Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Cordama
A beach break in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-7 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Cordama is a beach a few kilometres north of Arrifana, with short, hollow waves when the banks are good and a couple of other peaks nearby that get bigger as the swell rises.
It's reached on a dusty dirt road with no signs, so it gets far fewer people than Arrifana. A medium west to north-west swell is best.
37.3, -8.88 · Moderate W-NW swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Cordama
Cordama is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Moderate 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 Cordama
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrifana | Costa Vicentina | Left Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Amado | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 13 km |
| Bordeira | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 13 km |
| Rocha Negra (Black Rock) | Sagres & Lagos | Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 28 km |
| Meia Praia | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 29 km |
| Mareta | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 33 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 →
Cordama: common questions
When is the best time to surf Cordama?
Cordama works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: Moderate W-NW swell.
Is Cordama good for beginners?
No. Cordama is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Amado in Costa Vicentina, about 13 km away.
How crowded is Cordama?
Cordama is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Cordama?
Cordama is in Costa Vicentina, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.3, -8.88). The nearest wave we cover is Arrifana, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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