Sagres & Lagos · Portugal
Surfing Tonel
A beach break in Sagres & Lagos, Portugal, for beginner surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner
- Size1-3 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Tonel is the small beach right below the town of Sagres. Cape St Vincent shelters it from the strongest wind and swell, so it often stays surfable when other beaches are blown out.
The waves are small and slow over sand, and Sagres surf schools use it for lessons most mornings. Low to mid tide on a small swell is easiest.
37.0055, -8.9435 · Small swell, sheltered · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Tonel
Tonel 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 Tonel
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mareta | 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 | 21 km |
| Rocha Negra (Black Rock) | Sagres & Lagos | Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 26 km |
| Meia Praia | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 29 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 →
Tonel: common questions
When is the best time to surf Tonel?
Tonel works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small swell, sheltered.
Is Tonel good for beginners?
Yes. Tonel suits beginner surfers.
How crowded is Tonel?
Tonel is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Tonel?
Tonel is in Sagres & Lagos, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.0055, -8.9435). The nearest wave we cover is Mareta, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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