Beach break · Vila Nova de Milfontes, Costa Vicentina · 37°47′N 8°48′W
Praia do Malhão
A long sandy beach break north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, inside the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park and reached by a wooden boardwalk over the dunes. Mellow on small days, punchier when a bigger swell arrives.
Praia do Malhão is a long sandy beach about 5 to 8 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes (guides differ on the distance), inside the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. A wooden boardwalk crosses the dunes to the sand.
It is a beach break over sand, and surf camps rate it intermediate and up: mellow on small days, punchier when a bigger swell comes in from the Atlantic. Several guides name it among the best surf beaches in the Milfontes area, and many surf schools head here. There are showers and plenty of parking, and the northern end is a naturist stretch. Check a live forecast before you go.
Schools & rentals near here
Nearby
Vila Nova de Milfontes
The main town on the southwest coast, at the mouth of the Mira river. The sheltered estuary beach is a calm learner spot; heavier open beach breaks sit a short drive away.
BeginnersSpring to autumn for the calmest estuary conditions
Praia Grande (Porto Covo)
The main surf beach at Porto Covo, a short walk from the village. A bay with a left off the south end and a softer right on the north side. Best on a north-west swell with an east wind.
All levelsSpring and summer suit learners
Almograve
A cluster of cliff-backed beaches down a quiet road south of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Powerful and exposed swell magnets, for confident surfers only once there is size.
Advanced surfersSpring and autumn; winter is big and coldCommon questions
- Is Praia do Malhão good for beginners?
- Not for a first session. It's rated intermediate — better once you can paddle out and read a line-up on your own.