Overview
Praia Sul is a long beach break that runs for a dozen kilometres from the rocks at Olivença, throwing up changeable sand-bottom peaks all the way north. The waves shift as you move up the coast, from the sands past Milionarios Beach to the more reliable stretch at Pedra da Cachorra, then on past the Jardim Atlantico hotel section into the rockier northern corner at Ilhéus proper. It breaks both left and right and holds waves consistently.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south, with a northeast swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, so there is a wide window to catch it on both small and solid days. When bigger swells push through at Pedra da Cachorra, they can wrap in and create lefts that break behind the rock.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west offshore wind to clean it up. The beach can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is friendly, beginner-level surf. The best peaks at the northern end pull plenty of locals, so expect a busy lineup there when it works, but there are endless options along the strand for anyone willing to walk from the access points.
Access
There is plenty here to make a session easy: restrooms, a lifeguard, a surf school, a surf shop, and camping nearby. For parking you have a car park with free parking, along with paid and roadside options.
