NOTE Updated November 2018: Portugal and the Algarve in particular are now pretty crowded even in the winter months. The influx of vans and later staying holiday makers along with the growth in popularity of surfing mean that even in October and November it is pretty hard to escape the crowd.
1. “I was still barefoot in November” — Harry Spencer, from Margaret River, Australia
2. The water temperature doesn’t drop below 14 C in the Algarve so a 4/3 wetsuit is as thick as you’ll need.
3. “Colder water than summer but a warmer vibe. Friendly people and consistent waves make me love this place in winter” Laura Hawke, Cornwall, England
4. The world’s biggest wave, Nazare — If you time your trip right and get a little bit lucky you might just get to witness this first hand.
5. “It’s Amazing because it’s quiet, rustic with amazing waves and still warm” Paul Fanet, France (FYI: no longer quiet)
6. The swells just keep on coming. Big winter swells light up the West and South coast, making the algarve a perfect option for winter wrap arounds.
7. You can watch the waves smash into the cliffs at Sagres and then head to one of the more protected and usually flat bays and beaches along the South Coast for an awesome winter session
8. You get waves like this.
9. “I love the uncrowded beaches and the beautiful skies“— Emilie de Block, Netherlands (FYI no longer uncrowded)
10. You get to wrap up warm after a tough day paddling. Lula the Pug
11. You can learn to surf all year round as there is always a protected bay on the South Coast ideal for all levels
12. “It’s really quiet and the waves are really nice and the weather’s still generally pretty nice so you can actually sunbathe and top up your tan” Wendy Prescott, Australia (FYI no longer quiet)
13. “It’s really nice to get some space and walk my dogs on the beach and the skies can be absolutely gorgeous” Zara Mata, Portugal
14. “My favourite part of winter is surfing some left hand point breaks that don’t usually work in the summer” — Jose Paralta
15. The sunsets are epic
16. ‘I love the serenity and peace of a winter in Portugal warmer waters and new spots begin to work with the bigger swells’ Ana Von Parker, Surfer/Photographer from England
17. “Winter in the south west of France can be pretty rough. So when a 10 days storm hit in February, it was not a hard decision to drive to Portugal for a little trip. The next day we were on the road and we found what we were looking for : plenty of sun, fun waves and a few empty line ups…” Pauline Ado, Roxy surfer from France.
18. “It’s really quiet and there are good waves to be had” — Jessica Ann Ince, Cornwall, England (FYI no longer quiet)
19. “What most people don’t realise is the season doesn’t end in October” Ruby Ash, Cornwall, England
20. “Just thinking about winter in Portugal makes me smile.” Guro Asdøl Midtmageli, Tretten, Norway
Need somewhere friendly to stay this winter in the Algarve or closer to Lisbon in Peniche? if you’re looking to work remotely I’d recommend the epic http://www.coworksurf.com/
Or come and join us this winter at Algarve Surf School
Surf looking less than perfect or fancy a little change of scenery? Try coasteering in the Algarve
