Algarve Surfcamps, Surf Schools, Surf Tours & Surfaris

The Southwestern shore of Algarve is a wild and uncrowded stretch of coast yet minutes away from the famous resort of Lagos and Sagres. The Western coast is one of the major surfing destinations for serious surfers from around the globe as the long Atlantic rollers sweeping onto the west coast beaches offer ideal surfing conditions. Waves break both on the Southern and Western coasts, always providing a surfing alternative according to the swell and within a maximum thirty minute drive. You have the choice between 3 surfcamps in the area, Sagres, Lagos and Vale Figueiras, all within a 30 minutes drive around Sagres and offering tuition for beginners as well as surfaris for experienced surfers. Independent surfers can also rent rooms and apartments in the area. The Algarve is also the warmest place in Portugal and the most touristic one, with plenty of night live and attractions. It is a surfing destination unrivaled anywhere in Europe and unique in the way that it will give you a genuine taste of surfing lifestyle. The surf spots themselves are surrounded by wide and breathtaking scenery, with steep reddish cliffs, wide sandy beaches and no real estate developments or seaside resorts in sight.

Algarve Kids Surf & Language Camp | Recommanded

Sagres Surfcamp & Surfaris | Recommanded

Carrapateira Surfcamp & Surfaris | Recommanded

Vale Figueiras Surfcamp & Surfaris | Recommanded

Marlon Lipke Surfcamp & Surfaris

Lagos Surfhouse & Surfaris

Algarve Kite Surf Camp

Algarve Surf Apartments | Rooms, apartments, bed & breakfast & hotel

Sagres/Lagos

The Surf Schools are all based on the southwestern tip of Algarve, on a wild and uncrowded stretch of coast yet minutes away from the famous resort of Lagos and Sagres. It is a surfing destination unrivaled anywhere in Europe and unique in the way that it will give you a genuine taste of surfing lifestyle. Wave size and quality range from average to epic, with an assortment of reefs and beach breaks. The beauty of this corner of the world is due to the variety of its waves, which will suit everyone's standards, and their constancy throughout the year - good waves break year round. Waves break both on the Southern and Western coasts, always providing a surfing alternative according to the swell and within a maximum thirty minute drive.

The surf itself is surrounded by wide and breathtaking scenery, with steep reddish cliffs, wide sandy beaches and no real estate developments or seaside resorts in sight. The whole area is protected and forms part of the natural park. The access to the beaches is by dirt tracks twisting through a spectacular scenery.

Some Famous Spots

Praia do Amado (West): Most famous surf spot. Large sandy beach with dunes ideal for beginners - this is were many surf schools do their teaching. Only holds up to two meters. Respect locals !

Carrapateira/Bordeira (West): Adjacent to Praia do Amado. Splendid surf spot with sandy beach accessed through a lagoon surrounded by dunes. Perfect for beginners, but watch out for the undercurrent.

Arrifana (West): North of Carrapateira, a scenic surf spot and beach showcased by a high cliff topped by a picturesque village. Beach break, usually half the size of other west coast beaches - good when others are too big. To the right of the beach, you have a good reef break, good right , but it only breaks with at least 1.5 meter swell. Watch out for the "hamburger" or "Kangaroo" rock. Only for Kmikazes !

Sagres (West/South): Europe's southwestern most point, this peninsula is surrounded by the Atlantic to the south and the west, providing numerous surf spots and surfing options according to swell conditions. Respect locals !

South Coast: Many secret spots!

Meia Praia (Lagos), Portimao and Faro (South Cost): On the Algarve's southern coast. Surf spots with good breaks offering a good alternative to the western coast when the swell is too big there, or when the SE wind (Levante) blows.

But there is life after surf in the Algarve and plenty of activities are available around. You may want to try windsurf, kitesurf, wakeboard, sailing, deep sea fishing, diving, hiking, bilking, horseback riding and enjoy some exiting nightlife in Lagos, Algarve's holiday capital. Lagos has plenty of side streets cafes, bars, discos and restaurants. Check out the Red Eye, Eddie's Bar, the Three Monkeys and live music at the Bahia Beach, Meia Praia. Excellent food and plenty of freshly caught fish is served at reasonable price in typical restaurants, washed down with good Portuguese wine or beer - "Sagres" is not only a reputed resort, but also a famous beer brand !

Sagres nightlife: "Dromedario" Reggea nights and "Agua Salgada" house music.

The Algarve is situated in the southern most part of Portugal, stretching along the Atlantic between the Spanish border and Cabo Sao Vicente, Europe's south western most point. It was the last territory to be conquered back from the Moors in 1292 and their presence is still very much present in the architecture of the region with its whitewashed houses standing against the red earth and greenery. Sheltered from the northern winds by the Monchique range and facing south, the Algarve enjoys a privileged climate all year round, in brightly coloured and fertile surroundings covered with orange, fig and almond groves. The southern coastline is formed by a long stretch of fabulous beaches, only broken up by extraordinary cliffs of reddish colour. The west coast is wilder and the sea rougher, with a string of solitary coves and beaches accessed through dirt tracks.

Algarve's capital Faro enjoys a central location on the coast and the old town has many historical monuments, including a medieval wall. Further west, Lagos is a well known touristic destination on the banks of a river estuary and its old quarters are enclosed within 15th century walls. Sagres lies at the western end of the Algarve, next to Cabo Sao Vicente. It was here that five centuries ago, Prince Henrique set up a school of navigation which has played a crucial role in the Portuguese discoveries. The town has a magnificent fortress built in the 14th century with a giant 43 meters compass rose. Cabo Sao Vicente fortress is poised on high cliffs facing the Atlantic. It was built on an original Roman site of "Promontorium Sacrum" - or sacred promontory, as they believe the cape was the end of the world, being the southwestern most point of Europe. Also worth a visit is the little town of Monchique and its famous thermal spa, nestling in the Serra de Monchique mountain range, which highest point at nearly 1,000 meters enjoys splendid panoramic views across the Algarve to the Atlantic.

The closest airport is Faro and we recommend you make arrangement to fly there. We will collect any surfer arriving at Faro. We also collect campers free of charge at Lagos bus or train station. It is very easy to get there from Faro airport and takes about an hour. All you need to do for pick up is to let us know your place, time and date of arrival.

Air

• Faro International Airport: www.ana-aeroportos.pt
• Charter flights in season from all major European cities
• Low Fares Airline: www.ryanair.com + www.thompsonfly.com
• Faro Airport - Lagos very easy ! Train every hour | 1:30 hr. journey

Bus/Train

• Lagos Bus and Train Station
  
• Lisbon - Faro - Lagos Train timetable: www.cp.pt
• Algarve Bus timetable: www.eva-bus.com
  
  Bus Madrid - Sevilla - Lagos
  
  Daily buses from Madrid to Sevilla (departing 22:00 and arriving Sevilla 05:15)
  www.socibus.es
  
  Connecting with the bus Sevilla to Lagos (departing 07:30 and arriving Lagos 12:00)
  www.damas-sa.es
  
  Total cost should not be more than 60 EUR per person
  

Distances from Vila do Bispo (between Sagres, Lagos and Carrapateira):