Arrifana
A bay below cliffs with a fun beach break and a big right point.
Arrifana is a horseshoe bay below the cliffs, with a small fishing harbour. There are actually two spots: the bay's beach break, with fun, hollow peaks, and the point, a big, long right for very experienced surfers that only works at 2 m or more.
The bay is sheltered from the north, so it's an option when that wind ruins the west coast.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Point break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE, E |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | Beach 0.5–2 m; point 2–4 m |
| Best season | All year; the point in winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A funboard or shortboard on the beach; a step-up or gun on the point. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Arrifana
The water is around 15 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
The point belongs to locals and experts. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Beach break and right point.
Hazards
Rocks at the point and a long staircase down the cliff.
Map
Shapers near Arrifana
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Aljezur
A small beach hamlet near Aljezur, with good waves and few people.
Carrapateira (Aljezur)
A huge beach with dunes and a river at Carrapateira, with peaks all along.
Carrapateira (Aljezur)
The western Algarve's surf beach: schools, rentals and peaks for everyone.
Aljezur
A spectacular beach at the mouth of the Seixe river, on the border between Alentejo and the Algarve.
All spots in Alentejo and Algarve →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.