Portugal Surf Trips: Costa Vicentina & Arrifana
Our Portugal trips run on the Costa Vicentina, the protected western edge of the Algarve, based out of Arrifana. One trip is open for booking, the next on 1–8 November 2026.
Why surf Portugal
The wildest stretch of the Algarve, where the Costa Vicentina natural park keeps the coast road empty and the line-ups quiet. Arrifana sits in a cliff-ringed bay that holds swell when everywhere else is blown out, and within an hour you can be at Amado, Bordeira or round the corner at Sagres. Autumn is the sweet spot: consistent Atlantic swell, offshore mornings and water you can still surf in a 3/2.
Portugal surf trips & dates
Surf conditions & best time to go
November on the Costa Vicentina. November is when the west coast wakes up. The Atlantic sends swell most days, the air is still mild, and the water's a 4/3 job with boots.
- Air: 16–19 °C by day Cooler evenings — bring a fleece
- Water: 17–18 °C 4/3 wetsuit plus boots
- Swell: Consistent Atlantic groundswell Sheltered options when it's big
- Kit: 4/3 + boots Hood optional for dawn patrols
The breaks we surf in Portugal
- Arrifana (Intermediate–Advanced) — Long right-hand point off the headland when the swell's up; beach break peaks the rest of the time.
- Monte Clérigo (Intermediate) — Wide, forgiving beach break ten minutes north — the warm-up and the small-day option.
- Amado (Intermediate–Advanced) — Consistent beach break with room for everyone; handles size well.
- Bordeira (Advanced) — Big open beach that picks up everything; dawn patrols only when it's on.
- Carrapateira / Praia do Amado south (Intermediate) — Sheltered corners for when the west coast is maxed out.
- Sagres & the south coast (Intermediate–Advanced) — When a big NW swell shuts the west coast, we drive an hour south to Tonel, Beliche or Zavial.
Coaching & video analysis
- RSJ Surf Academy coaching all week — in the water every session, a structured daily curriculum, and two coaches out there when the crew's big enough
- Nightly video analysis with your coach, by the fire
- Professional photography & videography of your surfing, with post-session analysis — yours to keep
Where you stay
Arrifana Surf Lodge. A surf lodge above the village in Aljezur, twenty minutes' walk from Arrifana beach. Four guest rooms with two or three single beds each, a shared kitchen and lounge, two sea-view terraces and a log fire. Room A upstairs can be made up as a private king or twin if you'd rather have your own space. Our crew sleep in the bunk room.
Getting there
Flights are not included — you book your own, from wherever you live. Airport transfers are included. We collect you at Faro and drive you to the lodge — about 1 h 45 to Arrifana — and back again on the Sunday.
Portugal surf trip FAQs
Are flights included? No. You book your own flights from wherever you live, so you can fly from your nearest airport. Airport transfers at the start and end of the trip are included.
How many people are on each trip? Groups are small — a maximum of 8 surfers. That is what lets the coaching be individual.
What surf level do I need? The breaks we use here suit intermediate to advanced surfers, and your coaches choose the break each day to suit the group. Each trip page gives its own recommended level, and the surf level check on the site will point you to the right trip.
Is video analysis included? Yes. Nightly video analysis with your coach, by the fire.
When is the best time to surf Portugal? Our trips here run in the Sep–Nov window, when the swell and conditions suit the breaks we use.
What isn't included? Return flights to Faro (we recommend easyJet Bristol 07:35 out 1 Nov / Faro 10:50 back 8 Nov — ~£110–175 with a bag at time of writing); Airport parking in the UK; Board bag carriage (~£50 per flight on easyJet); Dinner on Wed, Fri & Sat (Arrifana/Aljezur restaurants, ~€15–25); Travel insurance (required — must cover surfing); Optional: a performance board through SASA & RSJ — £75 for the week (tick it at checkout).