The official bathing season at this beach is between the months of July and September, but it’s visited throughout the year for its surfing waves (which are at their best in autumn and early winter). Although just about every beach in Costa Vicentina offers good surfing conditions, this is the most popular of all for the sport.
While it became known as a major surfing destination, it has always been a favorite of the people of the region. It’s in the small fishing village of Arrifana, so you can walk to a number of restaurants and cafés above it. Close to its northern side is a small fishing harbor. It faces the southern end of the beach, which is marked by a thin, black sea stack known as Pedra da Agulha (“Needle Rock”). Above the harbor is the Arrifana Fortress, or what’s left of it. It was originally built in 1635 to protect the coast, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. It was rebuilt but abandoned in the following century. It’s now a ruin, but the entrance was restored in 2007. You have a beautiful view of the coast from here. About 1 kilometer to the north is the Ponta da Atalaia headland, which reveals archaeological remains of a ribat, a Moorish fortress believed to have been built around 1130 and the only one of its kind in Portugal.
The beach is long (stretching for over 700 meters or 2300 feet) but narrow, especially at high tide. It’s surrounded by tall, dark cliffs, and to reach it you have to drive or walk down a zigzagging road. The views from the top of the cliffs are absolutely stunning. You’ll see the Blue Flag, indicating that this is a clean and safe beach. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer. If you prefer shade, bring an umbrella, as there are no rentals.
After surfing, the main activity is diving, especially on the northern end. Active travelers also enjoy following the walking trails over the cliffs. Others prefer simply relaxing and sunbathing on the sand, until the beautiful sunset. It’s never too windy, thanks to the surrounding cliffs.
Everyone from beginners to pros enjoy surfing here. It’s recommended that those taking their first steps on the surfboard stay in the middle section of the beach, while those with more experience head to the right side. Many surf schools of the region come here, and there’s one by the beach, the Arrifana Surf School. It doesn’t just offer lessons, it provides equipment and advice.
Location: Aljezur (Costa Vicentina)
Beach for: Surfers, Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Arrifana
Arrifana Beach is less than 15 minutes by car from the town of Aljezur. There is no public transportation to this beach. There are express buses from Lisbon to Aljezur, and a bus (Vamus bus 79) that goes between Lagos and Odeceixe that stops in Aljezur. When you arrive by car in Arrifana, you may park at the top of the cliff. You’ll see cars on the steep, winding road to the beach, but only residents are allowed to park there.
Beaches by Praia da Arrifana
About 15 minutes by car to the north are the beaches of Monte Clérigo and Amoreira, both also popular with surfers. The closest beach to the south is the huge Praia de Vale Figueiras, about 30 minutes away.
Hotels by Praia da Arrifana
Arrifana Destination Boutique
Located above the beach, this is a good choice for couples. It has elegant rooms (many of them with sea views), an outdoor swimming pool, and a Mediterranean restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Arrifana Destination Boutique
Praia do Canal Nature Resort
The best hotel in Costa Vicentina is just 20 minutes from Praia da Arrifana. It’s the only luxury accommodation on this coast, offering rooms and suites with a balcony or terrace and access to a garden. Regional cuisine is served in one of the three restaurants, while cocktails can be enjoyed outside, by the pool, in the summer. There’s also an indoor pool at the spa.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Praia do Canal Nature Resort
Quinta das Alfambras
It’s in the countryside, but just 25 minutes by car from Arrifana. It’s made up of townhouses with one or two bedrooms, and scores high points in everything from service to staff and the big swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Quinta das Alfambras
Herdade Quinta Natura
Arrifana is just 15 minutes by car from this bed and breakfast. Surrounded by the vegetation of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina natural park, it’s a place to relax in peace and quiet. It has just four suites, opening to a private terrace, and there’s a swimming pool in the garden.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Herdade Quinta Natura
Endless Summer Surf House
As you can tell by the name, this is a place for surfers. Obviously all kinds of guests are welcome, and have the choice between mixed dorms and private rooms. It’s a 5-minute drive from Arrifana and offers surf lessons. The interior includes a shared kitchen and living room, while outside is a swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Endless Summer Surf House
Herdade Monte do Sol
You can be at Praia da Arrifana in less than 10 minutes by car from this highly-rated hotel. Here you can have an entire villa with a private terrace all for yourself. All guests can relax in the outdoor pool, surrounded by nature. It’s also possible to join surfing lessons and rent surfboards.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Herdade Monte do Sol
HI Arrifana Destination Hostel
If you’re on a budget, stay at this hostel within walking distance of the beach. It has dorms and private rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a small pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: HI Arrifana Destination Hostel