Meia Praia
Lagos' big bay: soft waves for learning when a southerly swell arrives.
Meia Praia is a bay several kilometres long next to Lagos and its marina. It only gets waves with south or south-east swells (the «levante») or big westerly storms, and then breaks with soft waves.
It's a good place to learn in winter, with easy parking and beach bars.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Beginner |
| Best swell | SW, S, SE |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, NE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Best season | Winter, with south-west or levante swells |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A minimalibu, funboard or longboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Meia Praia
The water is around 15 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe, with surf schools.
Surfing style
Soft waves for learning.
Hazards
Inconsistency and summer crowds.
Map
Shapers near Meia Praia
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Vila do Bispo
The Algarve south coast's powerful right, which wakes up with big winter swells.
Carrapateira (Aljezur)
The western Algarve's surf beach: schools, rentals and peaks for everyone.
Carrapateira (Aljezur)
A huge beach with dunes and a river at Carrapateira, with peaks all along.
Vila do Bispo
A beach between dark cliffs near Vila do Bispo, with very clear water.
All spots in Alentejo and Algarve →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.