Sagres & Lagos · Portugal
Surfing Rocha Negra (Black Rock)
A right reef in Sagres & Lagos, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Rocha Negra, or Black Rock, is a right over rock reef at Praia da Luz, just west of Lagos in the Algarve. The bay is sheltered, so it only works on a solid swell and isn't consistent.
When it does break, it holds a good size and gives longer rides than the beaches around Lagos. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers, and it's much quieter than Meia Praia.
It only breaks on a solid south-west swell, usually in winter, and works best at high tide. Praia da Luz is a small resort village with cafés and places to stay, and Lagos is about ten minutes away. On other days, the west coast around Sagres is the better bet.
When to surf
Rocha Negra (Black Rock)
Rocha Negra (Black Rock) is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Solid S-SW swell, N-NW wind, high tide.
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 Rocha Negra (Black Rock)
Meia Praia
8 kmSagres & Lagos · Beach Break · Beginner
Zavial
14 kmSagres & Lagos · Right Point/Beach · Intermediate / Advanced
Ingrina
14 kmSagres & Lagos · Reef Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Sagres is small, quiet and built entirely around surfing and windsurfing; Lagos is livelier with more nightlife and the gentlest beginner beaches.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Sagres & Lagos guide.
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