Alentejo

6 Surf spots

Cogumelo Stuart Butler

Cogumelo Dan Haylock

Porto Covo Dan Haylock

01/4

families beginners

Positives

Less crowded than Algarve
More traditional Portuguese experience
Wild camping possibilities
Wide open beaches for learners

Negatives

No stand-out spots
Onshore winds will affect all spots
Summer afternoon onshores
Small winding roads increase travel times

Alentejo surf travel guide

The Alentejo remains relatively undeveloped – vast, empty acres scattered with olive and cork trees overlook hidden sandy coves with a perfect peak beneath unfaltering blue skies. It’s possible to spend days drifting down the dusty lanes, camping out on the beaches and getting to ride an extraordinary variety of waves. The northern half is an unexciting sandy strip of shore-dump but after industrial Sines the coves, bays and reefs start and though the swells have lost some size compared to the north of Portugal they have an order that’s often missing up there. A year-round destination, but at its best from autumn through to spring.

Surf spots in Alentejo

Research the 6 surf breaks in Alentejo and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Alentejo.

ability
ability data
Beginner	1
Intermediate	1
Advanced	1

bottom
bottom data
Sand	1
Uneven Reef	1
Uneven Reef & Sand	1
Boulders	1
Boulders & Sand	1

consistency
consistency data
High	1
Medium	1
Low	1

crowds
crowds data
Solo Surfing	1
Rarely	1
Sometimes	1
Often	1
Always	1

direction
direction data
Beachbreaks	1
Peak	1
Left	1
Right	1

length
length data
0-50m	1
50-100m	1
100-200m	1
200-500m	1
500m+	1

type
type data
Beachbreak	1
Submerged Reef	1
Point Break	1
Pier/Groyne/Jetty	1
Rivermouth	1

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Alentejo

Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Alentejo.

video

EXPLORING COSTA ALENTEJANA WITH @PEDRO SCOOBY | VON FROTH

Travel
Surf

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Travel Information

General

Current Time
Tourists: 16,186,000
Population: 10,196,709
Tourist Info: Tourist Info

Money

Currency: EUR
Exchange rate: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=EUR EUR

Communication

Dialing in: +351
Dialing out: 00
Emergencies: 112
Language: Portuguese

Electricity

Plug Type: f

Visas

Portugal is part of the Schengen visa scheme so Euro’s, Antipodeans, North Americans, most South Americans, Central American and Caribbean countries don't need a visa and get 90 days. Europeans can also stay longer under certain conditions. There are no real border checks within the Schengen area so once in you can move from country to country with ease.

Accommodation

Plenty of surf camps have now sprung up along this coastline including Alentejo Surf Camp & School, located in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Activities

cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

This is a primarily deserted coastline of rocky coves punctuated by small villages. Experience the local cuisine at beachside tavernas such as Furnas on the opposite bank of the River Mira from Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Hazards & hassles

Apart from rocks and strong winds, there’s little to worry about. The undeveloped west coast has few locals outside the main town of Vila Nova de Milfontes so the surfers are a mix of travelling locals and foreigners. The area is slowly getting more and more crowded, but the vibe remains chilled-out as there are a lot of waves to choose from. Respect the sharp rocks and strong rips at certain breaks.

Handy Hints

Costazul Surf Shop is in Porto Covo, with rentals and surf school available on Sao Torpes and Vieirinha beaches.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.