1. Praia da Arrifana stretches for half a mile in a horseshoe shape. It is sheltered from much of the winds that batter the west coast.
On the south end of the beach there is a striking stone known as Pedra da Agulha (Needle Stone) jutting out from the water. The northern section is popular among scuba divers thanks to its crystal clear water.
Praia da Arrifana is the favorite for many surfing schools. At Arrifana you can also rent wetsuits and boards or book a lesson.
Aljezur sits in the middle of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park and the beaches offer some of the best surfing in Portugal!
2. Praia da Bordeira / Carrapateira is a village popular among surfers and bodyboarders with access to Praia da Bordeira, one of the largest beaches in the Algarve, especially at low tide.
Sometimes the nearby stream flows into the sea, forming a small lagoon ideal for children.
At the southern end of Praia da Bordeira, on the cliff, the car park on the left overlooks a sandy beach in front of the rocky land towards the rivermouth. This area can produce long, quality, walling waves.
Looking north the large beach has sandbanks all over. This is an exposed beach very susceptible to winds.
Overall Praia da Bordeira is one of the region’s top spots.
3. Praia de Monte Clerigo, set towards the north-western corner of the Algarve, is a beautiful beach also known for its surfing conditions. The beach offers a variety of waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The best time to surf here is during the winter months when the swell is more consistent and the waves are bigger. The beach has a sandy bottom and the waves break both left and right, providing options for surfers of all skill levels.
Monte Clerigo has won the Blue Flag award; it is both clean and well equipped; there are public toilets as well as good disabled access via the boardwalk that runs down to the beach. There is also a lifeguard service during the summer months making for safe bathing.
The beach is easily accessible and the atmosphere at Praia de Monte Clerigo is laid back and friendly, with a welcoming community of surfers and a couple of restaurants right by the beach.
Overall, Praia de Monte Clerigo is a fantastic destination for surfers in a beautiful location.