This summer we started in North France and worked our way down the coast to Faro over 5 weeks... This beach was constant!! Even when other beaches in the area were flat, this was pumping. In the summer the swell predominantly comes from the north, many beaches are not angled to catch it but Praia Grande gets pounded every day of the year. Really!!! 20ft swell in september!! (back end of a hurricane) this is the beach, the best one I've found in europe. The most beautifull part of Portugal as well (sintra). The camp site located by the beach (wondurtor) is prone to theifts. Watch your wetsuits and boards etc.
This beach will have waves every day of the year. It is used as a training ground for Hawaii! The waves are fast, hollow and shifting peaks. It can get crowded at the left end but move right, pass rip and you can get some good waves. Good for tubes and floaters. Beach around the rocks, Praia Pequena, is even better and less crowded. Can be a very hard paddle out on both. Sandy bottom on both. Campsite on hill in village called Wondertur or sleep above Praia Pequena beach. Two schools on Grande. Can hire boards in shop but they ar in bad condition! Good shaper in Malviera Da Sierra for value boards compared to Ireland.
coldswell.com