Cova Gala

Figueira da Foz · Portugal Centro · Portugal

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Cova Gala (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/figueira-cova-gala.

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Cova Gala is the fishing village beach just south of Cabedelo, with rock groynes along the shore. It has fast lefts and rights over sand and rocks, better for experienced surfers.

Level
Intermediate
Break
Beach break, sand and rock
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Some company
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A shortboard.

When it works

✓ A 1–2.5 m west swell with an east wind, mid to high tide.

When it doesn't

✕ Low tide and onshore wind.

Watch out for

  • rips
  • rocks
  • currents
  • boats

Best months

March, April, September, October, November, December

Local tips

Watch the currents near the groynes and keep clear of fishing boats.

Getting there

Cova Gala is just south of Cabedelo on the south bank of the Mondego. Park in the village.

Travel notes

How often it works
Surf-forecast says it doesn't work very often; wannasurf calls it a regular, fun beach break.
Crowd and vibe
Empty on weekdays and few surfers at weekends.
Camping and vans
Orbitur Gala, on the south side of the Mondego in Cova-Gala, is about 1 km away. Portuguese road law bans motorhome overnight stays outside authorised places in protected areas, Natura 2000 sites and zones covered by the coastal plans, and limits other overnight stops to 48 hours per municipality. Nearest campsite about 1 km away.
Facilities
Lifeguards in season, a first-aid post, toilets and a beach bar.
Water quality
Rated excellent in APA's latest annual classification, with no Blue Flag.

Ideal conditions

Swell
W–NW best, SW–NNW works
Size
1.1–2.4 m offshore swell; starts at 0.8 m, holds to 3 m
Period
9 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore NE–SE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
mid, high best, avoid low
Faces
W (272°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

Nearby spots

All spots in Portugal Centro · All spots

Sources