SUP and Surfing - Loulé

Paddle boarding and Surfing are growing in popularity and are the perfect way to enjoy the wonderful Algarve weather and ocean. The Algarve is a great place to try stand up paddle boarding or surfing with stunning coastline and everything from calm waters in the Ria Formosa to high waves in Sagres.

Stand up paddle (SUP) is a branch of sport originating in Hawaii. SUP being a bi-product of the surfing culture. Unlike surfing where the surfer sits in position until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders literally "stand up" and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.

Paddle boarding usually refers to kneeling on the board and paddling with your hands

The Growth of SUP stand up paddle boarding has been phenomenal and is one of the top activities that people try for the first time in the past few years. It appeals to all types of people with sports such as SUP yoga and SUP fishing stemming from the origin! 

Stand up paddle boarding attire varies from season to season, in cooler months its advised to wear wetsuits but in the main season here in the Algarve, simple swimming costumes are perfect. don't forget the Sunblock though! 

What ever your age SUP stand up paddle boarding in the Algare should be on your list of things to do! 

Loulé is one of the Algarve’s largest inland towns, and is only 16km from  Faro, Loulé, pronounced, (lo-lay) is a good base from which to explore the inland Algarve. A busy commercial and residential centre, it is one of the fastest growing towns in Portugal, due to people useing this as a base to work (or to look for work) in the Algarve.

Loulé boasts an attractive old quarter/town and Moorish castle ruins and can trace its history back to the Roman times. A few of Loulé’s artisan traditions still survive; craft folk toil away on wicker baskets, copperworks and embroidery at hole-in-the-wall workshops about town. Loulé’s small university lends it some verve, and makes for a nice atmosphere, as does its wild Carnaval (just before Lent) and FestivalMed, which is a fantastic annual music festival.

If arriving by train, please note that the train station is 5km southwest of town (take any Quarteira bound bus.

Loulé is a great plae to stay and is away from the very touristic coastal towns suited to people that want a taste of the real Algarve. Car Hire is recommended as public transport isnt great.