Surf spot

PRAIA NOVA

Forecast conditions and map view for PRAIA NOVA in Portugal, Algarve. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Portugal, Algarve
Coordinates: 37.0961, -8.3886

Metric
Metric	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00
Wave height (m)	0.6	0.7	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.5	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.4
Wave direction	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	WNW	WNW	WNW	W	WSW	W	W	W	W	W	W	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE
Wave period (s)	4.8	5	5.2	5.3	5.5	5.4	4.8	4.9	5	5	4.9	4.9	5.3	4.2	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.4	4.4	4.4	4.2	4.3	4.2	4.1	4.3	4.8	4.9	5.2	4.6	3.5	3.1	3.4	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.8	2.9	3	3.1	2.9	3.6	4	4.2	4.3	4.2	4.1	4	4.1	4.3	4.3	4.3	4.5	4	4	4
Wave energy (kJ)	14	22	34	42	39	34	29	25	24	25	24	22	19	15	14	11	7	7	6	6	5	4	3	2	1	1	2	2	1	1	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	2	2	2	3	6	9	9	7	6
Wind speed (km/h)	10.1	12.6	12.7	11.2	21.3	21.2	7.9	11	6.7	8.4	12	9.5	16.5	14.2	22	10.8	5.4	10.4	10.5	6.2	19.6	28.8	22.5	15.5	18.1	19.6	16.1	17.4	23.5	31.2	23.4	18	12	12.4	8.7	11.8	14.4	10.1	13.2	7.6	6.4	12.8	11.8	5.8	13.8	15.5	11.1	12.1	12.5	13.1	13.4	7.2	14.8	14.3	17.3	12.3
Wind direction	ECross	ECross	NECross-off	ECross	SECross-on	SECross-on	ECross	NECross-off	NECross-off	ENECross-off	NNEOffshore	ECross	SSEOnshore	WSWCross-on	WCross	NWCross-off	NECross-off	NNEOffshore	NOffshore	NECross-off	SWCross-on	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NNWOffshore	NNWOffshore	NNWOffshore	NNWOffshore	NNWCross-off	WNWCross-off	NWCross-off	NWCross-off	NNWOffshore	NOffshore	NOffshore	NOffshore	NNEOffshore	WCross	NNWOffshore	ECross	NNEOffshore	NNEOffshore	NOffshore	NNECross-off	ECross	SOnshore	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	NNWOffshore	NNEOffshore	NNEOffshore	NOffshore	NNEOffshore	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	WCross	NOffshore

Praia Nova is a scenic surf spot on Portugal’s Algarve coast, known more for its dramatic setting and compact waves than for big, heavy surf. It’s a beach-cove style spot near the town of Porches / Armação de Pêra area, with striking cliffs, clear water, and a beautiful natural backdrop.

Surf conditions

Wave type: Mostly a beach break with some influence from nearby rock formations
Best swell: Works best with west to northwest swells
Wind: Typically likes light offshore east/northeast winds
Wave quality: Can offer fun, clean, peaky waves when conditions line up, but it’s often inconsistent
Skill level: Usually better for intermediate surfers, though beginners may enjoy it on smaller days

What to expect

A small to medium-sized wave spot most of the time
A nice, relaxed atmosphere compared with more famous Algarve surf beaches
Good for surfers looking for a less crowded alternative
Conditions can change quickly depending on sand movement and swell direction

Hazards and notes

Be aware of rocks, cliffs, and changing shoreline conditions
It can get crowded in good conditions, though usually less so than major surf hubs
Check access and tides carefully, as entry/exit can vary

Overall

Praia Nova is best thought of as a beautiful, user-friendly Algarve surf spot that delivers enjoyable waves when the swell is right, especially for surfers who appreciate a scenic, quieter setting.