Praia da Arrifana is a popular beach on the coast of the West Algarve. It’s widely known for its stunning cliffs and the west Algarve’s top surfing destination. The beach is just a short walk from the village of Arrifana, which is within the Aljezur municipality. The village is small, cosy, and typically Portuguese. From a distance you’ll spot the small white houses, and terracotta rooftops lining the path from the cliff top down to that incredible beach!
How to Get to Arrifana
Arrifana really exemplifies the wild west Algarve, however that brings with it a limited range of public transport. Most visitors are on self-drive tours, organised tours or live nearby. It’s a three-hour drive from Lisbon, and a 1 and half hour drive from Faro. The two main arrival airports in Portugal if you’re heading to the Algarve.
How to Get to Arrifana by Public Transport?
Public transport is limited, but if you want to make the journey, you’ll need to connect in Alzejur, and take the local bus from Aljezur to Arrifana. It’s bus number 74 and you’ll find all the timetables on the Vamus Algarve website.
To get to Aljezur, there are several buses in both a northernly and southernly direction. You can connect first in Lagos and head towards Aljezur on bus number 79 (also available on Vamus). Or you can head from Lisbon, with both Flixbus and Renex making stops in Aljezur as they make their way to Lagos. Be warned, trying to get to Arrifana by bus is quite complicated and lengthy though. So you’ll want to check the times carefully and plan accordingly.
Getting Around Arrifana
The main village is small enough, and simple enough to simply walk everywhere. In fact, if you drive and find a good parking spot, you’re best to leave your car. If not, as it gets busier car spots fill up fast with beach goers! Hotels, restaurants, bars, and small shops are all within easy walking distance of the beach, so it’s a simple town to explore!
What to See and Do in Arrifana
Arrifana really is all about the stunning beach and incredible coastline. You will find a few unique spots in the town and around it though!
The Beach – Praia da Arrifana
The beach is the central destination in Arrifana, and it is beautiful. It’s a gently curving 700m (2300ft) beach surrounded by tall, dark cliffs. It offers a long, but quite narrow stretch of sand that in the summer months can fill up fast!
To get to the beach, you’ll need to park at the cliff top, or in the village, and make your way down the zig zagging road past the traditional fisherman’s houses. Although you can drive, there is no parking at the bottom. Officially it’s for drop off and residents only.
It’s a blue flag beach which means its officially known for its access, cleanliness, and for being monitored during the summer bathing season. It’s popular year round with surfers though.
Arrifana – The Village
Above the beach, lies the village of Arrifana. It’s pretty small and just about offers what you might need for a day on the beach. You’ll find several coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. However, there are no major shops or supermarkets here, you’ll need to head to the nearby Aljezur which is much bigger.
The Port – Portinho de Pesca da Arrifana
Viewable from the beach, and the cliffs above it is Portinho de Pesca da Arrifana. A small but charming port full of small fishing boats. If you enjoy watching some local activity. Then you’ll often see fisherman coming and going, and tending to the boats as they bob in the small harbour.
The Fortress – Fortaleza da Arrifana
High on the cliff next to the village are the ruins of Fortaleza da Arrifana. There really are only ruins and the main external wall that remains. The fortress was originally constructed in 1635 to protect the coastline and the fishing village. By 1754, it was gunned by just two artillery pieces and was falling into disrepair. A year later, it would nearly be completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. In 1861, it was completely abandoned.
Today, you can walk through its main portal and admire the stunning views. The dark cliffs and Atlantic waves crashing below are atmospheric to say the least!
Hiking in Arrifana
Arrifana is also a popular stopping point for hikers completing the Fisherman’s Trail. The Fisherman’s Trail is a 226.5km route that takes you from Sine’s to Lagos around the incredible Atlantic coastline. Arrifana lies on the section ‘Arrifana to Carrapateira’, a roughly 20km part of the trail. It makes Arrifana a popular overnight and refueling spot for long distance hikers. Or if you’re just interested in a small part, an excellent out and back location.
Surfing and Surf camps
The surf in Arrifana really takes off in late Autumn and early winter, but it’s a popular spot throughout the year. For both beginners, and more experienced surfers there a wide array of surf schools and surf camps based in the village. Many also offer hostel style accommodation, with daily surf activities and lessons.
What’s not so great about surfing at Arrifana?
Arrifana is one of the most popular spots for surfing in the west Algarve. The combination of locals, schools, and destination surfers make it immensely popular. This can make the surf, and the beach very very busy and a bit hectic.
Should You Visit Arrifana?
Arrifana is one of my favourite stopping points when taking the coastal route between Lisbon and the Algarve. It’s the perfect place to get a feel of the west Algarve without being too remote. That said, the difficulty in getting to Arrifana means it’s not for everyone. If you’re relying on public transport I’d probably suggest other beach spots!
