Found in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, southern Portugal, Lagos is one of the most visited towns in the region. This is largely thanks to a large number of tourist friendly beaches and vibrant summer nights. However, these days a large part of the appeal is the availability of world class Lagos surfing holidays.
Despite an ancient maritime history dating back 2,000 years, it’s another kind of life on the waves that is putting the town on the map. With a range of beaches and breaks to choose from combined with a lively nightlife, surf holidays in Lagos are well suited to surfers of any level.
The Meia Praia is one of the largest open bays in Europe, and renowned for its soft white sands and calm seas. Popular with tourists and with calmer waters, it’s not always ideal for serious surfing. But for beginners and those finding their feet it’s got ideal conditions and a perfect location.
Surfers gather at the Praia de Porto do Mos in the early evenings when conditions are usually best. There’s also good access and a car park. The Praia do Canavial can be tricky to find but that means it’s quieter and the waves less busy.
All around the Lagos area there are smaller beaches and sandy coves to discover. Including the excellent Camilo, Dona Ana and Pinhão amongst others. Overall there is plenty of excellent surfing within driving distance of Lagos so it makes an excellent destination for a surf holiday.
And if you are planning to visit Lagos there is no one better to help you have a good time both on and off the water than The Surf Experience. Launched in 1992 they are the oldest and original ‘surf lifestyle’ school in Europe.
Having been based in Portugal since 1992 they are the oldest surf school in the country. They know Lagos and the surrounding area like the back of their hands so can always take you to the best waves for your ability and the conditions on both the south and west coasts.
With a range of accommodation including their infamous surf house, plus plenty of parties and social events they are the top choice for surf holidays in Lagos. For more information and to find out about the holidays they offer, visit them at www.surfexperience.com or call +351 282 762 744.
Most Algarve beaches experience a large tidal range. So knowing when to surf is almost as important as knowing where on Lagos surfing holidays. Conditions are best a couple of hours either side of high tide. Which might explain how a flat empty beach can be transformed into a thriving surf spot with beautiful peaks in a matter of hours.
In the summer Lagos can get busy. But this creates a great atmosphere and a legendary nightlife. Even in the summer behind the main drag are a series of charming cobbled streets and bars. Outside of the peak summer months it is a more relaxed town, although still lively at night but with a high portion of the visitors being surfers.
Locals are really friendly, as they are all over Portugal. Out on the waves if you show a bit of respect and follow normal surf etiquette you won’t have any problems with local surfers.
If you’re planning surf holidays in Lagos then be sure to check out The Surf Experience: www.surf-experience.com