Tips for your next Surf Trip to the Algarve, Portugal

 Our guide to the perfect surf holiday in the Algarve

Planning a surf trip is definitely one of the most thrilling things ever! The excitement is great and we already picture ourselves surfing perfect waves and relaxing by the ocean. But then there’s the actual planning of it….

Here at Lemontree, based in the heart of Sagres, we know how complicated planning a surf trip can be. 

After 15 years of working in the surf industry and having surfed half of the globe, we still experience a bit of struggle when planning our next surf holiday.

Many of the questions and doubts that we have are probably shared with the 99% of other surfers out there. When is the best time to go? Are the waves going to be good for my surfing level? What should I bring with me? Should I rent a car? 

Well, in this article we finally want to answer all the doubts and questions that fellow surfers might have, when organising their surf trip to the Algarve. With our tips you will not run into all the mistakes that we made in the past.

 

1. When to go? Plan your trip according to your surfing skills

Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced surfers want to plan their holiday differently

The most important variable to take into account when planning a surf trip is the weather and the surf forecast. Unfortunately most of us do not really have the freedom of spontaneously booking a holiday whenever the surf forecast is looking perfect. Most of us will have to plan their trip in advance. We’ll then need to go during the time of the year that generally offers the best conditions for their surfing skills and ability.

So, when we are talking about Portugal and more specifically about Sagres in the Algarve, we strongly recommend the following:

First Timers and Beginner Surfers

If it is your first surf trip or you still do not have much experience, you want to plan your holiday in summer. This is because of 2 simple factors: the good weather and the waves being smaller and more accessible to beginners.

To most people planning their first surf trip, the weather is really important while the waves came second. It would definitely be annoying going on a surf holiday to find rain and bad weather. Well, in summer that’s almost impossible. In Sagres from the beginning of May till the end of September will not see any rain, only blue sky.

While the waves are most of the time small and come docile, which makes your learning a bit more relaxed and fun. If you have never surfed before or you have little experience, here you can find more about Beginners surf lessons, what to expect on your first lesson and how to prepare for it: Your first steps on a Surfboard

Intermediates & Advanced Surfers

For all surfers with a bit more experience, we strongly recommend Spring, Fall and Winter. These are times of the year where the weather forecast can be more unpredictable and you might encounter colder temperatures (even though it is never really cold) and some rain. The good news is that if you are already an advanced surfer you will not care about the weather forecast as much as you care about the surf forecast.

This is where the fun begins:

• Spring delivers average to good waves with hardly anyone in the water. Personally we love March, April and May.
• Autumn produces the first big swells and from October till the beginning of December you are likely to score amazing conditions. The only downside of Fall is the crowd that can make your sessions a bit more competitive.
• Winter: from December all the way to the end of February again we see big swells and hardly anyone in the water. If you wish to know more about the best surf spots around Sagres, you can check our guide here

 

2. Logistics: How get to Sagres?

When we are looking for a surf trip in the south of Portugal, we are definitely talking about Sagres.

While the south coast of the Algarve: Albufeira, Faro, Lagos etc., might not have any waves, especially during summer, Sagres always has waves and it is considered one of the most consistent surf spots of Portugal and Europe. Now, how to get to Sagres? And how to most conveniently move around once there?

• Airports: The most convenient airport to fly to is Faro, this is only 75 minutes drive from Sagres. From there, you can reach Lagos by bus or train and again with another bus you’ll be right in Sagres at only 200m from the Lemon Tree Eco Surfhouse in the centre of Sagres. You can check the bus timetable and itinerary here. However Lisbon can also be a really interesting option. Lisbon is 3 hours away and sometimes flight can be a bit cheaper compared to Faro. From Lisbon, twice a day, there is a direct bus that in about 4-5 hours will take right into the heart of Sagres.

 

• By Train: If you are travelling to Portugal from the rest of Europe, another great alternative is the train. It is well known by now that trains are the most sustainable transportation method. Also a train ride can be way more relaxing than driving or taking a plane. From the major European capitals: Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Brussels, Madrid etc. you’ll be able to take an overnight train and wake up in Lisbon. From there, a bus goes all the way to Sagres

 

How to move around once in Sagres

• Sagres Taxis and public transportation: Public transports around Sagres’ area are developing and they represent a great way to explore the Algarve on a budget and with a low carbon footprint. However, taking a bus also means sticking to a timetable and prolonging the travel time, which usually results in less freedom. Another great way to move around if you are not planning to rent a car, is by Taxi. Compared to the rest of Europe, taxis here are still cheap. For example a taxi ride from Sagres to Lagos (30 minutes drive) is about 30€. On top of this, lately Uber has entered the scene in Algarve and you’ll be able to use the app to go anywhere you want.

 

• Car rental: Renting a car is probably the way to enjoy Sagres to its fullest. You’ll be able to rent one directly in Lisbon or Faro airport and from there hit the road. Car hire are still fairly cheap in Portugal and if you have travel insurance that also covers your car you might be able to rent one for as cheap as 10€ per day. From a surfing perspective, having a car allows you to explore the multitude of surf spots around Sagres and gives you the freedom of going surfing whenever you fancy.

 

Bottom line: Lemontree is right in the centre of Sagres, so there is no need to have a car

The public bus will leave you at only 200m from the surfhouse. From Lemontree you can easily walk (4 minutes) to two surf beaches, Mareta and Tonel. And in case you wanted to surf more or discover new surf spots you can choose if to take group surf lessons or surf coaching. Also, from our surfhouse all restaurants, bars and cafes are just at walking distance.

However, if you wish to have the freedom of exploring hidden beaches, surfing at any given time and exploring the Portuguese coast, we strongly recommend renting a car. Ah do not worry, our surfhouse has free public parking!

 

3. Essential gear to bring to Portugal

A surf trip is much more enjoyable when we are prepared and we have the right gear to comfortably overcome any type of situation and weather.

This means that there are few things that you cannot forget to bring with you when planning a surf holiday in the Algarve:

• Comfortable warm Clothing: The weather in the West of the Algarve can sometimes be unpredictable, even in summer when the sun shines 24/7, the wind can make things chillier than you might think. Because of this, it doesn’t matter the season, make sure to pack long trousers and a windproof jacket.

 

• Wetsuits: Taking our favourite board on a surf trip might sometimes be complicated, however packing a wetsuit is definitely no issue. If you were planning to surf in Sagres during Summer and Fall  (June till October / November) a good 3/2 wetsuit will be enough. However if you visit during Spring and Winter a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit might be more appropriate. Here at Lemontree we prefer to wear 4/3 wetsuits also during summer. We would rather be hot than cold. Lastly, if you were someone really suffering from the chilly ocean water (ranging between 16 and 22 degrees), we also recommend bringing surf boots with you.

 

• Sunscreen, Zinc, Sunglasses, Hats and Sun Umbrellas: One of the beauty of the Algarve is the strong and warm sun, even in Winter! Such nice sun though comes with a down side: horrible sunburns when not being careful enough.

 

So when coming to the Algarve always make sure to bring a defence against the sun. For example, a sun umbrella is a key piece of equipment for surfers. It is hard know how long you’ll be on the beach before jumping into the water. Spending that much time under direct sunlight, might result in fatigue, tiredness and possibly a sun stroke.

 

4. Where to stay: accommodation, bars and cafes

On our many surf trips, we’ve always considered accommodation and general facilities a key factor in making a holiday successful

From our personal experience, not having a cozy and comfortable place to stay can completely ruin the vibe. The first thing we look for when choosing where to stay is the location. For us, the accommodation needs to be convenient both for surfing and for nearby services.

We’ll admit it….we’re a bit lazy and don’t enjoy having to rely on a car or public transport to get to the waves. Ideally, we prefer to just get ready at home and walk straight to the surf spot. Plus, not everyone has access to a car, so the accommodation must be within walking distance of the beach and the surf.

Equally, we find it a bit annoying having to drive every time we want to enjoy a drink, have some food or go to a party. The presence of cafes, bars and restaurants close by our accommodation is again pretty fundamental.

Here at Lemontree Eco Surfhouse (see our location here) we are lucky enough to have all of the above! Only a few steps away from the surfhouse you’ll find Tonel and Mareta beach, both among the most famous surf spots of the region.

When it comes to food and social life, once again Lemontree is super centrally located. Just at our doorsteps we find plenty of bars and restaurants for everyone’s taste.

 

5. Surf lessons, surf coaching, rental or solo sessions

If the help of the experts surf coaches and guides your surf session will be way more enjoyable

As surfers, we are always looking to improve our technique and skills. That’s why, when planning a surf trip, regardless of our surfing level, we always check whether it’s possible to receive guidance.

For example, the Algarve coast is highly diverse, offering surfers a wide variety of surf spots. This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, such a beautiful and complex coastline provides waves suitable for every skill level. On the other hand, less experienced surfers may find themselves unsure about which surf spot to choose.

This is where the local knowledge of local surf coaches comes into place:

If you are a Beginner, we suggest having a look into Group Surf lessons. This is an easier and less expensive approach to the discipline that allows you to learn how to surf in complete safety and with the help of a local surf teacher.

While for the more advanced surfers we recommend having a look into Surf Coaching and Surf Guiding. This is the ultimate way of improving your surfing while saving you the headache of driving from spot to spot not being able to find a good wave.

Lastly, if you are not new to the area, you are already an experienced surfer and you wish to go surfing on your own, we encourage you read Our Guide to the Best Surf Spots of Sagres

 

6.  What is there to do besides surfing?

Important consideration: what is there to do when we are not surfing?

The final aspect we consider when planning our surf holidays is the availability of extra activities beyond surfing. After all, even the most passionate surfers can’t be in the water 24/7. It’s always nice to have alternative plans for when we need a break from surfing.

Two great alternatives that are still closely connected to surfing are skateboarding and yoga. Here in Sagres at Lemontree, we offer both! If you’d like to practice yoga and want more information about our schedule and lessons, you can find the details here. While if you’re interested in improving your surfing skills even outside the water, check out our surfskate classes here.

However the options definitely do not end here, the Algarve and specifically Sagres, offer a huge number of outdoor options. These include: epic sunsets and hikes on the coast. The exploration of the Costa Vicentina National Park with its stunning cliffs and beaches. Kayaking trips, bike trips, diving and whale watching. There is really something for anyone.