Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Arrifana
A right point in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Arrifana is a horseshoe bay below high cliffs on the Costa Vicentina, the best-known surf spot on the west coast of the Algarve. It picks up a lot of swell and holds size well, and the bay is sheltered from the north wind that blows most days.
The main wave is the right at the north end of the bay, which peels from the point toward the harbour wall over uneven rock. It's fast and heavy, with boulders on the inside, and the takeoff spot gets crowded and competitive. It's for experienced surfers.
Further into the bay the beach break is easier, and that's where beginners and improvers sit. It's best on a solid west or north-west swell. On good days the car park fills with surf camps and people in vans.
When to surf
Arrifana
Arrifana is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: W-NW swell, NE offshore wind (sheltered from N), mid tide.
October to April: Prime
Consistent NW-W swell, mild Algarve winter, fewer crowds
May, Sep: Good
Warmer water, still decent swell, shoulder-season crowds
June to August: Quiet
Smaller swell, packed beaches and high season prices
The year across The Algarve
Waves near Arrifana
Monte Clérigo
6 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Bordeira
10 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Amado
14 kmCosta Vicentina · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Stay near Arrifana or in Aljezur town for the wildest, most exposed part of the Algarve coast - fewer crowds, more wind and swell.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa Vicentina guide.
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