The Arrifana surf is among the best beginner and intermediate stuff in the western Algarve. It’s reliable, it’s fun and it’s in a darn gorgeous bay to boot. There’s a right hander on the harbor that the pros come looking for. But, for most, it’s a long beach break with plenty of space and good vibes, plus surf camps in the region are a doozy. Let’s take a look…
An introduction to Arrifana surf
Arrifana Beach is often hailed as one of the jewels in the crown of the Algarve surf scene. That’s not because the waves are particularly spectacular. They aren’t, really. It’s because there’s a strong consistency here that keeps even the calmest of summer days offering something in the way of waves.
You have the south-westerly orientation to thank for that. It turns the beach into a veritable swell magnet that picks up direct westerlies, wrap-around NW winter swells, and the odd southerly when it happens.
There are actually two waves on offer Arrifana. The first – and by far the most surfed of the two – is the Arrifana beach break. We’d say it’s a middling to okay wave which really fits into the general Portuguese mold of quality over quantity.
Then there’s the reef at the top end of the bay. Relatively fickle, it needs plenty of punch to get working but then comes in as a fast, reef right hander with extra hazards but a nice, quick, barrely ride to show for the risk.
What we really love about Arrifana is the vibe – everyone’s a tad more chilled here than in other spots up and down the coast. There are great surf camps, a thriving vanlife community who are always swilling beers with the sunset, and great cafes and villa rentals right by the beach. You’ll also get access to some stunning beaches and extra surf spots to the north and south, so a rental car is a good idea, though not necessary.
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This is just one part of our ultimate guide to the surf in Portugal
Arrifana surf at a glance
The good:
The bad:
What’s in this guide to Arrifana surf?
Where is Arrifana?
Arrifana is just about as far north in the Algarve as it’s possible to go without crossing into the region of Alentejo. The beach itself is at the bottom of a south-west facing bay, completely surrounded by the protected reserves of the Costa Vicentina. The closest town is little Aljezur, some four miles as the crow flies.
Although Faro has the closest airport to Arrifana, most travelers come via Lisbon since there are way more flights going there. The capital itself is about 100 miles to the north as the crow flies and the drive down takes around 3 hours. More on that below…
How to get to Arrifana?
For some, the main downside of Arrifana is its remoteness. It’s certainly not the easiest beach to get to in the Algarve and is almost always done with a rental car, since public transport here can be a pain.
On the flip side, the drives up from Faro Airport (1.5 hours) or down from Lisbon Airport (3 hours) are both really nice. The first takes you along the famous south-facing shores of the Algarve. The latter brings you through untouched cork forests and past some of the best surf beaches of Alentejo.
Of course, you’ll need flights into those airports in the first place – use Skyscanner to search for those.
For car hires – you can expect to pay around $150/week in Portugal for a ride. That’s great compared to some other places in Europe, but prices will go up in the peak of the summer. Should still be affordable for those surf shoulder seasons, though.
We use RentalCars for hires always. They have some of the best rates and usually do cancellation options for free up until like 24 hours before pick up – do be sure to check that tho.
Arrifana surf spots
Check out the two main spots on Arrifana Beach itself, along with the popular places to get in the water to the north and south of this Algarve fav…
Praia da Amoreira
Amoreira has two spots. At low tide, the angle the of swell widens a little and you get fat A-frames with a more consistent left that runs from the center of the bay towards the cliffs. Works best on 8-foot+ so it’s not a beginner wave. At high tide it’s the left off the rivermouth that comes into its own. That’s got rides of over 100m from the start of the rip to the inside of the bay. Beware the pull of the undertow there where the river joins the Atlantic – it can really push you around. Smaller peaks exist for beginners close to the carpark.
Monte Clerigo
Monte Clerigo is a really cute little surf town at the end of a valley just south of Amoreira and around 10 minutes’ driving from Arrifana through the urbanization. It’s got two spots, one at its north end and one at its south end. The south spot is between two clusters of rocks that you can only fully see at low tide. It’s a nice reef left with a short but quick ride. The other is a more classic Algarve beach break, which gets fat and punchy on 5-foot+. There’s usually more of a line-up there but the paddle out, the winds, and the localism can be a bit rough.
Arrifana reef
This is the spot that really hits the headlines for good intermediate surfers in Arrifana. It comes off the cliffs right in front of the harbour wall on Arrifana Beach itself. Anything under 5 foot and you won’t even see it, because it takes some punchy swells (NW or even SW will work) to get it going. When it is up, it’s great. A very fast and hollow wall peels for rides of 30-50m. They’re zippy, fun and rippable. Hazards are all over, though – pay attention, especially to how shallow it is (rock cuts are common and so are broken boards).
Arrifana beach break
When you hear the instructor tell you you’re headed to Arrifana surf, they mean the Arrifana Beach break. One of the most consistent and popular spots in the whole of the Algarve, this one’s a cracking place to learn, practice, or just ply your trade – it’s an all-level gem.
The north end of Arrifana Beach is often when the lineup will linger. It’s definitely the most consistent part of the bay, with a predictable right that rolls inside and a shorter left that goes to the outside. It’s usually best an hour either side of low tide, when the sets wall up a bit more. Crowds are the usual problem, but there’s not much localism.
The center of the bay becomes a real closeout risk on bigger days. We actually learned to steer clear of the spot, because it got heavy quick and you find your dropping straight in on the whitewash.
The south side of the bay by the rock stack is better but not as good as the north. On mid to low tide it’s a wedgy A-frame but you’ll want to catch the lefts that come into the bay and away from the rocks. At high, it’s a more sectiony peaks with a secondary swell that we loved practicing on as the closeouts hit in behind.
Vale Figueiras
You’ll have to drive all the way around through Aljezur and down the Algarve coast road to get to Vale Figueiras. Some days – usually in the summer – it’s worth it because the spot sucks up a little extra westerly swell and has nowhere near the crowds of Arrifana itself. Some rocks underfoot but largely okay.
Carrapateira
Carrapateira is a small, whitewashed town about 30 minutes’ drive south of Arrifana. It’s a great pilgrimage to make if the waves on Arrifana aren’t doing it for you, since the wide bay here – also known as Bordeira – sucks up any swell in like 180 degrees.
There are two spots – a hollow right hander that pumps off the cliffs and then the various beach break peaks that can be sucky and vary in quality, though get good towards the top of the beach.
We’ve got a complete guide to surfing in Bordeira and Carrapateira
The best surf camps in Arrifana
Arrifana is one of the upcoming surf-camp destinations in Portugal. We can see why that’s the case – the beach has almost ceaseless waves suited to beginners. Some of the options we like the most in the region are…
- 8 Day All Levels Surf Camp in Aljezur, Algarve – The Arrifana Surf Lodge is one of the leading surf camps in the whole of the Algarve. It’s sat right on one of the region’s top beginner breaks, is based out of a charming shoreline villa with its own garden and pool, and really focuses on the basics – great tuition and good vibes. They also offer an out for people who don’t want to rent a car since they offer transfers to Lagos!
- 7 Day Surfari from Lagos to Sines in Southern Portugal – The famous Portuguese Surfari buses pass through Arrifana. It’s a surf camp choice with a difference, really suited to intermediates and advanced surfers, with the chance to surf not one, not two, but up to 10 different spots around south Portugal while getting a fix of van life. Pretty cool stuff.
There are oodles more surf stays in Portugal to consider, some near Arrifana, others close to other fantastic surf breaks. Check them out in this complete guide. Also check out our complete guide to the top surf camps in the Algarve region for 2023.
A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com: Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.
Want more Arrifana surf camp options? Search the whole shebang below right now and book in a few clicks.
Where to stay when surfing in Arrifana?
There are loads of reasons why Arrifana is considered to be one of the best beginner surf spots in the Algarve. One is the sheer quality of the lodges, hostels and villas right by the beach. Bag one of the ones below and you’ll be within walking distance (or a quick drive) of the breaks every morning.
House with 2 bedrooms in Aljezur with wonderful sea view furnished balcony ($$)
We won’t pretend that the House with Sea Views is the most luxurious accommodation in Arrifana. It’s darn nice, with real-stone interiors and a small kitchenette. But it’s the location that steals the show. Dawnies will be easy peasy because the beach is less than three metres away. In fact, this is literally the last cottage on the path down to the beach. You could throw a stone and hit that beach break!
Herdade Monte Do Sol ($$)
Herdade Monte Do Sol has five self-catering cottages just 1,500 metres from the beach at Arrifana. They are the perfect pads to return to after a day of surfing, with log fires and swinging hammocks. Each has its own small kitchen and there’s a shared on-site pool.
Oceanview Arrifana Beach Getaway with Pool and Jacuzzi ($$$)
OH. MY. GOD. Yea, we aren’t gonna lie, we’d LOVE a week in this beauty in the late autumn. Na, scratch that. WHENEVER will do! A huge outdoor pool. That chic interior. That bubbling Jacuzzi. It’s all perfect. So’s the location of the Oceanview Arrifana Beach Getaway, which is just a few short minutes’ walking to the top of the beach.
Step-by-step guide to planning your Arrifana surf trip right now
Step one: Book flights to the Arrifana surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!
Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com. That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.
Step three: Get insuranceThis is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.
Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.
Step five: Enjoy!
For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account. They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.
When to surf in Arrifana?
Arrifana surf is pumping pretty much all year round. However, it’s worth knowing how the waves change with changes in the Arrifana weather and whatnot…
Summer (June to August)
The western Algarve looks super gorgeous in the summer months. That’s hardly a secret, though, and you’ll find you have to share bays like Arrifana with thousands of swimmers. On top of that, the surf does dip away a little. It’s not awful because this one’s consistency means there are good wave days throughout June and July, they just tend to be smaller and less challenging. The upshot? It’s a great time for total beginners who want warm water and surf sessions between sunbathing sessions.
Wear: Rash vest and shorties or a 2mm.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is probably the best time to surf overall. The Arrifana weather remains pretty good. In fact, we just returned from a surf trip in November 2020 and were lazing on the beach topping up our tan at the end of the month! The swells start to shift more NW in general and that brings stronger things across the Atlantic. We had one or two days that were maxed out but 99% of the time it was in the 4-8 foot range and good, so long as you avoid the heavier closeouts in the middle of the bay.
Wear: 4/3, no boots required unless you in for the really long sessions
Winter (December to March)
Winter can get pretty rough down on the western Algarve. Really strong storm systems across the Atlantic, particularly, those up around Iceland, can cook up huge swells that create 10-16 foot waves in these parts. We avoid those days, because the Arrifana surf is totally off then (and we’re scared). Other places like – Bordeira or even the Zavial surf further south – are likely to be more shapely. Lots of surf days in winter though, but the water’s cold.
Wear: 4/3 or 5/4. Hood might be needed on windy sessions.
Spring (April to May)
Spring mirrors a lot of the quality of Autumn. However, it doesn’t have the same consistency overall (around 80-85% of days are surfable in Arrifana in May) and the water’s a lot colder. Still, crowds are reduced before the summer rush and the season only improves as you go along, with smaller, more glassy conditions the norm in May. You might have some days that are too small closer to June, but it’s actually rare.
Wear: 3/2 (towards the end of the season) or 4/3.
Surf shops in Arrifana
Arrifana has plenty of places to check if you’re in need of some hardware. We can also recommend making for nearby Aljezur, where there are a few other places. If not, the larger surf towns of Sagres and Vila do Bispo are the ones you’re after.
Aljezur Surf Spot
Probably the best-known local surf shop, the Aljezur Surf Spot has helped to brand the Arrifana surf. They have a cracking outlet in the small hamlet of Vales on the way to the beach from Aljezur town. It’s only a few clicks from the breaks, but you can get second-hand boards for knock-down prices, brand new pop outs, and local wetsuit brands with eco friendly credentials.
Arrifana Sunset Surf Shop
Also in the teeny-weeny hamlet of Vales, Arrifana Sunset Surf Shop is small but friendly operation. They mainly do rentals but have a decent wetsuit rail filled with Hurley’s latest and little extras like wax and tail pads and rash vests.
Best places to eat in Arrifana
Arrifana is packed with coffee shops and casual surf shacks. Some of our favourites (updated since our last 2020 visit) are listed below…
Restaurante da Praia
There’s hardly a better location for a bite to eat overlooking the Arrifana surf! Seriously, Restaurante da Praia, occupies a little whitewashed cottage literally a stone’s throw from the north end of the bay. The menu is casual Portuguese tapas and the evening hour is the time to go – folk dance and drink and there are cool samba bands.
Sea You Surf Café
Compact but fantastico, Sea You Surf Café sits at the top of the main road as it weaves over the clifftop from Arrifana. Eats include egg sarnies and soups, salads and quick bites. Drinks include white wines from Alentejo and even kombucha brews.
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Arrifana
Arrifana sits in a lovely part of the Algarve. There are hiking trails and quaint towns riddled with history just a stone’s throw from the surf breaks.
Explore the Aljezur old town
Aljezur is a picture-perfect Algarvian town that straddles a few ridges just west of the Arrifana surf. It’s an easy drive in – taking around 10 minutes – to see the Moorish-era castle and the charming cobbled lanes that wiggle through the old town and its chimney-topped cottages.
Praia da Amoreira Trail
Pull on the hiking boots and hit the Praia da Amoreira Trail. It’s a brill adventure through the valley that leads from the beach’s car park to the beach of Praia da Amoreira itself via headlands and woods. Takes around half a day but showcases lovely Algarvian flora, a shimmering river, and wild pine forests.
If you’re the sort that always gets lost then you might be better on this guided hike. It takes in probably the best bit of the coastal reserve, starting on gorgeous Amado Beach.
We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!
