  
SURFING HOLIDAYS IN PORTUGAL & THE WESTERN ALGARVE
CARRAPATEIRA SURF CAMP & SURFARI - SURF SPOTS
The beaches in and around Carrapateira offer some of the most reliable surf conditions in the western Algarve. The West coast is one of the major surf destinations for serious surfers from around the globe. The Atlantic swells sweeping onto the west coast beaches offer ideal conditions for complete beginners and serious surfers alike.
Portuguese surfers are generally friendly in the water and we have never had any problems. Please remember to treat locals with respect and to have a good, friendly attitude in the water.
THE SURF SPOTS IN CARRAPATEIRA
There are two stunningly beautiful beaches here separated by a headland, the beaches here are arguable the finest beaches in the whole of Portugal and to top that off they are usually almost totally deserted. Both beaches receive swells and deliver cracking surf!
PRAIA DO AMADO (CARRAPATEIRA)
Gets more shelter than Praia da Bordeira, the headland blocks the northerly winds and helps keep the sandbars stable. The northern end of the beach has a good right hander and is best surfed at mid-low tide, further down the beach there are various peaks that work at various stages of the tide. Because it gets protection from big swells it's an excellent spot for newbies and beginners.
PRAIA DA BORDEIRA (CARRAPATEIRA)
This beach lies more to the north and is one of the Algarves top spots. When it's good it's really good! Wide open beach break plus lefthand point break. Works in small to meduim northwesterly swells and offshore in easterly winds. There is a left hand point break that wraps off the headland below the car park, the wave near the rivermouth is best surfed on the rising tide from low to mid. Great long rides here, the long sandy beach has waves and peaks along its entire length and the sandbanks here create excellent tubey waves.
OTHER SURF SPOTS IN THE VACINITY
AMOREIRA
A left hand sandbar at the river mouth which works on a big swell and can deliver some good long walling waves and there is a reef break in the middle of the bay. This spot works on small to medium swells, and on a small swell there are peaks everywhere. A good beach for beginners when the swell is small. Offshore in easterly wind.
ARRIFANA
A right hand point break and beach break that work on Medium to big swells. Offshore wind from the east. This is a one of the most consistent waves in the area, works through all the tides is protected from Northerly winds and because it's sheltered in big swells it works when eveywhere else is maxed out. The point is a big right hander breaking over a rocky and boulder strewn bottom. The point is for experienced surfers only.
BELICHE
A beach break in a small sandy cove that offers classic heavy and hollow waves. Works on southerly or big northerly swells. Offshore wind from the northeast. This is a one of the most renowned waves in the area, works best a mid tide but when big it will work through all the tides and is protected from Northerly & Westerly winds by the high cliffs surrounding the cove. Localism here can be a problem.
PRAIA DE ODECEIXE
Rivermouth reef and beach break that works on small to medium swells. Offshore in easterly winds and sheltered from the wind by cliffs at the northern end peaks work best at low to mid tide. Uncrowded surf spot in great natural surroundings.
PRAIA DO PUNTA RUIVA
A right hand point break that works in small, medium or large swells. this point breaks picks up any swell and is offshore in southerly winds. Again access is down a rough track and the spot can be difficult to find.
VALE DE FIGUEIRAS
Works on small to meduim swells and is offshore in easterly winds.The access to this spot is difficult and it's kinda hard to find even once you get down the track. The up side of this is that it doesn't get crowded and often you'll have it to yourself. The beach is huge and the waves break over a sand covered reef. At low tide there are peaks all along the beach with excellent lefts and rights.
back to top
|
