Praia de Faro is the Algarve's unlikely surf spot—a south-facing beach that only works during rare winter storms that wrap around from the Atlantic. The consistency is terrible, but when it does work, locals get excited for the novelty of scoring waves just minutes from Faro airport. The warm water, sunny climate, and complete lack of crowds when it's on make it an intriguing anomaly. This is more of a bonus surf option for those already in the region than a destination spot.
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach island accessed via bridge from Faro.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Winter only. Rare south swells.
Verified by Wannasurf, Algarve surf community
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions