Praia do Amado is located just south of Carrapateira village and is a well-known beach for surfers looking for consistent waves. This spot is a bit busier than others in the area and offers more shelter from the elements compared to Praia da Bordeira, which is further north. The beach is pretty popular with Algarve surf schools, making it a lively place to catch some waves.
The surf here can be pretty fun, especially when you're lucky with the banks. You can expect waves that range from about waist high (0.6 meters) to overhead (2.4 meters). The best conditions usually happen with a low to mid tide, and the ideal swell direction comes from the Northwest, although Southwest and North swells are also good. You’ll find both left and right breaking waves over a sandy bottom, which makes it suitable for different types of boards like shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards. Keep an eye on the winds; an east wind tends to be preferable, while larger days might challenge paddlers due to a lack of channels.
In terms of crowds, it can get busy here, especially with traveling surfers looking for quality waves. While the vibe is generally energetic and bustling, you'll still find it manageable. Just be cautious of rips when the surf is bigger. The best time to hit Praia do Amado for good waves is from autumn to spring, with December to February being the prime months.