Zavial surf guide
Surf: It’s a fast, hollow and powerful right wedging up off the cliffs at the far end of the beach. It can be a mission getting a wave off the locals. Needs a moderate SW or big W-NW swell to break and mid tide to avoid closing out.
Environment: The most famous of the Algarve south coast spots and also the busiest with a local crew who are on it at the slightest sniff of a wave. If the scene here is too hectic then a drive around might reveal further goods. Medium consistency in slightly warmer water temps than the west coast.
Surf: General: Small, sandy cove that opens out at low tide with a quality right point on the western edge, where fast, often wedgy and hollow waves peel along sand and sand covered reef. One of the best spots on the south coast with a large local crew.
Tides: Medium to high tide.
Size: Waist high to overhead.
Wind: N
Swell: SW to NW
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Ok, easy paddle round.
Spot Rating: Small beach with high quality, fast, wedgy, hollow rights peeling off the point through to the sand.
Access: Car park just back from beach. Walk out onto the rocks to check as point not visible from car park.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Super busy.
Local Vibe: Hassly, edgy, crowded line-up.
Environment: OK
Hazards: Crowds and heavy, wedgy waves.
Season: Best December to February.