Surf Forecast  Arrifana

Arrifana surfspot characteristics

More about Arrifana surfspot

Beneath the white-washed village and massive cliffs is a busy and very ordinary beachbreak that works throughout the tide, picks up most swell and has wind shelter. The real reason to visit Arrifana is the world-class, right pointbreak at the beaches northern end. Waves here are long, fast and very heavy with shallow boils and barrel sections. It needs to be at least 2m (6ft) to start breaking and holds up to triple overhead.

General: This cresent shaped, cliff lined bay is probably the region's best known beach and has always been a popular spot for locals, visiting surfers and surf schools. It is one of the only protected spots on this stretch of exposed coastline, so is a good option in bigger swells or unfavourable winds. The undemanding beach works through the tides and is usually buzzing with surfers of all levels, from first timers to local rippers hussling over the mediocre left and right walls. On the northern edge of the bay is the right hand point which peels down the rocky fringe towards the harbour breakwater. It needs to be well over head high to clear the many boulders in the line-up, but once the swell fills in the wave lines up offering long, winding walls for experts only - there are still a couple of huge rocks to clear on the inside. It is a case of the bigger the better here. Tides: Low to medium tide Size: For the beach waist to head high. Overhead to double overhead plus on the point. Wind: NE, E Swell: NW, W Bottom: Sand and rock Paddling: Long paddles to the point, heavy if caught inside. Spot Rating: High quality, heavy point break that is only really rideable when well over head high, offering long, walling righthanders with a couple of large boulders to negotiate near the end section. The beach is fun for all comers.

All abilities on the beach - point for experienced surfers due to rocks.

There is parking on the road down to the beach, or in the cliff top car park.

Best in big winter swells December - February.

Crowd Factor: Beach is crowded - point is less so. Local Vibe: The point is focussed and competitive.

Be careful of the two large rocks on the inside, urchins, rips and locals. Not a beginner’s wave. Easy parking, showers, lifeguard (for the surf schools), a surfshop (in Aljezur) and camping nearby.

OK

The point is a serious wave with rocks in the line-up and on the inside, rips. Watch for big bailed boards at the beach.