Costa Vicentina · Portugal
Surfing Arrifana
A left point in Costa Vicentina, Portugal, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeLeft Point
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd4/5
The wave
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 north wind that blows most days is offshore here.
The point end is faster and rockier, and the waves get easier further into the bay, where beginners and improvers sit. It's best on a solid west or north-west swell. Watch the rocks by the point at lower tides. On good days it's busy with surf camps and people in vans.
37.2872, -8.8656 · W-NW swell, N wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Arrifana
Arrifana is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: W-NW swell, N wind. This is how the year looks across The Algarve:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
In season: January · February · March · April · October · November · December
Waves near Arrifana
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordama | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Amado | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 12 km |
| Bordeira | Costa Vicentina | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 12 km |
| Rocha Negra (Black Rock) | Sagres & Lagos | Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 27 km |
| Meia Praia | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 27 km |
| Mareta | Sagres & Lagos | Beach Break | Beginner | 32 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Costa Vicentina
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Costa Vicentina surf guide →
A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $843 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Arrifana: common questions
When is the best time to surf Arrifana?
Arrifana works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: W-NW swell, N wind.
Is Arrifana good for beginners?
No. Arrifana is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Amado in Costa Vicentina, about 12 km away.
How crowded is Arrifana?
Arrifana is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Arrifana?
Arrifana is in Costa Vicentina, in the The Algarve region of Portugal (37.2872, -8.8656). The nearest wave we cover is Cordama, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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