SURF TRIP GUIDE TO SAGRES, PORTUGAL
BEGINNER SURF TRIP GUIDE
OVERVIEW
On the windswept western coastline and rugged tip of the Algarve is Sagres. A small town surrounded by dramatic cliffs, unspoilt beaches and wild seas. Surfing in Sagres is a really special experience.
Whilst the main attraction in Sagres is definitely the surf, but the beaches here are definitely worth a visit, not only to chill on the beach but to admire the unspoilt nature of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. People from all over come to hike along the cliff trails, to cycle along the quiet roads or simply to visit Cabo de São Vicente, the
Sagres also has a fishing port known for its lobster fishing and a marina just a few kms from the main square. In terms of surfing the draw of Sagres comes down to the all year long good surf conditions. These favourable conditions are due to the shape of the peninsula. There are great surf spots in and around Sagres as well as a short drive along the west coast.
We loved the beautiful windswept beaches in Sagres, the town itself has its own rustic charm to it as well as enough cafes, bars and restaurants to keep you well occupied.
Take a look at our other article if you’re looking for a surf camp in Sagres.
QUICK FACTS
Area – 34.37 km2
Population – ~1,909
Nearest Airport – Faro Airport (121 kms away)
Time Zone – GMT
Currency – Euro
SURFING SAGRES PROS & CONS
Pros
- All year round surf somewhere
- Uncrowded surf days in winter
- Good weather, lack of rain
Cons
- Don’t drop in on local
body boarders , they’ve been surfing here forever - Be aware of some crazy drivers that speed through the main town
WEATHER
Sitting on the edge of the south-westernmost headland of the country, the weather in Sagres is dictated by the winds that sweep in from the Altantic Ocean. In the summer months, Sagres can be slightly milder than other spots in the Algarve, this is due to the northern winds. Thankfully the beaches in the area have huge surrounding cliffs that shelter beachgoers from the high winds. During the summer it tends to be hot and dry with mild months during the winter.
MONEY
ATMs
Sagres has plenty of ATMs around the town. You’ll find a CA bank with ATM on Rua Comandante Matoso.
We use a TransferWise card when traveling abroad and found them extremely cheap in comparison to banks with very low fees. Check TransferWise out!TIPPING
The tipping culture isn’t very strong in Portugal so you won’t be expected to leave one most of the time.
Although it’s not always expected, tipping is always welcome. The general rule is to simply round up to the nearest Euro (or 5 euros if it’s a big bill) when paying the bill. Touristy restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill, so you don’t need to tip in that situation.
Having said that, Portugal has some of the lowest wages in the European Union for employees in the service sector, so it’s always worth thinking about leaving a little tip in our opinion.
COSTS
Here are some rough costs that we found on our trip to Sagres, hopefully they may help you plan your own trip. Please note these are not exact airfares but examples.
FLIGHTS TO SAGRES (FARO AIRPORT)
A range of airlines fly from the UK to Faro Airport in the Algarve and if you’re flexible you can often snag yourself a cheap deal, check out our previous flight deal to Faro for around £30 (note this was a historic flight deal, the price is likely to have changed).
London Stansted – Faro (Return)
Notes: There are plenty of budget Ryanair flights to Faro throughout the year.
Cheap deal – £26 (Ryanair – excluding baggage)
Average – £120
High End – £200
London Luton – Faro (Return)
Notes: Ryanair and EasyJet both fly to Faro from London Luton.
Cheap deal – £26 (Ryanair – excluding baggage)
Average – £135
High End – £250
London Gatwick – Faro (Return)
Notes: EasyJet and British Airways operate direct flights to Faro from London Gatwick
Cheap deal – £44 (EasyJet)
Average – £160
High End – £250 (in Summer months)
Manchester – Faro (Return)
Notes: Jet2 and Ryanair operate flights to Faro from Manchester.
Cheap deal – £36
Average – £130
High End – £210
ACCOMMODATION
Dorm bed: ~ £13 -£20 (€15 – €23)
Private room: ~£47+ (€55)
Top end: ~£100+ (€117)
FOOD
Eating Out – ~ £8 – £15 (€10 – €18) each
Beer
Small ~ £0.80 – £1.30 (€1 to €1.50)
Large ~ £2.15 – £3 (€2.50 to €3.50)
SURF LESSONS
~ £36 (€42) per hour
GETTING TO SAGRES
Probably the easiest way to reach Sagres from Faro Airport is with a hire car. The drive will take you about 1 hour 20 minutes (117.2km) if you don’t make any stops, so it’s a fairly leisurely drive. The roads from the airport are also fairly quiet too, meaning that getting used to driving in Portugal should be a
Other options include catching a bus which takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs around £20 – £25.
Taking a train to Lagos, the closest town (take a look at our accommodation guide to Lagos) and then a bus to Sagres will take you around 4 hours.
If you’re feeling flush, then a taxi from Faro Airport with cost you around
£100 – £120 and take around 1 hour 20 minutes. Or an Uber for £80 – £110.
You can also go by mini bus or private transfer but do make sure you pre-book in advance to get the best possible price.
FARO AIRPORT
Faro International Airport (FAO) is also known as Algarve Airport. It’s located 4 km to the west of Faro and serviced by British Airways, EasyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Jet2 and Thomas Cook Airlines.
Faro Airport is a seasonal airport, where traveller numbers swell in the summer months and die down in the winter.
At one end of the airport is the arrivals hall and the opposite is the departures. Faro Airport is simple, easy to get around and the distance from security to departure gates is fairly short. The main frustration with the airport is about the large queues at budget airline check-in desks, so make sure you give yourself enough time to beat the queues.
On an onward bound flight, once through
GETTING AROUND SAGRES
You can get around most of Sagres by foot, but if you want to venture a little further afield without hopping in a car then hiring a bike could be a good idea.
For bike rental, you can try the following surf shops from around €12.50 – €22 a day:
– Sagres Natura
– Marreta Shop
SURFING IN SAGRES
Sagres is a perfect pick for a surf trip. Easy to reach, laid-back, affordable, reliable waves, suitable for different levels… it’s pretty much all you need. It can get a bit lively in summer and super chilled in the winter.
Its location means that you’ve only got a short drive to either the south or west coast. If surf conditions are poor on one spot you’ll probably find great conditions elsewhere. There’s a range of beaches and surf spots to choose between with many super close to the town of Sagres.
With the swell from the Atlantic Ocean hitting the peninsula of Cabo de São Vicente it produces waves that are best suited to beginners and, those with less experience, between Sagres and Lagos. North of Cabo de São Vicente the surf conditions tend to be more challenging and best left for the more experienced surfs.
SAGRES SURF SPOTS
As always, absolute beginner surfers should always take lessons first, surf spots can often be unpredictable or have hidden dangers. If in doubt, get a surf instructor. In Sagres there are a number of options when it comes to surf schools and lessons, so there’s no reason not to go with one who will find the right conditions for your level.
Praia da Mareta
Level – Beginner/Experienced (depending on conditions)
Under the right conditions the surf here can produce small to medium swell with waves up to 1.5 metres. Beginners should look for smaller waves under a metre in height to practice on (with instructor). When swell gets bigger than 1.5 metres the spot is more suitable for more experienced surfers. Keep an eye out for rocks on left and right if the tide is going out, otherwise the beach is mainly a sandy bottom.
Praia da Mareta is situated directly opposite Tonel on the peninsula, so if the conditions are too big here it’s worth taking a look at Tonel.
Tonel
Level: Beginner (with instructor)/Advanced
One of the most popular surf beaches in Sagres, Tonel is frequented by local bodyboarders as well as surfers. The waves break along the length of the beach offering up various opportunities and types of waves. The swell conditions here can sometimes be suitable for beginners but also for experts. As a beginner, it’s best to surf only with an instructor here. In busy summer months, the beach does have lifeguards, however. Hidden beneath the water there are some rocks here so it’s best to be safe and observe the surf spot before heading out.
Be aware of the local bodyboarders here who will be carving up the waves when the conditions are good. Don’t drop in, be respectful and all will be good.
Getting to Tonel is fairly easy and walkable, it’s just outside the centre and a quick drive by car. On the road down to the beach there is ample parking on most days. On busy days if you can’t find a spot to park there, then there is plenty of room just off the main road in the ceramic shops car park.
WHERE TO EAT
The Hangout
The Hangout (Facebook page) is the place you want to head to if you’re after a beer and homemade food. Try their handmade burgers, pizzas, tapas or baguettes (the nachos are awesome too!).
It’s a good place to chill out and put your feet up after a hard days surf with a super welcoming vibe.
Pau de Pita natural café – snack bar
At first glance, Pau de Pita resembles a relatively small coffee shop from the outside, but once inside you realise it’s actually quite a big cafe/bar with a pretty big menu.
You’ll find reasonable prices across the board and welcoming staff. On the menu, there’s a range from chicken burgers, pancakes to mixed salads and a vast cocktail menu Pau de Pita caters for most.
Three Little Birds
Three Little Birds is known for its excellent burgers, chilled ambiance and friendly staff. Perfect spot for couples or groups with a good location. You’ll find great food at good prices along with a decent selection of imported beers. Has vegetarian/vegan options too.
Villa Mareta
If you’re looking to grab a quick coffee or even breakfast, Villa Mareta is a good and easy choice.
WHERE TO UNWIND
YOGA
Pure Flow Motion Yoga Retreat
Pure Flow Motion Yoga retreat is a 4* luxury retreat that combines a mix of yoga, surf, hiking, great food and a stunning view out over the Atlantic Ocean. PRM has top yoga teachers and is perfect for anyone traveling along or with a couple of friends.
It’s an all-inclusive retreat spaced over a week with six nights at Memmo Baleeira Hotel, yoga classes, surf lessons and hikes included.
PFM Yoga retreat is an ideal place to take time out, relax, reinvigorate and reconnect with nature.
Prices range from €999 (Double/ Shared Room) – €1399 (Single Suite with living room, kitchen, balcony)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Take a look our article on where to stay on Sagres beaches for more detailed information on where to stay in Sagres.
Sagres Natura Surf Camp & Hostel
If you’re looking for a relaxed place to learn to surf with a welcoming vibe, you can’t go far wrong with Sagres Natura Surf Camp & Hostel.
Its surf school is situated just a 6-minute walk from Baleeira Beach. The hostel itself was refurbished in 2018 and offers a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, TV lounge and garden with BBQ and sunbeds. The hostel has dorms and private rooms with free Wi-Fi plus ensuite bathrooms. As you’d expect there’s a breakfast buffet available too for a surcharge.
You’ll find
Algarve Surf Hostel – Sagres
The Algarve Surf Hostel offers lessons, surf camps and trips. You’ll find comfy beds here with a very sociable, fun team to help you out with your surfing ambitions. The hostel is situated within walking distance of Sagres town centre and the local beaches.
The hostel is a large villa complete with its very own swimming pool and table tennis table. Its a hostel that likes a party but without it comprising your good nights sleep! Good facilities and has a decent free breakfast too.
Book accommodation: Algarve Surf Hostel
International Surf School & Camp
The International Surf School & Camp is a surf camp and hostel situated really close to Tonel Beach. The staff here are super helpful, welcoming and will go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay. The guest house has airy triple and twin rooms complete with wardrobes, shared bathrooms, breakfast, plus of course, free WiFi.
The guest house also has a communal kitchen for those looking to cook for themselves. There’s a shared lounge with TV, Xbox along with a terrace with hammocks.
Book accommodation: International Surf School and Camp
So that’s a wrap, for our surf trip guide to Sagres. We really enjoyed visiting this far South West corner of Portugal. The windswept ruggedness of the area is an awesome place to explore, surf and unwind. If you have any comments, questions or there’s anything you think we’ve missed, we’d love to hear from you > info@surfandunwind.com.
Going to other places after Sagres? Then check out our Portugal page for more inspiration!
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