Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Bordeira
A beach break in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Bordeira is a huge, open beach at Carrapateira, backed by dunes and a river. It picks up a lot of swell, and its sandbanks can produce powerful, hollow peaks.
With so much beach, the banks move all the time and a short walk can find you a different wave. On small days it's gentle, on bigger days it gets heavy, and the rips are strong once there's any size. It suits intermediate surfers and up.
37.1875, -8.9088 · W-NW swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Bordeira
Bordeira is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: W-NW swell. 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 Bordeira
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amado | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 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 | 20 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 →
Bordeira: common questions
When is the best time to surf Bordeira?
Bordeira works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: W-NW swell.
Is Bordeira good for beginners?
No. Bordeira is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Amado in Costa Vicentina, under 1 km away.
How crowded is Bordeira?
Bordeira is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Bordeira?
Bordeira is in Costa Vicentina, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.1875, -8.9088). The nearest wave we cover is Amado, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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