Praia de Bordeira (Carrapateira) is one of the wildest-looking surf beaches in the Algarve: a huge sandy bay wrapped in dunes, with the Carrapateira river and wooden walkways leading down from the cliffs. Exposed to powerful Atlantic swells, it offers everything from mellow peaks on smaller days to solid, fast walls when the surf is pumping, making it a favourite for adventurous beginners (with a school), intermediates and advanced surfers alike.
With multiple sandbanks spread along a wide beach, there’s usually a bank working somewhere, and plenty of room to spread out in the lineup. The combination of rolling dunes, cliffs and big open skies makes every paddle-out feel like a session in the middle of a nature reserve rather than a built-up resort.
Off the water, you can soak up the easygoing vibe in Carrapateira village, explore coastal viewpoints and boardwalks, or link Bordeira with other west-coast breaks on a flexible surf road trip.
Getting ready to surf Bordeira? Plan your trip now and experience everything this underrated surf spot has to offer with our Algarve Surf Trip Guide.
- Why Surf in Bordeira?
- When to Surf in Praia da Bordeira?
- Discover Bordeira: Scenic Beach Views
- Bordeira Surf Conditions: Waves, Tides & Wind in the Lineup
- Live Surf Forecast for Bordeira Beach
- How to Get to Bordeira – Carrapateira: Location & Directions
- Plan Your Surf Trip to Bordeira
- FAQ: Surfing & Travel Tips for Bordeira
- Surf Spots Near Bordeira
- Explore More Surf Spot Guides in the Algarve
- Related Algarve Travel Guides
- Browse More Portugal Surf Regions
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Why Surf in Bordeira?
If you’re searching for consistent Bordeira surf with space in the lineup and raw Atlantic energy, this beach delivers both mellow days and heavier sessions.
- Variety of waves – Primarily an exposed beach break with multiple peaks spread along the bay. On smaller swells you’ll find mellow, rolling walls and plenty of whitewater; on solid days the banks serve up fast, powerful beach-break sections that are much more technical.
- Good for different levels – On small, tidy days Bordeira can work for beginners and lower intermediates with a surf school, especially closer to the river side. Most of the time, though, it really shines for intermediates and advanced surfers who are comfortable with punchier take-offs and shifting banks.
- Scenic setting – Huge dunes, boardwalks, cliffs and the Carrapateira river winding out to sea create one of the most dramatic surf backdrops in the region. Just walking down from the viewpoints and checking the banks is an experience in itself.
- Laid-back village vibe – Instead of a tight cliff-top village, you’ve got the small, easygoing village of Carrapateira a short drive away, with cafés, restaurants, surf shops and a relaxed, year-round surf crowd.
- Flexible surf base – It’s easy to combine Bordeira with nearby spots like Amado, Vale Figueiras and Arrifana, giving you multiple options within a short drive if the wind, tide or sandbanks aren’t cooperating.
Whether you’re chasing open, powerful beach-break walls or looking for a big, uncrowded canvas to progress your surfing, Bordeira delivers consistent waves and a true wild-coast atmosphere.
- Flights: Find the Best Flight Deals to Faro or Lisbon
- Car Rental: Book Your Car Rental for Bordeira & Algarve West Coast
- Hotels: Check Hotels & Stays in Bordeira, Carrapateira & Nearby Beaches
- Surf Camps: Join a Surf Camp Near Bordeira & Amado
- Activities: Book Fun Activities Around Bordeira & Vicentine Coast
- Tours: Discover Tours & Day Trips from Carrapateira, Sagres & Algarve
- Surf vibe: Wide, wild west-coast beach backed by big dunes and cliffs – exposed, powerful and with way more space than Portugal’s classic surf-town bays.
- Best surf season: October–April for more consistent NW swells and stronger surf; summer still brings smaller, cleaner waves that are great for cruisy sessions and surf lessons.
- Best beginner surf: Smaller, tidy days in the middle of the bay or closer to the river side – softer whitewater and rolling walls, usually with surf schools from Carrapateira operating nearby.
- Top stays nearby:
- Casinha da Praia – Cosy beach-style house near Carrapateira, perfect if you want a simple, comfortable base close to Bordeira and Amado. Check Prices & Dates
- Villa Nooma – Stylish villa with plenty of indoor–outdoor space, ideal for families or groups looking to surf Bordeira by day and relax in comfort by night. Check Prices & Dates
- Hortas do Rio – Casa de Campo – Charming countryside stay with pool and gardens, offering a peaceful rural vibe just a short drive from Bordeira’s dunes and waves. Check Prices & Dates
When to Surf in Praia da Bordeira?
You can surf Bordeira all year, but the feel of the waves changes a lot by season. As a true swell magnet on the exposed west coast, Bordeira surf ranges from mellow, rolling walls to heavy, rippy beach-break on big swells – so the “best” time really depends on your level and what you’re chasing.
- Summer (June–August) – Smaller, friendlier Bordeira surf most of the time: warm water, softer peaks and lots of whitewater closer to the shore. Ideal for beginners, longboards and soft-tops with a surf school. Winds and crowds can pick up in the afternoons, but early sessions are usually mellow and fun.
- Autumn (September–November) – Often the prime window. The ocean stays relatively warm, crowds thin out and regular NW swells start pulsing in. Expect everything from shoulder-high fun waves to punchier overhead days – perfect for confident intermediates who want more push without the heaviest winter power.
- Winter (December–February) – Bordeira shows its big, wild side: stronger groundswells, powerful walls, rips and frequent overhead (or bigger) surf. On the right sandbanks and wind it can be incredible, but conditions are best left to experienced surfers who are comfortable with strong currents and heavy beach-break.
- Spring (March–May) – A transition season with a mix of cleaner small days and occasional solid pulses. Great if you want fewer people, manageable water temps and a chance of everything from playful shoulder-high sessions to more serious swells when Atlantic systems roll through.
If you’re a beginner or lower intermediate, aim for late spring to early autumn and focus on small, tidy days near the river side with a surf school. If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer chasing more powerful Bordeira surf, autumn and winter are when this beach really comes into its own.
In short: beginners and surf camps should target late spring to early autumn on small, tidy days; intermediates and advanced surfers will get the best Bordeira surf from autumn into winter, when there’s more size and push.
Discover Bordeira: Scenic Beach Views
Perched between rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs, Praia da Bordeira is one of those beaches you really have to see to believe. In the panoramic video below, you can trace the wooden boardwalks from the clifftops down to the vast sandy bay, watch the Carrapateira river winding out to sea, and get a feel for just how much space there is in the lineup. Use these scenic beach views to scope the banks, check the exposure to swell and wind, and imagine your own paddle-out before you even arrive.
Bordeira Surf Conditions: Waves, Tides & Wind in the Lineup
Bordeira is a classic exposed west-coast beach break with a lot of water moving around. A huge sandy bay, shifting banks and the Carrapateira river mean peaks can pop up all along the beach – from softer walls and whitewater inside to fast, powerful sections on bigger swells. On most days you’ll find at least one workable bank if you’re willing to walk a little.
Break layout – river side vs open beach
On smaller swells, the middle of the bay and the river side tend to be more forgiving, with softer take-offs and long, rolling shoulders that work well for lessons and progression sessions. When the swell and tide line up, stronger peaks appear further out and along the more exposed sections of the beach, with quicker drops and more punch – this is where confident intermediates and advanced surfers usually sit.
Swell, Wind and Tides
Bordeira faces the open Atlantic and hoovers up NW and W swells, which is why it’s such a reliable option when other spots are flat.
- Best swell: NW–W swells with moderate periods.
- Best wind: Light easterly or south-easterly winds are typically offshore or cross-off. Strong onshore or cross-on winds can turn it messy very quickly.
- Tide: Surfable on all tides, but bank-dependent. Mid tides often give a good balance between power and shape; very low on big swells can feel heavy and hollow, while full high can fatten things out depending on the banks.
On big NW swells with strong onshore winds, Bordeira can become very heavy and messy – on those days it’s often better to check more sheltered spots like Amado or Arrifana.
Rips, Currents and Hazards
As a long, open bay, Bordeira is naturally rippy. Channels near sandbanks and along the river side can help you get out on good days, but they can also drag you down the beach or out of position if you’re not paying attention. On bigger swells you’ll feel a lot of water moving, with punchy shorebreak sections in some areas.
Beginners should stick to small, clean days in the more sheltered sections and always go with a qualified surf school. Intermediates and advanced surfers will enjoy the extra push and long walls Bordeira can offer, but still need to read the currents and pick their banks carefully.
On bigger days, expect powerful paddle-outs and fast-moving channels – it’s common to see surfers getting dragged down the beach if they don’t keep an eye on the land marks.
Use the summary table below to quickly check the ideal swell, wind, tide and season when planning your next Bordeira surf session.
Facilities
Car Park
Bar / Restaurant
Surf School
Surf Level
Wave Direction
Right and Left
Tide
All tides
Swell
Northwest, West
Wind
East, Southeast
Bottom
Sand and Rocks
Season
All year
Consistency
Localism
Crowd
Average Water Temperature
Summer: 20.3°C
Autumn: 19.3°C
Winter: 15.9°C
Spring: 16.5°C
Live Surf Forecast for Bordeira Beach
Planning a session at Bordeira is much easier when you can see what the ocean is doing right now. Use the live surf forecast below to check today’s swell height and period, wind direction, tides and expected conditions for different times of day. Compare it with nearby spots like Amado or Arrifana, pick the right tide window for your level, and decide whether it’s a mellow learner day near the river side or a heavier beach-break session further down the bay.
How to Get to Bordeira – Carrapateira: Location & Directions
Praia da Bordeira: A surfer’s paradise. Located approximately 250 kilometers from Lisbon and 100 kilometers from Faro, Praia da Bordeira offers world-class waves and stunning coastal scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Bordeira has something for everyone.
From Carrapateira, follow the signs to Praia da Bordeira and park either on the clifftop viewpoint (with wooden boardwalks down to the sand) or by the river-side parking area, depending on tide and swell.
To find out how to get to Praia da Bordeira, check out the Location & Directions section on our main page, Algarve Surf Travel Guide. Use the embedded Google Maps tool below to easily navigate to Praia da Bordeira and start your adventure.
Ready to experience the thrill of surfing in a secluded and natural setting? Pack your board and plan your trip to Praia da Bordeira today.
Plan Your Surf Trip to Bordeira
Planning your surf trip is easier when everything’s in one place. Use this guide to organize your perfect getaway to Bordeira, a vast dune-backed beach on the Algarve’s wild west coast with raw Atlantic energy, long sands and plenty of space in the lineup.
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FAQ: Surfing & Travel Tips for Bordeira
What surf level is Bordeira best for overall?
Most of the time, Bordeira suits lower-intermediate to advanced surfers. You should be comfortable with:
Paddling out through stronger whitewater
Dealing with shifting peaks and rips
Taking off on faster beach-break waves
If you’re a beginner or very rusty, it’s best to surf here with a school/camp on mellow days or choose a more sheltered spot nearby when the swell is big.
When is the best time of year to surf Bordeira?
You can surf Bordeira year-round, but the character changes by season:
Autumn–spring (Oct–Apr): more consistent NW swells and more powerful surf – the best window for good, rippable waves if you’re intermediate/advanced.
Summer: smaller, cleaner waves and warmer water – great for longboards, soft-tops and surf lessons, but less reliable if you’re chasing heavy surf.
What kind of waves can I expect at Bordeira?
Bordeira is an exposed Atlantic beach break with a river mouth and lots of sand movement. Expect:
Multiple peaks spread along a long bay
Lefts and rights that change with sandbanks and tide
Softer, cruisier walls on small swells
Fast, hollow sections and heavy shorebreak when the swell is solid or tide is wrong
Because banks shift regularly, the “best” peak moves – it’s worth checking the whole bay from the viewpoints before choosing where to paddle out.
Which board should I bring to Bordeira?
A bit of extra volume goes a long way here:
Funboard / fish / hybrid: ideal all-rounders for most intermediate surfers.
Shortboard: great for stronger swells and more performance-oriented sessions.
Longboard / soft-top: fun on small, clean summer days or for lessons closer to the river side.
If you’re only bringing one board and you’re intermediate, a funboard or fish will give you the most flexibility.
What wetsuit do I need for Bordeira?
Summer (Jun–Sep): 3/2 mm full suit is usually perfect; some hardy surfers use a shorty on the warmest days.
Spring/Autumn (Apr–May & Oct): 3/2 or 4/3 mm depending on wind and your cold tolerance.
Winter (Nov–Mar): 4/3 mm, and many people add booties on the coldest, windiest days.
Hood and gloves are optional and usually only needed if you really feel the cold.
Are there surf schools and rentals at Bordeira?
Yes. While Bordeira itself is more wild and open, surf schools and camps based in Carrapateira and nearby beaches regularly teach there. They typically offer:
Group and private lessons at Bordeira and Amado
Board rental (soft-tops, longboards and performance boards)
Wetsuit rental
Multi-day surf camp packages
In summer and school holidays, book in advance to secure lessons and equipment.
Does Bordeira get crowded?
For such a quality spot, it spreads people out pretty well:
High season: more surf schools, camps and vans in the car park, but the wide beach and multiple peaks help keep the crowd manageable.
Off-season: often feels spacious, with plenty of room to find your own bank, especially if you’re willing to walk a bit along the sand.
It’s rarely as concentrated and intense as compact bays like Arrifana, but always surf with normal etiquette and awareness.
Are there any hazards I should be aware of?
Rips and strong currents, especially on bigger swells or near the river influence.
Heavy shorebreak at certain tides and swell sizes – can be punishing for beginners and boards.
Shifting sandbanks, so channels and peaks move regularly.
Occasional strong winds, which can make paddling and positioning more demanding.
As always, assess conditions before paddling out and stick within your limits. If in doubt, ask local surfers or surf schools for advice on where to surf that day.
Is Bordeira family-friendly?
Yes, but it’s a wild, exposed beach, not a village promenade:
Fantastic for sand play, walks and exploring dunes on calm days.
Waves and currents can be strong, so children and non-surfers should stay in the safest, shallowest areas and away from obvious rips.
Shade and amenities are limited, so bring what you need (water, snacks, sun protection).
What facilities and parking does Bordeira have?
Parking areas near the viewpoints and down by the river/bridge area (can get busy in summer).
Wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms with great views over the bay.
Limited on-the-beach facilities – you’ll usually head to Carrapateira for cafés, restaurants and shops.
Expect more of a nature-spot feel than a built-up resort.
Where should I stay if I want to surf Bordeira?
You’ve got several good bases close by:
Carrapateira village: the most convenient option, with cafés, restaurants, surf shops and quick access to both Bordeira and Amado.
Rural casas / guesthouses: around the Costa Vicentina, offering quiet stays with pools and gardens just a short drive from the beach.
Sagres or Vila do Bispo area: more services and restaurants, plus easy access by car to a whole cluster of west- and south-coast surf spots.
Surf Spots Near Bordeira
With a car, it’s easy to link Bordeira with other west-coast surf beaches:
- Amado – Well-known west-coast surf beach with reliable sandbanks, surf schools and a lively surf scene just over the headland.
- Vale Figueiras – Long, remote sandy bay with powerful, punchy waves and a proper off-the-beaten-path feel.
- Arrifana – Cliff-backed horseshoe bay with a strong surf-village vibe and consistent peaks for intermediates and above.
- Cordoama – Wide, cliff-framed beach with multiple peaks, a raw west-coast atmosphere and easy links to nearby Castelejo.
Use our individual surf spot guides to compare conditions, crowds and places to stay, and build a flexible Algarve surf road trip around Bordeira.
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