“Step one, step two, step three”. Eyes reddened by sea salt and terracotta-coloured skin golden by the rays of the sun, Rogerio chants his three commandments to the young apprentice surfers who have come to taste the swell of the Portuguese south-west coast. With waves easily reaching two metres in height, amateurs struggle to keep their balance, while the more experienced paddle with their arms, follow the direction of the current, then jump on their board with a cry of victory. In Aljezur, a small township nestled in the Algarve region, surfing is a way of life and the best beaches in the Algarve provide an endless playground.
An experience between land and sea that will delight “slow travellers” and souls in search of thrills.
Spend a Night in a Teepee
The adventure begins at Surf Shanti, an eco-friendly yoga and surfing retreat where you live to the rhythm of nature and the delicious vegetarian meals prepared by Italian chef Paola. Situated in the heart of the Southwest Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, this rustic yet sophisticated camp of a dozen tipis, founded in 2006 by Australian Laurie Quirk, overlooks the ocean and offers a complete change of pace. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and indulge in yoga and surfing.
Surf Beaches in the Algarve
The Odeceixe Surf School offers lessons at several of the beaches along the coast of the Algarve. The lessons, which last about two hours, are both fun and educational. They’re based on exercises on the ground and physical exercises, followed by several attempts to “jump on the board” into the ocean. Instructors are always on hand to help and guide you as you learn to swim.
Odeceixe beach
The five-day experience begins at the beach of Odeceixe, which is located at the mouth of the Seixe River. The beach offers a choice of sea or river bathing, ideal for toddlers, and has some pleasant spots like the Bar da Praia, where you can have a coffee before braving the waves.
Monte Clerigo beach
The equilibrium of about two seconds is finally reached on the beach of Monte Clerigo, near the fishing village of the same name, where it is also possible to sunbathe in the natural pools created by the low tide.
Amoreira beach
The school also takes its budding surfers to the very beautiful beach of Amoreira, wild and extensive, where we particularly liked the sand dunes that protect us from the wind and the landscapes of chiseled rocks.
Road trip to Sagres and the most beautiful Algarve beaches
Arrifana beach
After the effort, make way for discovery on this road trip! The Southwest Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park is full of sublime beaches, loved by those wishing to surf and bodyboard. Arrifana Beach, located in a bay surrounded by cliffs, has one of the most beautiful panoramas on the coast.
Carrapateira beach
Further south, Carrapateira beach combines navy-blue, almost turquoise waters with red-ocher rocks. On arrival in the municipality of Sagres, we descend steeply to Cape Saint-Vincent, the westernmost point of Portugal, where the view is literally in front of us. The strong wind, raging sea and cliffs carved by nature offer a spectacle of beauty.
Tonel beach, jewel of the Algarve
On the way, take a break at Tonel beach. At the foot of the sun-drenched cliff, the sound of the waves and the sight of the continuous dance of the surfers.
