WINDSURF MAGAZINE 103THE SPOTS
There are many spots to choose from in Sagres,
from ones right in town to lots more just 10 to
30 minutes away by car and covering freeride to
beginner spots, right up to classic wave sailing
spots. The varied coastline means you’re always
able to find a spot that suits your windsurfing
skills. The standard of rider required will be in
general higher on the west facing spots (with the
north winds of summer), while the south facing
spots are in the main more suitable for beginners,
intermediates or flat water lovers, the only hazard
being the strong offshore winds here – so keep this
in mind before you find yourself struggling to get
back to shore.
From May to August the wind is quite
consistent. So if you’re up for some freeride or
slalom blasting, a 7.8 sail and a 115 litre board
should do the job. While if you’re into waves,
sails from 3.7 to 5.3 should cover it. Even in
summer, the average temperatures in Sagres due
to windchill and the cold water are not as high as
the rest of the Algarve, so a good shorty wetsuit or
even a 3/2 full length can be handy. Bring some
warm clothes for evenings as it can get chilly here,
even in summer.
You can hire windsurfing or SUP kit at
Praia do Martinhal, where you will be warmly
welcomed by Joel at his windsurfing centre
Wind4all (wind4all.pt), where he offers a whole
range of options for the entire family, from
windsurfing lessons to SUP coastal safaris.
The Sagres area is a paradise for nature lovers,
meaning that even on those rare no wind days,
there are lots of alternative activities on offer. You
can explore the rugged coastline and see amazing
sea caves with Jean-Luis of SupSagres who has
a good range of equipment and is extremely
knowledgeable about the different SUP spots
around Sagres for either a flat water paddle or
a proper wave riding session. Alternatively you
can also rent mountain bikes and discover the
dramatic coast on two wheels.
PRAIA DO TONEL
Tonel is a very good wave sailing spot, one of the
best in Portugal and has a reputation for radical
action. The spot is set against rugged cliffs and can
have some impressive waves with clean sets rolling
in – perfect for jumping and frontside riding. It
offers really consistent conditions in the summer,
and it’s also highly accessible from Sagres, being
just a few hundred metres from the town centre.
The cross-shore ‘Nortada’ is often strong
enough for small sails, yet it can be pretty gusty.
Surrounded by cliffs, medium to strong currents
also affect this small beach. The biggest problem
though is the rocks as they’re easily missed! Ask a
local to point them out before launching. The best
conditions are mid to low tide when you can ride
a bit further away from the rocks!
It can get very good with strong north winds
and a good summer swell. But even in light winds
it can be a lot of fun (especially on a windSUP
board!). In light wind conditions however, watch
out for the good number of surfers that you will
probably find around you!PRAIA DO MARTINHAL
This spot, with its hyper-flat waters and strong
offshore winds can be really perfect for freeride
and slalom blasting, as much as for taking some
lessons at the local windsurf school – Wind4all.
This long sandy beach is truly a speed sailing
and freestyle nirvana. The ‘Nortada’ is bolt
offshore here, flattening every ripple. The wind is
a little gusty inshore, but can get a little rough just
a few hundred metres outside. The beach is very
flat and you can stand up quite a way out on lower
tides, making it great for learning and for picture
perfect jibes in shallow turquoise water. This
place can get busy on the beach in high season- although when it’s windy the swimmers and
sunbathers will run away! During winter, with
prevailing south winds, Martinhal transforms into
a chaotic beach break with strong currents. With
southeasterly Levante winds, it stays sailable for a
couple of days before the seas get too rough.
PRAIA DO BELICHE
Praia do Beliche is 3 kms. northwest of Sagres
and is one of the most scenic beaches in the whole
Algarve with huge cliffs overlooking a perfect
golden beach. This place can become an exciting
and challenging beach break during winter. But
in the summer you will find it perfect for an easy
paddle or an impromptu windSUP session in flat
water. Be aware of shifting winds though as the
surrounding cliffs can greatly affect the direction
of north winds here. The only other downside
for windSUP here is the long walk down to the
beach, just look on it as part of the adventure!GET THERE
Although Sagres was considered the ‘Edge of the
World’ in ancient times, it is now pretty easy to
get to. Flights from the UK to Faro, the nearest
airport, take under three hours and it’s around
a 1 hour 40 minute drive from the airport. Faro
is well serviced with lots of flights from major
airlines and plenty of hire car options.