Beach break · Porto Covo, Costa Vicentina · 37°51′N 8°48′W
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.
Praia Grande is Porto Covo's main surf beach, an easy walk from the village. In the bay, the south end throws a left that is usually the bigger wave, and the north side offers a softer, more peelable right. Sources describe the bottom as a mix of sand and uneven reef.
It takes swell from the south-west to the north, best from the north-west, in roughly 2 to 10 ft, with an east wind. The town beach is sheltered and can still work in strong northerly winds. Spring or summer suits learners, and the bay is manageable for beginners on small days. Sources disagree on consistency, from very reliable to fickle, so check the forecast. São Torpes, with its own breakwater shelter, lies a bit further north.
Nearby
São Torpes
A long sand beach just south of Sines, with its best peaks against the jetty at the north end, sheltered from the summer north wind. Gentle for learners on small days, hollow and fast on a solid swell.
All levelsYear-round; summer for learners, autumn and winter for size
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.
Intermediates
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 conditionsCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Praia Grande (Porto Covo)?
- Praia Grande (Porto Covo) is a beach break. It wants SW to N, best from the NW; roughly 2 to 10 ft swell and works best with offshore from the e; the bay still works in strong northerlies wind.
- Is Praia Grande (Porto Covo) good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.
- When's the best time for Praia Grande (Porto Covo)?
- Spring and summer suit learners.