FUN FACT TONEL
From Tonel, you can see the ‘Fortaleza de Sagres’. Although the sight itself is not that spectacular, it’s historical value is enormous. The explorations of the west African coast lead from here, started the golden age for Portugal.
Surf Tonel
Tonel is one of the most popular surf beaches in the Sagres area and has unique qualities due to it’s specific location. The peaks are spread over the full length of the beach, offering different types of waves. Depending on the swell this beach break ranges from beginner friendly to stuff for pro’s only. There are some tricky rocks under water so make sure you know where they hide.
General information
The surf beach of Tonel is located just outside the Sagres town center and easy to get to by car. There is quite a bit of parking space on either side of the road leading up to this beach and at the pottery shop at the top of the beach. In summer a cute little beach bar with terrace and (mobile) toilet are opened alongside a surf shack for board rentals. Lifeguards keep an eye on the summer crowds as well.
When is the surf best at Tonel
Thanks to Sagres’ location in the south-westerly point of the Algarve coastline, it’s beaches have unique locations as well. Praia Tonel, although technically still on the south coast, is a beach that faces west and slightly south. This makes it slightly less of a wave magnet then other west coast beaches on the common north-west swells but don’t let this fact fool you. The waves here are powerful and if the swell hits it right Tonel will show its teeth. It can hold up to over 10ft waves even though it is a beach break. But in summer you will usually find it to be quite friendly. A big rock formation divides the beach in the middle and offers rips that are great when you know how to use them. The peaks to the right of this rock are usually a bit smaller but also punchier then the ones on the left.
Surf risk factors at Tonel
The main surf risk at Tonel is the few hidden rocks. The rock formation in the middle stands out clearly but some smaller rocks are scattered off it and start to scratch surface on the lower tides. Be aware of their whereabouts just like those in the shorebreak on the right hand side of the rock formation. When the swell becomes somewhat bigger, local (body)boarders will be ripping these waves. Always make sure to respect them and give them space. As usual, keep an eye out for rips, especially when the waves get bigger and near the rocks.
Other surf beaches around Sagres:
Go with a surfguide to hit Tonel at the right time
Surf Tonel blog
Private surfguide session at Tonel Beach in Sagres – the end of the world.
The end of the world Let's be completely honest here: Isn't every beach the end of the world? I guess you can't get a hotdog with a certificate saying ' the last bratwurst before America' on every beach. But that raises the question if we really need that. Fact is,...
Surf guide Sagres Tonel before the wind wakes up
Surf Sagres Tonel Sagres in summer is also knows as wind capital. It seems to be always windy. Where Lagos and the rest of the Algarve have a few more hours of quiet time in the morning. At Sagres you will need to be early and a bit lucky to avoid the wind. Today we...
Private super styling surfguide small wave session at Tonel
Super Styling surfguide session Most of you loyal readers know that we used to have this super classic Renault 4 surf car. One of the coolest cars you will come across. But not particularly safe (at all). And with the birth of our little Storm we decided to let her...
Private family surf guide session at Tonel Sagres
Family surfguide Do you surf? And your kid's surf? Book a surf guide and we try to match your level with the best conditions possible. Good vibes and empty waves are probably even more important than perfect waves packed with a million other surfers. What do you think...
Super Clean surf guided adventure at praia Tonel
Clean surf unfortunately we do not get clean surf that often in the Algarve. But when everything falls into place and the ocean cleans up. Party mode is on. Usually the ocean needs a little bit of time to get rid of all the chop on the face and you really need a stong...
Very special surfguide longboard surf at Tonel
Very special surfguide session Every surf is, or at least should, be special. Obviously not every surf is as special. (For some reason you need fewer good surfs to enjoy the good ones again.) But in some cases when you have a few bad surfs in a row, got a lot on your...
Fun spring surf guide session at Sagres Tonel
Fun surf Easy start, surf has to be fun. It is and it should. Yet many people in the water look like they don't really enjoy it. They might be on the wrong board. Maybe they are in the wrong conditions. Maybe they had a fight with their partner. Or maybe they are...
Small foamy surf with miss surguide Algarve in Tonel
Foamy surf It does not matter what you ride, as long as you have fun in the water. To a certain extent of course... If there are paddles involved we just call that cheating. As some of you might know we just got a baby. With a good few months out the water miss...
Tonel surf guiding, almost back to normal
Surf Guiding Like many around us, we are super happy that we can finally do again what we love most. A beautiful time is behind us, just taking care of the small new family. Now it's time to surf together with you guys again. From the 5th of April, we surfed about...
Surf Tonel different kinds of perfect waves
Surf Tonel If you speak to anyone who surfed in the Algarve there is a good chance they have visited Tonel. Not only is the beach known for good to perfect waves. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Like many other spots in the Algarve, Tonel is...