Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Amado
A beach break in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Amado is a wide, open beach just south of Carrapateira and one of the most consistent spots in the Algarve. The peaks move along a long stretch of sand, so there's room for everyone.
There are softer peaks for improvers and faster, hollower banks further along. Because it's so exposed, it gets big and messy quickly when the swell rises, with strong rips and shorebreak. Several surf schools work here, so the lineup is a mix of students and locals.
There are no shops or houses by the beach, so bring what you need. Carrapateira, a few minutes north, has cafés and places to stay.
When to surf
Amado
Amado is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small-mod swell, E offshore wind, all tides.
October to April: Prime
Consistent NW-W swell, mild Algarve winter, fewer crowds
May, Sep: Good
Warmer water, still decent swell, shoulder-season crowds
June to August: Quiet
Smaller swell, packed beaches and high season prices
The year across The Algarve
Waves near Amado
Bordeira
4 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Cordama
7 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Castelejo
8 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Stay near Arrifana or in Aljezur town for the wildest, most exposed part of the Algarve coast - fewer crowds, more wind and swell.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa Vicentina guide.
Costa Vicentina surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.