Every year we spend several months in the south of Portugal, usually choosing Carvoeiro. This year, after a month, we moved to a wilder part of Algarve – to Carrapateira, where we decided to spend our days surfing. In this guide — Carrapateira, Portugal: 14 Best Things to Do and See — let’s take a look together at what you can see and do here, and where to surf. Let’s take a look together at what you can see and do here, and where to surf.
When to Go to Carrapateira?
The best temperatures here are, of course, in summer, even though there are more tourists. If you want to learn to surf, it’s also a better time for surfing, as the waves are smaller (but even in winter, you just need to wait for a day when the waves are suitable for beginners).
If you want to avoid tourists but still want temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, June or May, September, or early October are ideal. This transitional period is already calmer, but all restaurants and businesses are still open.
Carrapateira is beautiful all year round, don’t be afraid of winter either; we spent December here, and temperatures were pleasant, around 15-17 degrees Celsius, with mostly sunny days. At this time, most surf schools are closed, but lessons can still be arranged. The advantage is that there are only a few of you with the instructor. There were only three of us.
Where to Stay: Hotel Tips in Carrapateira
One of the most beautiful accommodations in Carrapateira is definitely Nōhō house. This house is very stylishly furnished, located in the center, and has a very nice patio, but it doesn’t have a pool. So if you prefer a place with a pool, I recommend Sanderling beach & dune house.
How to get from Lisbon to Carrapateira?
You can get to Carrapateira by bus with Rede Expressos. The bus departs from Sete Rios terminal, and the journey takes just over 4 hours. It usually departs at 7:30 AM and arrives in Carrapateira at 11:40 AM. However, outside of peak season, it might not run every day.
Uber normally operates in Portugal, so you can get from Lisbon to Sagres, for example, and take a taxi for the rest of the journey.
Carrapateira, Portugal: 14 Best Things to Do and See
Carrapateira was once a sleepy fishing village, but today it’s a surfer’s paradise. That’s why you’ll find not only surfers and fishermen around every corner but also plenty of pleasant establishments. If you’re not here in December like we were, they’ll even be open. 😁
Praia Da Bordeira: the Wildest and most Beautiful Beach
Praia da Bordeira is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, but most importantly – you won’t confuse it with any other. When you walk here, you feel like you’re at the end of the world. Vast sand dunes, undulating like a desert, alternate with the amazingly clear waters of the Atlantic.
To walk its entire length will take you quite a while, as it’s over 3 km long, but that also means it’s never crowded. You’ll always find your spot here. The beach is also great for beginner surfers like us. Above the beach, there’s also one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Portugal.
Praia Do Amado: Surfer’s Paradise
If you love surfing, Praia do Amado will be your second home. This beach is one of the most popular among surfers in the entire Algarve, not only because of its waves but also its great atmosphere.
On the beach, you’ll find several surf schools that will teach you the basics. Be aware that they might not be open outside of peak season, so if you’re coming here between November and January, be sure to contact them in advance. However, we found a surf coach in the FB group “I know a guy“.
Surf competitions are even held here annually, attracting pros from all over the world.
Praia Da Arrifana
Just a short distance from Carrapateira, you’ll find another one of our favorite beaches: Praia da Arrifana. This beach is hidden in a cove bordered by high cliffs and is popular among surfers, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Above the beach, you’ll find the remains of an old Moorish fortress that once protected the coast from pirates. We mainly come here for coffee and brunch at See You Surf Café. This area has an incredible surfing atmosphere, and there are also beautiful viewpoints, so even if you don’t surf, you should definitely come here.
Walk along the Cliffs or Go for a Run
Near Carrapateira, beautiful trails lead along dramatic cliffs, which are part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. I used to go running here every other day during our stay in the village. Along the cliffs, there are several beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic; you can also drive to these viewpoints or take a longer hike.
Head to the Viewpoint at Sítio Do Forno
If you don’t have time for a walk along the cliffs, at least head to the Sítio do Forno viewpoint, from where you’ll have magical ocean views.
Museu Do Mar E Da Terra
Want to soak up some local atmosphere and learn about the region’s history? Visit the Museu do Mar e da Terra. This small but charming museum will guide you through the lives of local fishermen and farmers.
You’ll see old fishing tools and photos from times when life by the sea was incredibly tough. The museum is interactive and definitely won’t disappoint children either.
Taste Local Desserts at Microbar
In the center of Carrapateira, there’s Microbar, where you can grab something to eat or a dessert. They often have sweet potato desserts here, known in Portugal as batata-doce, which have a long tradition, especially in the Algarve region.
Sweet potatoes, brought to Portugal by seafarers in the 16th century, became a popular ingredient in local cuisine thanks to the ideal climate. They are most valued in nearby Aljezur, where they even have a protected geographical indication (PGI) and a sweet potato festival is held.
At Microbar, they often have something like a bundt cake and pies made from sweet potatoes, so give them a try. I don’t really recommend the coffee here; it’s rather subpar, but they have excellent food.
Visit Marmel’s Kitchen Lab with Marina Mel
In Carrapateira, you’ll also find Marmel’s Kitchen Lab, run by the very kind Marina Mel, who supplies her products to cafes and shops almost all over Portugal.
In summer, there’s also a cafe here; in winter, only the shop is open. It’s a great place to buy local jams, taste coconut kefir, and especially try their vegan mini gingerbread cookies filled with fruit pastes and coated in chocolate. You can also buy sugar-free chocolate and other treats here to bring as souvenirs.
Taste the Famous Pizza Made with 20-Year-Old Sourdough
Drive to the nearby (approx. 30 minutes away) Arte Bianca Cucina Italiana, which has been ranked among the top 50 pizzerias in Europe for three consecutive years. In 2024, it reached 33rd place in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza ranking.
Their secret lies in using premium ingredients, some of which are imported directly from Italy, while others come from local producers and their own garden.
They prepare the dough from flour sourced from an Italian artisan mill and use a sourdough starter more than 20 years old, which ferments for 72 hours.
They offer four types of dough, including gluten-free and whole-grain. Chef Emanuele Zingale, after many years of experience in gastronomy, opened the first Arte Bianca restaurant in Aljezur with Manuela Mattavelli over ten years ago – in 2014.
Ponta Da Atalaia
Haven’t had enough viewpoints yet? A short distance from the aforementioned pizzeria, you’ll find the Ponta da Atalaia viewpoint, which is manageable even with small children or bad knees. It’s truly just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot, and you’ll have amazing ocean views.
Where to Surf in Carrapateira – Surf Schools
In Carrapateira and its surroundings, you’ll find several surf schools. For example, Carrapateira Surf School or Surf Code offer lessons for beginners and advanced surfers, emphasizing small groups and individual approaches.
If you’re planning a longer stay, you can use the services of Amado Surf Camp, which provides accommodation in addition to lessons. Thanks to quality instructors and a beautiful environment, Carrapateira is an ideal place to start your surfing journey or improve your skills.
You can also book lessons via GetYourGuide. You can find more about surfing in Portugal in our article.
Explore the Surroundings by Bike or on Horseback
If you want to experience Carrapateira and its surroundings a bit differently, rent a bike. In town, you’ll find several options, such as Carrapateira Extreme Tours, where you can rent full-suspension mountain bikes, or Algarve Bike, which offers e-bikes and recommendations for the best routes.
The largest selection is probably at MegaSport Travel, but they are not directly from Carrapateira; however, they arrange delivery directly to Carrapateira.
By bike, you’ll discover hidden beaches, cliffs, and trails that would remain hidden by car. However, we recommend booking bikes in advance, especially during the summer season when demand for bikes is highest.
Explore Carrapateira on horseback; you can easily book a tour via GetYourGuide.
Trip to Aljezur
About a 20-minute drive from Carrapateira is Aljezur, a charming town overlooked by a castle ruin. Be sure to explore its local streets, where you’ll find numerous tiny galleries by local artists, as well as nice establishments. We like to come here for coffee or lunch because in Aljezur you’ll find both a Thai restaurant and a hummus bar, which we really enjoy.
Head here for at least half a day and explore both the town and the nearby beaches. You can find more tips on what to see in Aljezur in our article.
Farol De Sagres
Take a trip to the lighthouse near the town of Sagres. This lighthouse, built in 1846, stands on dramatic cliffs near Cape São Vicente – one of the westernmost points of Europe. Thanks to its strategic location, it helps navigate ships in one of the busiest maritime areas of the Atlantic Ocean, and its light is visible up to 50 kilometers.
The lighthouse itself is relatively small, but the views of the endless ocean, the often strong winds, and the height of the cliffs make it a special place. This spot once marked the end of the known world before the Portuguese embarked on their famous overseas discoveries. It was not far from here, in Sagres, that Prince Henry the Navigator founded his nautical school, which trained generations of famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama.
When you visit Farol de Sagres, we recommend staying until evening. The sunsets here are among the most breathtaking in Europe – the sky turns warm orange and pink hues, and the endless horizon will literally engulf you.
And if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, which sometimes appear in the surrounding waters.
FAQ
When to go surfing in Carrapateira?
You can surf in Portugal all year round, but spring and summer are recommended for beginners due to smaller waves, while advanced surfers will best enjoy autumn and winter when the Atlantic Ocean brings bigger swells. However, as beginners, we surfed in winter and had no problem; you just wait for days when the waves are smaller.
Where is Carrapateira?
Carrapateira is a small village on the southwest coast of Portugal in the Algarve region, located between the towns of Aljezur and Sagres, near the protected area of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
How to get to Carrapateira by public transport?
You can get to Carrapateira by bus from Aljezur or Lagos, or by local taxi; Uber normally operates here.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
