Furnas Beach — Attraction in Odemira

Advanced surfers seeking more powerful and thrilling waves can test their abilities at Praia das Furnas, where the ocean showcases its raw energy and delivers an exhilarating experience.

Here are some tips for surfing at Praia das Furnas,

Timing Your Surf

Best Tide: Mid to high tide usually offers the most consistent and manageable waves at Praia das Furnas. Low tide can expose rocks and make conditions more challenging.

Check the Swell: The beach is more sheltered, so it tends to have smaller, less powerful waves. This makes it ideal when the swell is larger (around 1-2 meters).

Watch for Currents

Furnas is generally safe, but be mindful of rip currents that can occasionally form, especially closer to the river mouth. Stay alert and avoid areas where the waves seem to be breaking unevenly or the water looks choppy.

Crowd Factor

Less Crowded: Compared to other nearby beaches like Praia do Malhão, Praia das Furnas is usually quieter. This gives you more space to practice without worrying about too many other surfers.

Gear

Wetsuit: Even though the Alentejo coast is warmer than the north of Portugal, the water can still be chilly (16-18°C in autumn). A 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort.

Board: A funboard or longboard would be ideal at Furnas, as the waves tend to be smaller and softer, especially on average days. If you're a beginner, a larger foam board would work well.

Ideal Conditions

Wind: Offshore winds (coming from the land towards the sea) are ideal here, as they help keep the waves clean and well-formed. Northerly winds are common, but try to surf early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the calmest conditions.

Swell Direction: The beach is more protected from strong swells, so a west or southwest swell will work best.

In summary, Praia das Furnas offers a relaxed, less crowded surfing experience with gentle waves ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Keep an eye on the tide, use a funboard or longboard, and go when the swell is bigger to make...

A wide beach with great surf, fine sand. There are two access roads and parking facilities. The northern access leads to the river Mira. Directly opposite and therefore with a view of the Milfontes fortress. The road ends at the restaurant Oasis, from there the road coming from the southern beach is a one-way street. If you come by car you can reach the beach by keeping the entrance on the left. Here you have a panoramic view of the sea. There is also a restaurant/beach club and cliffside parking with dining areas for a rest. The parking spaces at the beach restaurant allow wheelchair accessible access to the sandy beach.... Don not miss if you are...

Gostei da praia, como gosto desde miúda. Mas... acho que merece uma vigilância mais visível. E não falo do mar, falo da vigilância comportamental de quem frequenta a praia. Por exemplo, apesar das placas a proibir animais, vi muitos cães a chegar com os seus donos e a correr pela praia. Vi demasiadas pranchas de surf com "surfistas" nitidamente inexperientes (se fossem verdadeiros surfistas saberiam as regras de segurança) no meio de banhistas, como se a prancha e os remos de paddle surf não representassem qualquer perigo para quem (adultos e crianças) se banha descontraidamente na "piscina" que se forma à tarde perto do rio. Inacreditavelmente, também vi três energúmenos, cada uma com a sua enorme cana de pesca, a pescar coisissima nenhuma ali mesmo, na praia, no meio dos restantes banhistas, arriscando espetar os anzóis na pele de alguém! Mas onde é que anda a Autoridade Marítima??? Aliás... onde é que anda a Autoridade??? Garanto que nem nas praias, nem na própria Vila... Isto está pior que um filme do Farwest! Já para não falar da necessidade de respeitar as regras de distanciamento, que não são...