Zavial
The Algarve south coast's powerful right, which wakes up with big winter swells.
Zavial is a bay on the south coast with a powerful, hollow right over sand and rock. Being sheltered, it needs a big or well-angled swell, but then it's one of the best waves in the Algarve.
In summer the thermal wind often blows offshore in the evening: check conditions throughout the day.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, SW, S |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–4 m |
| Best season | Winter |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
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 shortboard; a step-up on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Zavial
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 AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
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 very busy peak, with locals and surf camps. Respect priority and leave nothing valuable in the car.
Surfing style
Powerful, hollow right.
Hazards
Rocks, currents and car-park thefts.
Map
Shapers near Zavial
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Sagres
Sagres' west-coast beach: hollow peaks at low tide.
Vila do Bispo
A beach between dark cliffs near Vila do Bispo, with very clear water.
Sagres
A cove below the cliffs of Cape São Vicente, sheltered from the northerly wind.
Carrapateira (Aljezur)
The western Algarve's surf beach: schools, rentals and peaks for everyone.
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.