches and town, there are some that are closer

Wavesensations – Sagres Surf House

Wavesensations offers a surf camp package that includes accommodation. If you’re serious about learning to surf, their surf camp is a great choice. The surf house is just 600 m from the beach so you’ve no excuse to get out there and get practising! You’re also close to town (10-15 minute walk).

They have modern and comfortable rooms, including private rooms and dorms for specific genders.

While breakfast is included in your stay, the downside is there’s no kitchen access so you’ll have to head out for lunch or dinner which can add to your costs.

• Best for: Super close to the beach, well-known surfing company in Sagres
• Downside: Bit further from the town + no kitchen

Sagres Natura Surf Camp

Sagres Natura Surf Camp is in an ideal location being just a short walk to 3 of the best Sagres beaches: Tonnel Beach, Mareta Beach, and Martinhal Beach. You’re also just a 5-minute walk from the Sagres nightlife that awaits you in town.

As well as the surfing lessons, Sagres Natura Surf Camp offers yoga, kickboxing, Thai massage, and even surf skating!

They have a great outdoor and indoor common area and you’ve got access to a kitchen so you can make meals during your stay.

• Best for: Great location between beaches and town + great social nights
• Downside: Not as close to the beaches as some other surf camps

Sagres Sun Stay

Sagres Sun Stay is a great surf hostel that includes a swimming pool, a great outdoor common area and different-sized dorm rooms (6 -12 people) and private rooms depending on what you’re looking for.

There’s also a great kitchen area so you can make your own meals during your stay.

It’s just a 10 min walk to the beaches from Sagres Sun Stay and the surf instructors are really very good; friendly and helpful. You can purchase packages for outdoor activities once you’ve booked accommodation and they’re really good value for what you get. It’s one of the best surf school Sagres has to offer.

This hostel also does a lot of social events throughout the week so it’s a great way to make new friends if you’re a solo traveller in Portugal.

• Best for: Has a pool, good activity packages
• Downside: Bigger than some of the others, some say it feels too commercial + no indoor lounge area.

Best Sagres Surf Schools for Lessons

If hostels aren’t your vibe, you’re just visiting Sagres for the day, or you’re camping or sleeping in your campervan in Sagres but want to book a surf lesson in Sagres, here are some of the best surf schools in Sagres to book with.

Private surf coaching

Though based in Lagos, this surf school often takes its guests up and down the Algarve Coast and for surfing in Sagres; it really depends on where the best surf is that day.

This surf school has been around since 1995 and focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for you to get the most out of your surf lesson.

This option gives you 1:1 teaching so your surf coach can give you personalised tips to help you get standing on the board with confidence.

They offer 1-day, 3-day and 5-day packages to get you feeling pro!

2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson from Lagos

If you’re staying in Lagos or nearby then this surf lesson will take you from Lagos to near Sages for some of the best surfing.

The 2-hour-long beginner surf lesson is perfect if you’re not confident on the waves, have never tried surfing before or just need a refresher.

You’ll be taken out to wherever the best surf is that day around Sagres and the coast, then given some tips to get you feeling ready to tackle the waves. This includes learning about how to paddle, some basics of waves, currents and tides and how to get into the water with your surfboard safely.

Best hotels in Sagres

If hostels aren’t your vibe, check out these hotels in Sagres where you’ll be close to the waves. You can book a lesson with the hostels even if you’re not staying with them and that’ll include rentals and equipment so you’ll be ready to go.

Mareta Beach – Boutique Bed & Breakfast

In central Sagres, Mareta Beach Boutique Hotel offers modern and stylish rooms with a minimalist design. The nearest beach is just 200 meters away and some rooms have panoramic views of the ocean.

You can arrange bike and car rentals from the hotel concierge and there’s a beautiful outdoor pool area too.

Pousada de Sagres

Pousada de Sagres is in a stunning cliff-top location along the Atlantic Ocean and provides stunning views of the Sagres fort and the lighthouse of Cape St Vicent.

Relax and unwind by the swimming pool, surrounded by sunbeds that offer breathtaking coastal panoramas or enjoy a game of tennis or fishing.

There’s also an onsite restaurant serving some delicious Portuguese food.

Casa Azul Sagres – Rooms & Apartments

For a coastal getaway in Sagres, Casa Azul Sagres is a perfect choice, just a short stroll away from sandy beaches in Sagres.

The spacious rooms have balconies and some rooms have views of Cape St. Vincent and the Fortress of Sagres.

Casa Azul Sagres can arrange surf and bodyboard lessons too.

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel

For a touch of luxury, head a couple of kilometres outside of Sagres to Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel.

With breathtaking views of the beach, you can experience boutique-style accommodation with private balconies and terraces in both rooms and villas.

The resort has 5 swimming pools, including a main pool overlooking the Beach Club Garden with its own bar.

Enjoy a game of tennis on the resort’s artificial grass tennis courts or make the most of the gaming consoles and activities like surf lessons, paddle tennis and football available for children.

Guests have a choice of three restaurants at Martinhal Sagres. O Terraço offers a fine dining experience, As Dunas specializes in delicious seafood, and Os Gambuzinos, an Italian restaurant, offers à la carte dining. There are also four bars available.

When is the best time to surf in Sagres?

In the summer, Sagres is a super popular holiday destination for people that want warm sun and calm seas but you can still find great surf!

The best spots for surfing in Sagres in Summer are usually along the west coast at Bordeira or Arrifana. There are surf schools nearby where you can take lessons and catch some waves.

Some days, the waves from the Atlantic can be really great and warm, but they’re not always reliable.

• Recommended wetsuit: 3/2 or 2mm thickness

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is when the surf in Sagres gets really exciting! The weather is usually warm and sunny throughout the Algarve, and the waves are more manageable.

Shortboarders can have a blast at the West Coast breaks, like Cordoama and Arrifana. The West Coast has bigger waves, while the South Coast has smaller but still fun moments.

• Recommended wetsuit: Always wear a 4/3 thickness wetsuit, and consider wearing boots if you want to.

Winter (November-March)

Winters in Sagres are not freezing cold and the surf can get really strong during this time.

The swell conditions change, making the waves in Sagres pretty gnarly.

Beaches like Tonel can be challenging with big waves and strong onshore winds. But if you luck out, you can get amazing surf on some days.

• Recommended wetsuit: Wear a 4/3 thickness wetsuit with boots and a hood for extra warmth and protection.

Spring (April-May)

Spring is a time of transition for the surf in Sagres. In early spring, around March, the surf is similar to autumn with strong northwest swells that produce massive waves for advanced surfers at spots like Arrifana and Bordeira.

As spring progresses, the surf calms down, and May is usually warm and relaxed.

It’s a great time to enjoy long surf sessions in milder conditions that are perfect for beginners and those that are less confident.

• Recommended wetsuit: 3/2 or 4/3 mm wetsuit, booties can be a good addition.

Best places to Surf in Sagres Portugal

In Sagres, there are two main places to catch waves that you can easily walk to from the town centre.

But there are even more cool surfing spots along the coast to explore. These Sagres surf spots have different types of waves, including some hue waves that can make you go “wow!”

There are also beach breaks with soft sand where beginners can learn to surf. Below is some more detail on the best Sages surf spots.

This is a great Sagres surf forecast where you can check out the forecast for the below beaches and more.

West Coast surf spots in Sagres (the harder side)

Sagres is located on the western side, facing the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This is where you’ll find the best surfing conditions because it consistently gets waves from the northwest to west across a big area.

But don’t forget, one of the best things about Sagres is that you have two coasts to choose from, so if these don’t work, you have a whole other coastline to surf at!

If you’re not on an organised surf camp, I recommend renting a car so you can easily reach all these fantastic spots. Just remember to check surf conditions first!

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Tonel Beach Sagres

Tonel is probably the most famous surf spot in Sagres, located below the tall cliffs on the west side of town.

It faces the full power of the Atlantic Ocean but is partially protected by surrounding headlands and submerged rocks, which help block some northerly and easterly winds.

The standout feature of Tonel is a massive rock stack that juts out of the ocean right in the middle of the bay.

On the biggest days, impressive A-frame waves form in front of it, producing powerful and barreling lefts and wedgy rights. Usually, the swell isn’t big enough to connect the waves on both sides of the rock which is good as you can choose the smaller waves to the right of the rock if you prefer.

Always be cautious of rips at Tonel. The beach can be tricky, especially with the currents swirling around the rock as the tide changes. If you’re careful this can be one of the best beaches in Sagres for surfing.

Carrapateira/Bordeira

A short 25-minute drive north of Sagres will take you to some of the best surf spots in the entire Algarve.

The surf region starts with Bordeira and the Carrapateira cliffs.

At Bordeira, the wide beach opens up to a left point break that can handle impressive 8-10 foot waves in winter and can get hollow on certain rides.

Further down the beach, you’ll find the fatter sets of Bordeira, which are great for ripping but be careful of the rips.

This spot is best in autumn and is usually not crowded.

Aljezur/Arrifana

Arrifana is known as one of the best beaches for beginner surfers in the Algarve. It has a gentle beach break, although sometimes the waves close out. The nearby town of Aljezur is the centre of a region that has around five amazing surf spots mainly suitable for intermediate surfers.

These areas are less crowded than other parts of the Algarve coast.

Beliche

When the conditions align, Beliche becomes one of the most exciting surf breaks in Sagres. It forms a neat wedge and can create left and right barrels that make every surfer’s heart race.

For an awesome surf session at Beliche, you’ll want to wait for the perfect swell direction, which is a straight south swell. During the summer, though, it’s common for the surf report at Beliche to say that the waves are flat, so timing is key.

Cordoama

If you’re lucky enough to have your own surfboard and transportation, take a ride to Cordoama. This beach break is often secluded, meaning fewer people are around.

What’s cool about Cordoama is that during the summer, swells from the north to northwest create beautifully shaped waves that can turn smooth and glassy.

Just be cautious of strong winds and watch out for rip tides.

South Coast surf spots in Sagres

The southern side of Sagres refers to the beaches that face south into the Atlantic from the southern part of the Algarve.

During the summer, these beaches are often flat, but they come to life in the winter months when strong northwest-to-west swells arrive and are shaped by cold northerly winds.

These beaches are a great option for families, as they have beachfront hotels and are only a 20-minute drive away from world-class beaches in the western Algarve where you can either surf or chill out.

Martinhal

If you check the map, you’ll notice that Martinhal is the most sheltered of the three main beaches in Sagres.

This Sagres beach is under cliffs, facing away from the dominant swell directions from the south west creating a stretch of sand with calmer waters.

Many surf schools focus on teaching beginners here and it’s an excellent place to start if you’ve never surfed before and want a gentle introduction to riding the waves.

Just check the Martinhal surf forecast before heading out there so you’re not disappointed.

Mareta

Mareta is the go-to surf spot for beginners surfing Sagres.

It’s on the southern and eastern parts of the Algarve coast between two high peninsulas giving it protection from westerly and northwesterly winds and some gentler waves.

During the summer the waves are perfect for those who are learning to surf. In the winter though, you can find bigger waves here which are great for those with more surfing experience.

Praia do Zavial

Praia do Zavial is a beautiful Algarve beach located about 10 km down the coast from Sagres.

It faces south, which means it catches any swells coming from the Atlantic. The waves can be fast and high but the real highlight of Zavial is the right-hand point break on the far western edge of the bay, known for its fast and hollow rides, making it one of the best winter surf spots in the region.

When the swell is smaller (around 3 feet or less), Zavial becomes a calm and beginner-friendly place, perfect for trying your first waves in Portugal.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a surfing destination located about 60 km to the east of Sagres along the Algarve coast.

It may seem like a long drive for milder waves, but along the way, you’ll go past some awesome beginner surfing spots and have the chance to visit some super cute towns in the Algarve too.

How to get to Sagres?

Many people coming to Sagres will choose to either fly to Lagos or Faro airports. Faro airport is the most commonly used one since it has the best international connections and cheaper flights with airlines like RyanAir and others.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

From Faro Airport you can either rent a car or use public transport to get to Sagres from Faro. Another option is to book a private transfer so that you’re picked up at the airport and taken directly to your accommodation in Sagres.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

If you choose to take public transport, you’ll first need to travel from Faro to Lagos and then you can book a bus to take you the rest of the way.

Buses from Lagos to Sagres take around 35 minutes and cost about €9 euros one-way. You can book the whole journey online through Omio to make sure you’ve got a seat. Just book the two legs of the journey separately; so Faro to Lagos and then Lagos to Sagres.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

FAQs about surfing in Sagres

Final thoughts on Sagres Surfing Portugal

Surfing in Sagres is great no matter how experienced (or not) you are at surfing since it has so much to offer and is one of the best places for Algarve surf.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first waves or an experienced surfer seeking thrilling challenges, Sagres offers a diverse range of surf spots to satisfy every surfer’s appetite.

With its unique geography and position on the southwest tip of the Algarve, Sagres waves are pretty consistent with waves to ride throughout the year.

The stunning coastline, beautiful beaches near Sagres, and laid-back atmosphere further enhance the surfing experience in Sagres.

Grab your board, hit the waves, and immerse yourself in the incredible world of surfing in Sagres! If you’re looking for more of the top things to do in Sagres check out my Sagres guide.

Surfing not your thing? How about paragliding and parasailing in the Algarve?