How to read the surf forecast in Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

Sagres is one of the most consistent surf destinations in Europe. Sitting at the very tip of the Algarve, this small town is surrounded by the Atlantic on three sides — a peninsula that catches swell from almost every direction. Because of this unique geography, Sagres has an incredible variety of surf spots: powerful beach breaks, mellow points, and everything in between.

But this variety is also what makes Sagres tricky. With so many beaches facing different directions, exposed to different winds and tides, reading the forecast can feel like a puzzle — especially if you’re new to the area. Knowing where to go and when to paddle out can make the difference between a frustrating surf and the session of your life.

This guide is for all surfers visiting Sagres who want to score the best waves without wasting time driving around or guessing conditions.

1. Which Forecast Website to Use

Not all surf forecast platforms are equal — and for Sagres, accuracy matters. The three most commonly used are:

 

• • Surfline: Very user-friendly, but many features are locked behind a paywall.

• • Windy: Great for checking wind, swell, and weather maps, but less detailed for surf-specific info.

• • Surf-Forecast: My personal recommendation. Even in the free version, you get tons of useful features like wave energy, swell period, wind direction, and a clear breakdown of how conditions will evolve throughout the day.

After many years living and coaching in Sagres, I’ve found Surf-Forecast to be the most accurate for this region. If you’re new here, it’s the perfect tool to start with.

2. Swell Direction: West vs. South

One of the biggest advantages of surfing in Sagres is having access to both west-facing and south-facing surf spots within a short drive. This is why Sagres is consistent all year round — if one coast is blown out or flat, the other often delivers.

West-Facing Spots: Tonel, Cordoama, Castelejo, Amado, Ponta Ruiva

These breaks are exposed to the west swells, which are by far the most consistent throughout the year.

 

• • Winter: These spots often get maxed out by powerful swells — great for pros, but too heavy for most intermediates.

• • Summer: Smaller, cleaner swells roll in, creating perfect conditions for intermediate surfers.

• • Wave size & energy: These spots hold up to 1.8–2m waves (around shoulder- to head-high, depending on period). Anything above 800kJ of wave energy usually becomes too powerful and difficult for most surfers.

• • Intermediate sweet spot: Look for swells between 0.5–1.5m. At this size, the waves have enough push to practice turns, positioning, and takeoffs without being overwhelming.

South-Facing Spots: Beliche, Mareta, Zavial, Burgau

The south coast is your fallback when the west is too big or messy. These breaks are exposed to south swells and can also pick up big west/northwest swells that wrap around the headland.

 

• • Small swells: With south swells, these spots can deliver playful, fun waves that are great for intermediates.

• • Big swells: When the forecast shows 2.0m+ and over 1500kJ of wave energy, the south coast lights up. This is when Zavial or Beliche can deliver world-class waves — long, fast, and hollow.

• • Intermediate caution: While south coast spots are friendly and mellow with smaller swells, they become serious and dangerous when waves get bigger than 1.5m. At that point, they’re suitable only for experienced surfers who are confident in heavy conditions.

3. Wind Direction

Wind is often the deciding factor in Sagres. Because of the peninsula’s unique geography, the same wind can ruin one spot while making another perfect. Understanding how wind interacts with each beach is key to scoring clean, rideable waves.

Offshore Winds

 

• • General rule: In Sagres, east winds are offshore for most west coast spots, grooming waves into clean, glassy lines.

• • Tonel: Works well not only with east but also with northeast winds, which create ideal offshore conditions here.

• • Cordoama & Castelejo: These spots handle south winds surprisingly well, staying clean when other west coast breaks get messy.

Onshore Winds

 

• • North & northwest winds are typically onshore for the west coast, making waves choppy and harder to ride.

• • The good news? These same winds blow offshore on the south coast, which often transforms spots like Mareta or Zavial into clean, lined-up waves.

Special Case: Amado and Arrifana

When there’s moderate northwest wind and the swell is big but not too big (1.5–2m), Amado and Arrifana become gems. The headlands protect it from the wind, keeping conditions fun and surfable when other beaches are blown out.

4. Tides

Tides play a massive role in Sagres surf conditions. A spot that looks flat at high tide can be firing at low, and vice versa. Since the tidal range here is significant, knowing the right time to paddle out can completely change your session.

 

• • General rules: Many of the west coast beaches, like Tonel or Cordoama, work better on a mid to low tide, when the banks are more exposed. Meanwhile, some south coast spots, like Zavial, often come alive around a mid to high tide.

• • Changing sandbanks: One thing to keep in mind is that sandbanks shift every year (sometimes even within the season). This means the “perfect tide” for a spot one year might not hold true the next.

Pro tip: Because of these shifting conditions, it’s always worth asking a local — whether it’s another surfer in the water, a surf shop, or your coach — which tide is working best at that time of year. A 5-minute conversation can save you hours of frustration.

5. Putting It All Together: When to Surf West vs. South

If you’re new to Sagres, the mix of swells, winds, and tides can feel overwhelming. To make it simpler, here’s a general rule of thumb:

 

• • West Coast works best with:
    

     

    • • Swell between 0.3m and 1.8m
    • • Swell period between 7–12 seconds
    • • Winds from the south, east, or northeast, or glassy conditions (no wind / less than 15km/h)
    • • Perfect for intermediates most of the year.

• • South Coast works best with:
    

     

    • • Swell bigger than 1.8m and period 11s or more, especially with north or northwest winds, or in glassy conditions.
    • • Smaller south swells can also create fun, user-friendly waves here, especially if winds are light or moderate.
    • • Ideal fallback when the west is maxed out.

Final Thoughts

Sagres is a dream location for surfers, but it can be confusing if you don’t know how to read the forecast. With two coastlines, shifting sandbanks, and ever-changing winds, conditions can vary a lot in just a few kilometers.

The good news? Once you learn how to read the forecast properly, you’ll realize there are always waves somewhere.

And if you really want to fast-track your surf progression, I offer intermediate surf coaching here in Sagres. With in-water coaching, video analysis, surfskate training, and ongoing WhatsApp support, I’ll help you make sense of the conditions and your surfing.

Get in touch today and let’s make your next surf session in Sagres your best one yet.