Amoreira Surf Spot Details: Your Complete Surf Guide & Travel Planner

Most of the time it’s ideal for lower- to mid-intermediate surfers: if you can paddle out, catch green waves and ride along the face, you’ll have a lot of fun. When the swell and tide line up, more experienced surfers can score faster, steeper peaks on the main sandbanks.

For consistency, aim for autumn to spring (roughly October–April) when NW swells are frequent. You’ll still get fun, smaller surf in summer — great for longboards, soft-tops and relaxed holiday sessions, less so if you’re chasing powerful waves.

Amoreira is a river-mouth + beach break with sandbanks that create lefts and rights along a wide bay. On small days you’ll usually find softer, rolling waves and lots of whitewater inside the bay and near the river — great for learners and intermediates. With a bit more swell, the outer sandbanks serve up more powerful, rippable peaks that suit confident intermediates and advanced surfers. Expect mostly sand-bottom waves, with the character changing a lot with swell size, tide and rips.

If you’re not a hardcore shortboarder, bring something with a bit of volume:

• Longboard / foamie: perfect for small summer days and true beginners

• Funboard / fish: great all-rounder for waist–chest-high surf

• Shortboard: best for winter or stronger swells when the banks are more powerful

For one-board quivers, an intermediate-friendly funboard or fish is usually the safest bet.

Water here is like the rest of Portugal’s west coast:

• Summer (Jun–Sep): 3/2 mm full suit is usually spot on; a shorty on the very hottest days if you don’t feel the cold.

• Spring/Autumn (Apr–May & Oct): 3/2 or 4/3 mm depending on wind and your tolerance.

• Winter (Nov–Mar): 4/3 mm, often with booties on the coldest and windiest days.

Yes. You’ll find surf schools and camps based around Amoreira, Monte Clérigo and Aljezur, offering:

• Group and private lessons

• Board rental (soft-tops, longboards and performance shapes)

• Wetsuit rental

In July–August and school holidays, pre-booking is a good idea.

It can, but usually feels less intense than Portugal’s major hubs:

• High season: more learners and surf camps in the water, especially inside the bay.

• Off-season: line-ups are generally quieter, and the long beach means you can often walk a bit and find a less-crowded peak.

Main things to be aware of:

• Rips and currents, especially around the river mouth and on bigger swells

• Strong shorebreak at low tide or with solid swell — can be heavy for beginners

• Shifting sandbanks that move channels and peaks around

Always check the flags and follow lifeguard advice in the bathing season; if in doubt, ask a local surf school where it’s safest that day.

Yes. Amoreira is popular with families thanks to:

• The river area, which can be calmer and shallower on the inside

• A big sandy beach for playing and relaxing

• Lifeguards in high season (in the main bathing areas)

For kids and non-surfers, stick to the gentler river side or small surf days, and avoid obvious currents.

Typically you’ll find:

• Parking area near the beach (can get busy in August)

• One or more beach cafés/restaurants (seasonal)

• Wooden walkways and viewpoints

• Toilets in high season

It’s a short walk from the parking to the sand, but you’ll be going up and down some ramps, so plan accordingly if you’re loaded with boards and gear.

You’ve got a few good bases:

• Near Amoreira / Monte Clérigo: easiest for dawn patrols and quick surf checks

• In Aljezur: more restaurants, supermarkets and year-round services; a short drive to several beaches

• Villas and rural stays nearby: quieter, often with pools and garden space — perfect if you’re in a group or staying longer