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For British travel writer Angela West, Monday mornings usually mean that it’s time again for that dreaded, daily commute. This time, though, she’s about to catch a tube of a very different variety. With beautiful beaches and uncrowded waves – along with great weather, food and friendly people – the Algarve’s favorable climatic conditions make it ideal for a first-time surfing destination.

Boasting a mild Mediterranean climate and a winter water temperature of around 59° F, rising to 72° F come summertime, surfing conditions along Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coastline are among the best in the world. At the heart of Europe’s surfing scene, there are more waves and secret spots here than you can shake your board at, making the Algarve a magnet for rookies and hardcore surfers alike.

Put on the surfing map when local surf culture kicked off in the 1970s, Portugal’s first surf shop, Aleeda, opened in 1980 and early boards made here were called Lipsticks. Surf competitions started here in 1977, culminating in a huge party of seafood, wine and spirits, hosted by the city of Ericeira, while the first international competition was held in Peniche.

Nowadays, Portugal plays host to numerous international competitions attended by world-class surfers, such as ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals), EPSA (European Professional Surfing Association) and the World Tour. Big competitions are held at Ericeira and Figueira da Foz in September/ October, while in the Algarve, a lower-starred
event takes place at Praia do Amado every July. Famous pros can be seen hanging out in their hometown areas, where they surf with their mates, just as they did when they started out.

Good for Beginners, Too
But what if you’re a beginner after a piece of the action? I’ve always dreamt of riding those waves and head to the ancient coastal town of Lagos to spend a week at The Surf Experience, a company which has been running for 17 years:
“We were the first in the Algarve and possibly the first lifestyle-geared company in Europe, because on top of teaching, we do tours for already accomplished surfers and help with arrangements for eating out and making friends,” Toby Millage, the company’s managing director, tells me. Beautiful, open beaches and uncrowded waves, along with great weather, good food and friendly people are all part of the appeal. With views of spectacular beaches and a variety of restaurants and shops on its doorstep, we’re welcomed at the comfortable surf house by Toby’s team of qualified British Surf Association lifeguards and instructors, with the guarantee that: “Everyone will be surfing or leave at a better standard by the end of your stay. The emphasis is on fun and meeting others from around the world.”

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