All-Year-Round Luxury Surfing Holidays in the Algarve
Portugal is one of the leading surf holiday destinations in the world – with the western Algarve home to some amazing and consistent waves all year round. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline close to Salema (the Sagres area) is ideal if you’re a complete beginner, pro surfer or anything in between. And you don’t have to rough it in a hostel to enjoy a surfing break in Salema. Our contemporary oceanfront Salema villas with pools are close to some fantastic Algarve surfing hotspots – allowing you to enjoy a luxury villa holiday in Salema, around some great surfing at the nearby surf beaches. Each of our Salema villas overlooks the sea, boasting stunning views stretching around the Algarve coastline.
If you’re planning luxury surfing holidays in the Algarve, our Salema villa accommodation is perfect. Villas sleep groups of 2-12 guests, with larger parties of almost any size able to be accommodated if more than one villa is booked. Our beautiful self-catering villas are located close to each other in the picture-postcard fishing village of Salema, just a short 15-20 minute drive from some of the best surf spots in the western Algarve. Whether you’re looking to book a winter, spring, summer or autumn surfing trip with friends, or are keen to get your children on the waves as young as possible, stay at one of our oceanfront villas in Salema and enjoy a luxurious surfing holiday in Portugal.
Where to go surfing in and around Salema, Algarve
Salema itself has a wide golden sandy beach that many believe to be the ‘best in the world’. Sometimes you’ll be lucky to catch some swell here, particularly in the autumn and winter months, but surfing in Salema isn’t really the done thing. Salema is a place to chill. The surfing is found down the road in Sagres. If you’re looking for a bit of everything (and some pumping waves), definitely head to the beaches close to the nearby surfing town of Sagres, less than 15 minutes from Salema by car. Sagres is home to some very famous surf beaches, both in and around the town itself, and lining the west coast. There’s no real beach for ‘best waves’ because waves keep changing so it’s best to take advice from the locals on where to surf on the day – although mecca Sagres is definitely the place to be heading during your surfing holiday in Salema.
In both Sagres, and the largest town close to Salema (Lagos) you can hire surfboards and wetsuits. If you’re a new or improving surfer, there’s also a selection of great surf schools based in both Lagos and Sagres with lessons for all ages and levels. Lagos offers a pumping party atmosphere with many bars and restaurants, whereas Sagres is quieter with funky surfer bars and a good night out – that’s all about the surfer vibe. Nightlife aside, the actual surfing is found in Sagres.
Surf beaches close to Salema
Without heading west and for some gentler waves, it’s worth thinking about surfing in Burgau, the next village along and just a few miles east of Salema. Burgau is not widely known as surf spot, but has reliable waves coming in from the south west. It’s best to surf in Burgau in the winter when it’s rarely crowded, because in the summer it’ll be full of beach lovers, with the surfers riding the waves of the more established surfing beaches around Sagres. So although Burgau is the closest place to surf to Salema, we consider this a backup surf spot.
The serious surf can be found by heading the other way. Just a few miles west from Salema (before Sagres) is the stunning Zavial beach. At this small, popular surfing bay, the surf breaks from the left and right, so it’s best to surf here best around mid-tide. Due to its unpredictable riptide, surfing in Zavial is sometimes better suited to more advanced surfers – but we often see lots of beginners having lessons here when the tide is right. With a great beach bar, Zavial is a nice spot to go and watch the surfers during your holiday in Salema.
Surfing in and around Sagres, Algarve. This is the real deal
Continue west along the N125 and you’ll arrive in Sagres (the south-westerly corner of Portugal). Surf is the talk of the town in Sagres. Praia do Tonel is a fantastic surfing beach, particularly in the winter. Set against huge cliffs, the waves can get big here plus the current is strong, so it’s not suitable for beginners. Around the corner you’ll discover Praia do Beliche – a challenging beach break with swells of up to three metres. If you love your barrels, you’ll be in for a treat surfing at Beliche, especially if you’re already a pretty decent surfer. It’s surrounded by cliffs so be prepared for the long walk down the beach steps, but that’s 100% worth it!
Heading north from Sagres up the west coast and there’s surf beach after surf beach after surf beach, all unique and truly stunning. To mention a few… 12km north of Sagres is the isolated Castelejo Beach, – said to be one of the best to learn surfing in the Algarve. Next door is another cracking surf beach – Cordoama. A little further north is Amado beach, which offers a consistent surging all year and a great variety of wave conditions for both goofy and regular surfers. For surfers of all skills levels on a good day of swell, Arrifana beach is a top choice. They are so many beaches to surf near Salema you won’t be able to surf them all during one surfing holiday in Salema.
When to go Surfing in the Algarve
One of the best things about Salema and the western Algarve is the weather. Here the sun shines. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures, you can visit Salema at any time. In summer, the waves are a little smaller so if you’re looking for a surfing holiday, we advise avoiding the peak summer months of July and August if possible when the region can be busy with tourists. Because surfing in the Algarve is so popular, there’s always a vibrant party atmosphere in the nearby towns to Salema, Lagos and Sagres, all year round.
Our luxury Salema villas are tucked away in a central, yet tranquil, part of Salema, so you’ll be able to escape the crowds and relax in your perfect soothing space. Book one of our self-catering coastal villas in the autumn to enjoy uncrowded water and awesome swell. Or, if you’re a bit of a surfing pro, round up your friends and enjoy some epic waves, wedges and barrels during the winter months. After a day’s surfing, relax on the ocean-facing deck of your villa and enjoy a BBQ with friends. Why not book our large Casa das Estevas villa and you’ll have direct access down a secluded beach in Salema. During the quieter months between October and April, you’ll enjoy calmer, uncrowded beaches but there’s still plenty going on in Salema and nearby towns. The ocean water is also still warm during this time, with average sea temperatures around 15-17 degrees Celsius.
Luxury Villas in Salema for surfing friends or family
Each of our villas at Simply Salema boasts magnificent views of the ocean, beach and village, so you’re never far from the sea even when you’re not surfing. The villas are all just a short walk from Salema beach and village centre, whilst being nestled on the cliffside within a peaceful setting. Our Salema villas have private swimming pools and large terraces so you can relax outside with friends and family. If you’re planning a luxury surf holiday for a larger group, Casa da Lana, Casa Kissa and Casa Tulipa are all positioned next to each other, and have three bedrooms, sleeping a total of 18 guests if all three villas are booked.
Catered and self-catered surfing holidays in Portugal
If all you want to do is surf, surf, surf, catered villa holidays can be arranged on request so you won’t need to think about cooking. Catered or self catered, our Simply Salema villa manager will also be able to book any other activities during your stay if you fancy a break from surfing. Our coastal villas in Salema have plenty of room to store your surfboards and places to hang your wetsuits, and the maid service is handy if you’re too busy catching waves to think about anything else. For families, we have a wide range of handy extras to make your stay as stress-free as possible. From highchairs, to stairgates, our Salema villas are perfect if you’re planning family surf holidays in Portugal.
Salema surf holidays
Why not take a look at our collection of beautiful self-catered villas in Salema, and start planning your luxury surfing break in Portugal now? Our friendly team are available to advise and help you book the best luxury Algarve villa to suit your needs, whether you’re organising that epic surf trip with friends, or a half-term surfing holiday with the family.
