Sagres is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Europe. While Portugal has some world-famous spots, like Nazaré and Ericeira, many prefer the atmosphere and scenery on the southwesternmost tip of the country and the continent. It’s certainly the top destination to ride the waves in Algarve, and many surfers return annually.
Sagres also stands out for having two coasts, one facing west and the other south, offering conditions for all levels. The west coast is better for the more experienced, but when the waves there are just too big, you can always head to the calmer south. The south is less windy and the swells are better for those using a surfboard for the first time.
A microclimate often makes Sagres misty while in the rest of the region it’s clear and sunny. However, it still has more sunshine hours than any other surfing destination in Europe. Due to the microclimate and the wind, it’s never too hot either.
Unlike other popular surfing destinations around the world, here the water is always clean and you don’t have to worry about pollution, reef cuts or infections typical of tropical places. There have never been shark attacks either. You may occasionally see dolphins and whales, but sharks stay far out in the sea, on their migration route.
When you’re done surfing, you can relax at a number of different beaches, all of them uncrowded, even in the busiest summer months.
If you’re coming to Sagres to surf, check out the forecast at www.surfline.com.
Surfing Beaches in Sagres
For Beginners - Most of the south coast of Sagres has good waves for beginners, but the beaches of Tonel and Zavial usually offer the best ones. In sheltered Praia do Beliche they vary, and Praia da Mareta can be perfect with a small-medium swell from the south. Castelejo and Cordoama are the best ones on the west coast. Further north, Praia da Bordeira is a little windy but huge and beautiful.
For Intermediate and Advanced Levels - Those with surfing experience prefer the west coast, as that’s where they find the bigger waves. Depending on the wind’s strength and direction, they choose the neighboring beaches of Castelejo and Cordoama. These two are slightly more sheltered from the wind than the bigger and more popular Bordeira. The pros head to Praia do Amado, which has big waves throughout the year. It has even been the stage of national and international competitions.
Surf Schools in Sagres
Algarve Surf School
This is one of the oldest surf schools in Portugal and only hires certified instructors. It offers lessons for the beginner and intermediate levels, in groups of up to eight people. They include a board, a wetsuit and insurance. Although based in Sagres, it also has a hut for rentals in Praia do Amado, a popular surfing beach about 25 minutes to the north, by the village of Carrapateira on Costa Vicentina.
www.algarvesurfcamp.com
Sagres Natura
This school offers lessons to beginners and children, and, because you can never be too good at something, instructs the more advanced on how to be even better. It trains you inside and outside the water, including balance exercises, resistance training, core strengthening, and workouts. When you book a lesson, it includes a wetsuit and a surfboard. It divides groups by levels, and they’re kept small (eight students maximum, per instructor), so everyone gets the individual attention they need.
sagresnatura.com
International Surf School
Experienced, fully-certified instructors at this school in the center of Sagres provide lessons to beginners and the more advanced surfers. You can learn how to stand up on a surfboard or ride the more challenging waves. If you’re just not comfortable in a group (there’s a maximum of eight people), you can always choose a private lesson. It has a wide range of surfboards, for every level, weight and height.
www.surfsagres.com
Free Ride Surf Camp
Associated with the Memmo Baleeira Hotel, this school welcomes students of all levels, as long as they’re over 12 years of age for group lessons and over 6 for the private ones. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be taught the basic rules, and if you have plenty of experience, you’ll still learn how to improve. You’re given a wetsuit, a surfboard and insurance. If you’re an advanced surfer, you won’t need lessons, but a guide can provide information about the area, its swells and surf conditions.
frsurf.com
Surf Hostels in Sagres
Sagres Sun Stay - Surf Camp & Hostel
This hostel is by Sagres’ main road and a short drive from the surfing beaches. There are several mixed dorms and private twin rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared kitchen.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Sagres Sun Stay - Surf Camp & Hostel
Algarve Surf Hostel
The hostel of the Algarve Surf School offers mixed and female dorms, and double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms. It has a chill-out atmosphere, with a shared lounge and kitchen, and a garden where guests get together for barbecues.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Algarve Surf Hostel
Sagres Natura
Associated with the surf school of the same name, this hostel is located in a quiet location close to the center of Sagres. It offers 3- and 4-bed dorms and double rooms, and serves a buffet breakfast. It’s also possible to prepare meals in the fully-equipped kitchen.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Sagres Natura
Wavesensations Sagres Surf House
Perfectly located by Praia do Tonel and to visit Sagres Fortress, this hostel has male and female dorms, plus double, twin or triple rooms. The interior features an attractive contemporary décor and there’s a wonderful terrace to relax in the sun.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Wavesensations Sagres Surf House
Blacksheep Sagres Guesthouse & Surf
This highly-rated hostel is quite a good value. It’s located right on Sagres’ main road, where you have restaurants and a large supermarket. Guests may prepare meals in the shared kitchen or outside, using the barbecue equipment. It has mixed and female dorms, as well as double rooms with private bathrooms. The terrace is where guests enjoy meals, sunbathe or relax in the Jacuzzi.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Blacksheep Sagres Guesthouse & Surf