The Algarve forms the south-westerly corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Here, you have two coasts to choose from for surf or bodyboard: the west coast and the south coast. Both are Atlantic coasts but you can feel their proximity to the Mediterranean everywhere. Whatever the time of year, there’s a very good chance you’ll get good waves and good weather.

The predominant swell direction is northwest, so the west coast is the most sought-after. The fact that the beaches are spectacular and almost always deserted is an added incentive.

In the eastern Algarve you can also find good places, such as Ilha do Farol or Deserta and Praia de Faro.

Praia de Faro is a beach right below Faro situated on a sand spit that offers fairly consistent beginner waves all year round. While the waves are not always huge they are great for learning and it offers good beginner and longboard waves throughout the summer.