Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Amado
A beach break in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-5 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Amado is a wide, open beach just south of Carrapateira and one of the most consistent spots in the Algarve. The peaks move along a long stretch of sand, so there's room for everyone.
There are softer peaks for improvers and faster, hollower banks further along. Because it's so exposed, it gets big and messy quickly when the swell rises, with strong rips and shorebreak. Several surf schools work here, so the lineup is a mix of students and locals.
37.187, -8.9 · Small-mod swell, any wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Amado
Amado is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small-mod swell, any wind. This is how the year looks across The Algarve:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to April | Prime | Consistent NW-W swell, mild Algarve winter, fewer crowds |
| May, Sep | Good | Warmer water, still decent swell, shoulder-season crowds |
| June to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, packed beaches and high season prices |
In season: January · February · March · April · October · November · December
Waves near Amado
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeira | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Arrifana | Costa Vicentina | Left Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 12 km |
| Cordama | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 13 km |
| Mareta | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 20 km |
| Tonel | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 21 km |
| Zavial | Sagres & Lagos | Right Point | Beginner / Intermediate | 21 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Costa Vicentina
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa Vicentina surf guide →
A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $843 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Amado: common questions
When is the best time to surf Amado?
Amado works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small-mod swell, any wind.
Is Amado good for beginners?
Yes. Amado suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Amado?
Amado is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Amado?
Amado is in Costa Vicentina, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.187, -8.9). The nearest wave we cover is Bordeira, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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