Written by Tom Hooker

If you live and breathe for the waves, then you know that Portugal holds a special place in the hearts of surfers worldwide. The blend of pristine beaches, perfect swells, insane food culture, cold brews, and an infectious surf culture makes it a true slice of paradise on Earth—especially if your version of paradise includes a perfect beach break! In simple terms, the rustic coastline of Portugal has some of the most exhilarating surf on the planet. So, we’re paying homage to one of the world’s top surf meccas by handpicking five stops you have to make on your hunt for the best waves. But like any pursuit worth its salt, finding the ultimate waves requires a bit of planning and perhaps a few insider tips from a local or two. We’re taking you on a trip to explore the charming coastal towns, sleepy villages, and surf capitals that dot the Portuguese shoreline. Let’s paddle out

The Algarve coastline is known for its rugged beauty—I mean, how often do you see miles of perfectly symmetrical stairs carved into copper seaside cliffs?—and for having some of the best surfing in all of Europe. But, from all the sensational spots sprinkled across Portugal’s southernmost coast, Albufeira is the one you can’t miss if you’re going exclusively for the waves. Many areas claim to be Portugal’s best surf spot, but Albufeira is definitely among the few that have a real shot at the title.  Let’s push well past the break, peel the curtain back, and tell you why Albufeira has to be one of the places you visit on your next surf trip.  

Is Albufeira a Good Surfing Spot?

Albufeira is a great place to surf, especially if you visit during the high surfing season which usually peaks between the start of December and the end of January, though this can vary depending on the year. In summer, waves are not as consistent, but the city itself offers the best in terms of accommodation, places to eat, and activities for surfers who also want to chill in a local scene. The good thing is that you can always pop into some of the beaches closest to Lagos and find significantly bigger waves and more reliable swells; then, spend time outside the water exploring the museums, markets, and restaurants in Albufeira. 

Should Beginners Surf in Albufeira?

Albufeira Beach is a fantastic place for beginners because the waves are not as strong as Lagos and other parts of the Algarve but are still consistent enough to help new surfers get as many reps in as they can handle. Medium and advanced surfers can also find great waves in Albufeira but should also consider taking the short drive to surrounding beaches depending on which one has a better forecast. 

Things to Do in Albufeira

Wondering how you’ll kill time while outside the water? Don’t worry, Albufeira is one of the liveliest cities in the Algarve, so the choice is yours. 

Some of the fun activities you can organize include:

• Wine tours and tastings in the surrounding vineyards
• Boat trips to visit the Benagil caves and go dolphin-watching
• Other boat trips including sunset experiences and coastline tours
• Fish along with the locals in the piers as well as the surrounding cliffs and beaches
• Off-roading and getting acquainted with the wild side of Albufeira 

Attractions Close to Albufeira

There are also many awesome attractions surrounding Albufeira, like:

Faro

Faro is the biggest city in the Algarve; and if you’re traveling to Albufeira via plane, you’ll probably land here. About 40 minutes drive from Albufeira, Faro is the cultural center of the Algarve and its most historic city after Sagres. 

Lagos

We’ve mentioned Lagos plenty in terms of its surf, but the Old Town on its own is a sight to be reckoned with, not to mention all the other attractions in this charming city. 

Sagres

If there is a place on Earth where time moves slower than usual, it’s Sagres. You’ll know exactly what we mean when you check out Cap Saint-Vincent and peer out at one of the great views this world has to offer. 

How to Plan Your Trip to Albufeira

Albufeira is perfect on the coastline of the famed Algarve region of Portugal, and trust us when we say that this area’s rustic beauty is second to note. But what makes it unique can also make it challenging to find the right spots; the truth is that there’s something eye-catching at every turn! If you want to make the most out of your trip, your best bet is to create an itinerary that includes everything you want to do while you’re traveling, whether that’s popping into Lagos for bigger waves, visiting Sagres’ mighty fort, or visiting Alentejo to taste some of Portugal’s finest cuisine. With ALLMYNE, you can get tips from local tour guides who know the Algarve’s best-kept secrets—they can even join you during your trip and make things easier the whole time there!

Getting Everything You Need for Your Trip to Albufeira

Albufeira is a bustling, vibrant town where you may just catch the best waves in your life. What really makes this special is the perfect combination of a truly local scene, great things to do in addition to surfing, and its nearby attractions like Sagres and Almodovar. The best part is that you can arrive in Portugal with a clear plan created specifically for your trip and head straight for the good stuff with the help of ALLMYNE.