Overview
Praia da Cordama is a more isolated beachbreak under impressive cliffs, with sand, rocky outcrops, and sand-covered reefs along a huge exposed stretch of coast. It has lefts and rights, with powerful, long, walling waves on small, clean days.
When It Works
The swell window runs from southwest to north, with northwest as the optimal swell direction. It is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, but this coast is best in smaller swells and can quickly get too big.
Autumn and winter are the main seasons, roughly September to February. After March there can still be plenty of swell, but winds are less favourable. Small summer swells in glassy conditions can offer lots of peaks.
Wind and Tide
An east wind is offshore, and southeast can also work. North winds ruin the conditions quickly.
Low and mid tides are the main window, a rising tide is better, and mid tide is best. Some breaks can occasionally work through more of the tide.
Local Tips
Crowds are usually fairly quiet, and even in summer they tend to spread out along the beach. If it is busy, there are lots of peaks up and down the coast.
It can suit shortboards, funboards, longboards, fish, and bodyboards, and it is listed as beginner-friendly, but the setting is remote and rippy. Strong currents, powerful waves, rocks, and tough paddles over shoulder-high make it a place to take seriously. Do not surf alone.
Access
There is a beachfront car park with free parking at the end of the access road, plus roadside parking.
