There are very few places anywhere in Europe that offer better surfing than the Western Algarve.
Less experienced, older or younger surfers/bodyboarders can enjoy the clean, relatively unchallenging swells along the south coast, at beaches like Zavial and those around Sagres.
The really serious surfers head for the West coast, to beaches like Praia de Castelejo and Praia Cordoama, just to the West of Vila do Bispo, about 8 miles from Salema; or travel further up the road towards Aljezur to do Amado near Carrapeteira (14 miles from Salema), where the world surfing championships have been held.
There is also the superb crescent of Arrifana, which many good judges consider the best of all the surfing beaches along this coast.
The west coast is wild, beautiful and almost completely unspoilt. Even if you don't fancy surfing, the waves are awe-inspiring and the views superb.