Praia do Amado, in the Algarve
We will go on tiptoe, without talking much and being respectful of the locals. **We will be accompanied on our journey by the most famous surfer in the area: Marlon Lipke **. Of German descent and one of the few Europeans to have been among the top 45 professional surfers in the world, Lipke has shown us where to find the best waves in the Algarve this summer.
The temperatures will be mild between 15 and 30º in the air, and about 18º in the water. We will avoid crowds and the logical route from North to South and, from there, to the East. We will be discreet, focusing on essential spots and villas in which to stop to taste a sea bass, a francesinha and a local beer. Let's start!
VILA DO BISPO, OUR BASE CAMP
This singular and classic locality will be the axis of our adventures that They will take place between Lagos, Aljezur and Sagres. Located where the N125 and N268 highways meet, its strategic location will give us ease of movement to discover the incredible beaches and waves that are hidden between these three Portuguese municipalities.
First, We will visit Lagos because almost everything is cooked in its large bay. From there, we will move, we will improvise, depending on the rhythm set by the waves and the winds, having a series of essential destinations as a compass. Back towards Vila do Bispo, it is imposed a visit to Salema to eat fresh fish: there will be no waves, but the good atmosphere to disconnect from the water is guaranteed.
ATLANTIC COAST, FROM CASTELEJO TO THE NORTH
Between rocks and coves, we find Castelejo and its multiple peaks. We jump head first with the board and a 3/2 wetsuit into the summer seas it receives. On our way north, A stop in Cordoama is imposed. Resist the attraction of the water for a while and do not stop going up to its viewpoint: that the Atlantic combs you and that you discover the mysteries and coves that the Algarve keeps.
Once focused on the route in search of waves, the obligatory stop is Amado beach. A place of worship and a large influx of Andalusian surfers, it withstands the north wind very well and its beach bars, surf schools and parking lots will make you travel to a nearby California.
Also essential the somewhat more frequented Bordeira and Carrapateira. This last beach is well suited to the north and west seas, with light winds from the south or east, as in almost the entire Portuguese west coast.
Warning: you will fall in love with praia do Amado
ALJEZUR, DESERVING A SPECIAL MENTION
If there is a curious and transit town for the surfer, that is Aljezur. Classic villa on the northern arrival from Lisbon. Its reference beach is Arrifana. A dream descent with restaurants and lots of life. It withstands the north wind and hides very fun waves with loose peaks. In fact, with a lot of sea, the solid right-hand wave of the stone appears, and that is a big word.
Near Aljezur, a little further north, a place like Monte Clérigo is a good bet if what we are looking for is something less exploited, with a beautiful town and good waves. I'm sure you won't have any problems laying down your towel: its sandbank is huge and well-protected by two cliffs. A look at Amoreira is never enough, a new sandbar can surprise you with easterly winds.
Arrifana Beach
SAGRES, ONE OF THE CLASSICS
Before reaching Sagres, stop. Punta Ruiva awaits you, if what you want is adventure : hidden, capricious and a benchmark in affordable lefts. What are you waiting for!
After this surfing tour, we arrive at Sagres and its classic spots: Beliche, Mareta and Tonel. A lot has already been said about the party and the waves in this area and that's where we stop. Because what has not been talked about so much is the winter seas and the south coast, and that is Zavial and her companions do not lavish much, and we save them for future deliveries.
Tonel beach in Sagres