Beach break · Carrapateira, Costa Vicentina · 37°10′N 8°54′W
Praia do Amado
A wide sand bay south of Carrapateira and one of the most reliable surf beaches in the south-west, with enough peaks to spread a crowd. Surf schools all year, and real waves for experienced surfers in winter.
Praia do Amado lies at the end of a valley just south of the village of Carrapateira, inside the Costa Vicentina natural park. From Praia da Bordeira you can reach it along the clifftop past the Pontal headland, on a dirt road with some of the best views on this coast.
The wave
A sand-bottom beach break that handles a wide range of swells and tides, from small summer days up to around double overhead in winter. The banks shift with the seasons, so the best peak moves, but there is usually something working somewhere along the beach.
Who it is for
Everyone. Surf and bodyboard schools run lessons here all year, and the beach has hosted beginner surf and bodyboard events. On a solid winter swell it becomes a proper wave for experienced surfers.
When
NW to W swell with a decent period and an E or NE wind. Sitting south of the headland, it is often sheltered from a light northerly. Mid to high tide is usually the pick; low tide is faster and hollower but dumpier. Winter north-westerly storms are the main thing that shuts it down.
Nearby
Praia da Bordeira
A huge, dune-backed beach at the mouth of the Ribeira da Bordeira, just north of Carrapateira. A long left under the cliffs at low tide and fast rights into the rivermouth on the push.
IntermediatesAutumn and winter
Cordoama
A long, open beach of white sand below high cliffs next to Castelejo, with powerful beach-break peaks that can get hollow. Reliable on NW groundswell, but exposed to the wind.
IntermediatesAutumn; struggles in the big winter swellsCastelejo
A wild west-coast beach below dark cliffs north of Cape St Vincent, picking up almost any Atlantic swell. Fun peaks on smaller days, advanced-only above head-high, and very exposed to the wind.
IntermediatesAutumn, before winter storms flatten the banksCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia do Amado?
- Praia do Amado is a beach break. It wants NW to W swell, handles size swell and works best with offshore from the e / ne; sheltered from light n wind wind.
- Is Praia do Amado good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Praia do Amado?
- Autumn to spring for quality; year-round for lessons.
- What should I watch out for at Praia do Amado?
- Shifting sandbanks, rips on bigger days, and winter north-westerly storms that blow it out.