A sheltered, sandy beach with consistent surf and a lively international community, Arrifana, Portugal, is the little slice of surfing paradise you never knew you needed. Beginner and intermediate surfers come here to ride choice waves, and if a swell comes in, you may even find a pro or two crushing breaks. Here’s everything you need to know about surfing Arrifana, Portugal, including the best surf camps, nearby activities, and more.

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Table of Contents

Where is Arrifana?

Arrifana is in the northernmost point of the Algarve region on Portugal’s west coast. It’s a protected southwest facing beach with two types of breaks: a left point break and a beach break. I’ll explain more later :)

Surfing at Arrifana Portugal — A beautiful day at Arrifana

How to Get to Arrifana

Rental Car

The fastest, most efficient way to get to Arrifana is by plane and a rental car. Fly into Faro for a quick 1-hour drive to paradise. It’s a 2.5-3-hour drive from Lisbon.

Public Transportation

Lisbon to Algarve (Arrifana): Lisbon has a few regular bus routes that drop you off in Aljezur, which is the closest town to Arrifana. They’re usually about €19 one way. After your 3.5-hour bus ride, call a Taxi to take you the last 10 minute to the beach.

Pro Tip: Book your round-trip ticket right away for a little discount!

From Faro: The fastest way to Aljezur from Faro is first by train to Lagos, where you’ll transfer to a bus for the rest of your journey. The total travel time ends up being somewhere around 4.5 hours with about a €16 price tag. Check out your travel options here.

Where to Surf in Arrifana

Arrifana Beach! Obvi :) But if the swell happens to not be hitting that day, there are a few other nearby beaches you can check out too that I’ll include below!

Arrifana Portugal Surf — Arrifana on a super chill day.

Arrifana Beach

Arrifana’s beautiful and consistent waves are perfect for surfers of all levels and a fantastic place to try out your surf legs for the first time. You’ll find surf schools coaching on the daily, always on the beach break, which can form some pretty decent waves on a good day! Don’t worry, they won’t toss you in the deep end. Well, until you’re ready :)

You’ll start with some white water on the inside until you’re feeling good and confident. Arrifana Surf School’s coaches are kind, patient, and super knowledgeable. You’ll be in great hands with them!

Halley Batista surfing at Arrifana, Portugal

The pros typically head to the north end of the beach by the tiny marina for the right point break–if it’s a calmer day, it’s barely visible, but on a good swell it can spit out an impressive lineup for some rad barrels.

Amoreira

This quiet stretch of beach just north of Arrifana can pop off, but it’s a little tricky. There’s a river that runs into the ocean, creating a mad undertow that can knock you around a little. Definitely worth the time to check it out, and worst case, it’s a beautiful beach, a great spot to surf-skate, and there are two oceanfront restaurants with unbeatable views!

Monte Clérigo

The tiny surf town of Monte Clérigo is adorable as all get out and has some decent waves too! There are two breaks: a rocky reef break on the left and a beach break on the right. It’s not as sheltered as Arrifana or Amoreira, so the waves can be a little choppy and wild, but definitely check it out. It was an incredible place to watch sunset!

Honestly, everywhere has good sunset views, what am I even saying.

Surf Safety

Surf with a buddy
- Going in pairs allows you to keep an eye on each other and call for the other in case of an emergency.
Tell someone you’re going surfing
- Let someone know when and where you are going out and when you expect to be back.
Check weather and tides
- Before you set out, check the local forecast for wind, swell and tide. Magic Seaweed is an awesome resource with surf reports all over the world!
Know your limits
- A wave might look tiny from shore, but once you’re at the base of the trough, you might feel a little differently! Start small–you can have an epic time on little 1-3-footers. I know I do! Don’t challenge yourself too early and know your limits.
Be aware of rip currents
- Look for areas where you think there should be waves, but there aren't. This could be a sign that it's a rip current. If you’re trying to reach the outside break, rip currents are great! They’re the expressways of the ocean and will get you out there fast!
  If that sounds absolutely terrifying, don’t panic! They're not going to drag you under, just take you for a little joy ride. Swim with it and slowly parallel to the beach, NEVER against it and straight into shore. The latter will tire you out and get you no where! Once out of its flow, you can safely catch a wave in or swim back to shore.
Always wear a leash
- Getting separated from your board straight up sucks. Why make it hard on yourself? Tether up and make it easy to get back to your board.
Wear the right wetsuit
- In addition to keeping you warm, wetsuits give some added protection from scrapes on rocks or impacts from other surfboards. Evo has a great guide for choosing the best wetsuit for you! My recommendation? Rent a few first, see what you like, and chat it up with the shop owners. They love talking about that stuff!
Understand surf etiquette and rights of way
- Consider other surfers and swimmers. You want to get hit in the head with a fin as much as the next person. Never post up right behind another surfer when waiting to catch a wave, spread out and give everyone a little space, especially if you’re just starting out.
  And try not to drop in on another surfer whenever possible. I know, sometimes it’s hard to gauge and there are a ton of surfers in the water, but if you see someone going for it, maybe hold off until the next one. It’s the respectful thing to do.

Arrifana Surf Camps

There are plenty of surf camps in Arrifana, but only one has the best coaches, vibes, and location. Okay, maybe I’m a little biased since I was their photographer and all, but Arrifana Surf School and Camp is where it’s at. Let me explain.

Arrifana Surf School and Camp

Arrifana Surf School

I’m big on vibe, and the coaches, staff, and volunteers are a happy little family who all share a deep passion for the ocean. After every lesson, the coaches come back with smiles, stoked to see the progress their students made. They're super talented and extremely knowledgeable surfers who are genuinely happy to have the opportunity to share their love of surfing with you! Lessons start at 40 euros for a half day, or take advantage of their multi-day packages to save a few bucks!

Arrifana Surf Camp

The Arrifana Surf Camp is bright and airy with gorgeous ocean views, a front patio area, a back BBQ area, a large common space and open kitchen for all your cooking needs, and plenty of rooming options, including dorms and private rooms. There are also bikes and yoga classes available–just ask Berthe (who will be organizing your arrival and making sure you have a wonderful stay). She’s always happy to help!

Make sure you’re around for BBQ Mondays when the coaches, staff, and guests all come together to grill out in the hostel’s back patio. Pick up some goods from the store, maybe a six pack, and settle in for a fun night with great people. There’s almost always some type of jam session happening, so don’t be afraid to whip out those skills and try your hands on the bongos.

The Beach Hut

Arrifana Surf School and Camp is the only company with rentals right on the beach. If you’re not taking a lesson and want to paddle out yourself, renting from here means you won’t have to carry your board down the switchbacked road to the beach. #bless

Arrifana Surf Lodge

Just across the street from Arrifana Surf School and Camp is Arrifana Surf Lodge. They make surf adventures easy with multiple all-inclusive packages with surf lessons and rentals, free arrival and departure transfers, breakfast and lunch everyday, and a few dinners as well, daily transport to the beach, and the option to add surfing photos for an additional fee.

Their surf house offers two terraces, plenty of accommodation setups, computer and a TV, a pool, free bike use, and more!

Algarve Adventure

Algarve Adventure’s surf camp has two living spaces, a large communal kitchen, plenty of accommodation layouts, several terraces and a garden, a pool table, darts, ping pong, a fireplace, TV and computers, and is also within walking distance to Arrifana beach. Half-day lessons start at €45 with a 6-1 surfer to instructor ratio MAX for each group lesson. They also have a second location in Monte Clérigo to make sure you get the best surf on any given day.

Surf and stay packages start at €238.

Restaurants in Arrifana

Sea You Surf Cafe

Tasty eats, cold brews, iced coffee (with oat milk), and killer vibes, Sea You Surf Cafe is an awesome spot to grab some grub before or after your surf sesh. Don’t miss their Live Music Sundays. They’re rad.

Arte Bianca 2

Technically in Vale da Telha (the town right next to Arrifana), Arte Bianca 2 makes freaking delicious and highly addictive pizzas: it’s the sourdough crust. Definitely a must for everyone visiting this surf town.

Boa Vida Social Club

The Boa Vida Social Club is the ultimate surfer-skater hangout spot. There’s a one-time €5 fee to become a member (which also gets you a free beer). I know, seems weird. I didn’t question it.

Walk past the live music stage to find a skate bowl overlooking a beautiful ravine. To the left, picnic tables guide you to the Social Club Bar where you’ll find a selection of cervejas (beer), choice cocktails, and whatever eats are on the table that night.

It’s such a fun and lively atmosphere and THE place to go for a night out in Arrifana. You don’t get the full Arrifana surf culture experience without a visit to this poppin’ watering hole.

Boa Vida Social Club Events:

Thursday: Jam Session
Friday: Taco Night
Saturday: Live Music and Skate Jam
Monday: All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Night

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Arrifana Portugal