Praia do Amado, Carrapateira's surf beach

What it is

Praia do Amado is a wide beach open to the west, south of the village of Carrapateira, in the municipality of Aljezur and within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. It sits in a valley between cliffs, with sand in front and bare hills behind. It receives the Atlantic ground swell almost all year and so is one of the best-known surf beaches in Portugal: it has hosted surf and bodyboard championships, and the schools give their lessons right on the sand.

How to get there and park

From the south entrance of Carrapateira, on the N268 road between Vila do Bispo and Aljezur, follow the signs towards Amado for about 2 km. There is another way in from Praia da Bordeira, by the coast road, but the last stretch is a dirt track. The car park is on dirt areas beside the beach, large, although in August and on weekends with good waves they fill up. Motorhomes are restricted from overnighting in the natural park: park by day and sleep in an authorised area.

Surf: who it is for

In small and medium seas, the beach is good for learning: it is long, with a sandy bottom and there is room for everyone. In big seas, especially in winter, it breaks hard and is not for beginners; stay on the shore and watch.

If you want a lesson, Amado Surf School, based on the beach itself and also in Carrapateira and Sagres, gives lessons in small groups with an instructor and organises multi-day packages with accommodation. Prices and ages can be checked on its website. If you don't have a board, the school hires one out. If you prefer a school with its own hut further north, there is surfing at Arrifana.

Facilities and swimming

In bathing season there are lifeguards, a beach bar and basic facilities. The water on the west coast is cold even in summer and the currents are strong: swim in the supervised area and respect the flags. Outside summer there are no lifeguards.

When to go

For surfing, all year: from autumn to spring there are more waves and fewer people; in summer the sea is usually calmer, better for learning. For a beach day, from June to September. In the afternoon a north wind often rises; mornings are cleaner for surfing.

With children and teenagers

For teenagers a surf lesson here is a hook. With small children it is a beach for playing on the sand rather than swimming: the sea breaks hard at the shore. There is no natural shade; bring a sunshade.