Praia do Tonel Beach, Sagres

Praia do Tonel beach lies to the western side of Sagres and is a popular beach for surfing (and body boarding). The beach is surrounded by gigantic cliffs and to the southern edge is the Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fort) which can be seen from the beach.

A great surfing beach close to Sagres

The high cliffs provide shelter from the prevailing summer Atlantic winds, Praia do Tonel can be equally as enjoyed for sunbathing as much as for the sea. The Tonel Beach is one of the three beaches within short walking distance of Sagres and this is the one to head for if for surfing or body boarding. Praia do Tonel is the main beach of choice for the surf schools in Sagres.

Praia do Tonel Beach Tourist Guide

Praia do Tonel is to the west of central Sagres, just a 700 meter walk from the Jadin de Sagres. At the beach there is a large car park and the main access road is the road to Sagres Fort. On the beach front there is a café and restaurant but the main town is not far away.

The harbour of Sagres

Praia do Tonel has lifeguard supervision during the summer months but there are dangerously strong tides and currents especially around the rocks. This is not a beach for young children or weak swimmers and always only swim or surf when the flags indicate that it is safe to do so. The Atlantic Ocean currents keep the waters of Praia do Tonel consistent (13-15°C) all year round so for extended surfing seasons consider a thin wet suit. The strong westerly wind ensures that there is excitable swell with larger breakers all year round.

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About the author: I'm Philip Giddings and have been writing these independent guides since 2009. I first visited the Algarve in 2001 when my Portuguese wife, Carla, was proud to show her country to me. We now live in Lisbon but I'm in the region most weeks researching and updating this site or visiting Carla’s extended family who live here. Having both Portuguese-family and friends who live within the Algarve gives me the local insight and personal connection to the region.

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