Sagres & Lagos · Portugal
Surfing Mareta
A beach break in Sagres & Lagos, Portugal, for beginner surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner
- Size1-3 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd1/5
The wave
A small, sheltered cove right by Sagres town, popular for its wind protection and gentle, easy-going wave. Mareta breaks over sand in soft, forgiving peaks, one of the calmest options anywhere on this exposed stretch of coast.
Like Tonel nearby, it's a natural fallback when the bigger points are blown out or too powerful. Look for a small swell at any tide for the easiest conditions, and enjoy Sagres' laid-back surf-town atmosphere right on the doorstep.
37.0058, -8.9425 · Small swell, sheltered · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Mareta
Mareta is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small swell, sheltered. 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 Mareta
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonel | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | under 1 km |
| Zavial | Sagres & Lagos | Right Point | Beginner / Intermediate | 1 km |
| Bordeira | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 20 km |
| Amado | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 20 km |
| Rocha Negra (Black Rock) | Sagres & Lagos | Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 26 km |
| Meia Praia | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 28 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Sagres & Lagos
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Sagres & Lagos surf guide →
A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $843 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Mareta: common questions
When is the best time to surf Mareta?
Mareta works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small swell, sheltered.
Is Mareta good for beginners?
Yes. Mareta suits beginner surfers.
How crowded is Mareta?
Mareta is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Mareta?
Mareta is in Sagres & Lagos, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.0058, -8.9425). The nearest wave we cover is Tonel, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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