Surfing Praia dos Aivados

Several left and right peaks break along the beach over sand with patches of rock, and the sandbars shift, so the best bank changes through the year. Aivados is a swell magnet: it picks up west and northwest swells readily and often has rideable waves when more sheltered beaches are flat, though big winter swells can turn it messy. Easterly winds are offshore; the north wind that builds on summer afternoons blows it out. It works across the tide.

The main hazard is the rips, which can be strong, and there are rocks and hidden stones in the lineup; one piece of advice passed on by surfers who know it is not to paddle out through the middle. With no services and a long dirt track to the car, don't surf here alone on a big day. Autumn is the prime season and winter brings the power, while a small summer swell can make it friendly for intermediates. Crowds are rarely an issue, and the beach has hosted surf contests.

The beach faces west-northwest, so shoot in the morning with the sun behind you; late afternoon gives backlit spray and a sunset over open water. There is no pier or headland lookout here, so the sand and the top of the path down from the parking area are your vantage points. Peaks sit roughly 100–200 m out, and a 200–500 mm lens covers them. The picture at Aivados is emptiness: a long beach, pebbles at the foot of the low cliff, one surfer on a peak. Water shooting is for strong swimmers only because of the rips. Bring everything you need, including water, since there is nothing on site.

Take the road from Porto Covo toward Vila Nova de Milfontes and, after the hamlet of Ribeira da Azenha, turn right onto a wide dirt road; it runs about 3 km to the beach and has no signs. Most cars manage it, but drive slowly, especially after rain, when puddles and mud appear. Park at the end and walk down. There are no facilities, so bring food and water. Porto Covo and Milfontes are each a short drive away.