"Albufeira The south coast is flat. Hire a car from the airport and head
west to Sagres. From here (if theres no surf on the westerly facing beaches there) head north and any left turn will lead you to beaches and coves where there'll be at least some surf. The water temperature is really cold tho'. Despite its location the water temp is similar to the S/SW UK, IE 4-5mm gloves and boots in winter and a summer steamer for the summer. We scored some nice waves and the locals are really friendly and they rip!!. make sure your Karma levels are topped up before you go to guarantee some good surf."

" Waves in Faro and in Praia de Rocha. Car hire is necessary and not cheap but you can get a cool mini moke. Cape St Vincent/Sagres is a must. There are surf shops in Faro and Portimao. The food is good too, you have to try the sardines."

" South Coast Praia Da Luz - Black Rock excellent left hander. Zaviel - Big break, sometimes 2-3 metre tubes. Tonel good general surf, watch out for the rips. Beliche - top banana beach if your fit ( you will need to be to get down to
the beach, but it is worth it) 2-5 metre mad waves and be careful of hidden rocks. West coast Castilego and Cordoama (sort of spelt like that) West coast mayem huge beaches and huge waves, see the photos attached. Further up the coast there is a good selection of other places but these are some of
the best. There is a really good sports shop as you go into Sagres on the right called Sport Sagres, just look out for the flags."

"Sagres Tonel is a point break with a sandy bottom which apparently can be a board breaker. Mareta Is a good beach break but needs a fair swell to make it work and gets crowded. Zavial is a long righthander which breaks over a rock bed. If you want to travel a bit further east towards Lagos there is a beach break at praia de rocha which can produce good barrels but again gets crowded."

"South coast spots dependent (like everywhere) on right swell direction
Raposiera - take signs to Zavial (fast right, still closing out a lot) or Ingrina (left). Around Sagres - Mareta, Tonel (drops only really but you can get covered) and Beliche (nb the wedge on the left is the only spot the locals are possessive about) all sign-posted. Lagos - apparently the bay works when there's a good swell hitting Tonel (ie covering the rock) and lots of other places are blown out and allegedly the harbour wall is the 'longest right'when it goes."

"West coast As the man says, head north and turn left - check out Playa Castelejo, Cordorama, Amado, Carapeteira. If you're making a day trip, Arrifana beach can be okay on a lower tide but more of a longboard wave. Arrifana point when it's big (6ft+) if you fancy a takeoff over a dry rock the locals call the Hamburger. If you are having problems finding something hook up with a surf shop day tour or one of the Surf Experiences based in Lagos for a day - will cost you some money but you will be almost guaranteed to visit the right spot for that day's conditions and you'll then know where to head for. (and Auto Jardim for car hire always been the best deal)."

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