When the summer wind blows out all the other surf breaks on the southwest coast of Portugal, the place to head for is Praia da Arrifana. Sheltered from the prevailing north-westerly by stunning, hundred metre high cliffs, Arrifana sucks in any swell the Atlantic has to offer. The beach will produce rideable waves at all stages of the tide and, depending on the swell size and direction, there is likely to be something to suit all abilities. While Arrifana can become quite crowded - especially during the summer months when it is the favoured destination for many of the Algarve surf schools - there remains a pleasantly easy going vibe in the water. As the swell hits two metres or more, a world-class, right-hand point wave starts to break beneath the cliffs at the north end of the bay. The ride here is long, extremely fast and definitely not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. When it’s working, sit up on the cliff-top bar with a beer in hand and watch in awe as the experts (and lunatics) show us how it should be done. Visit www.surfcampalgarve.co.uk for information regarding lessons, board and wetsuit hire, accommodation etc.

Praia da Arrifana is 6km west of Aljezur in the western Algarve region of Portugal

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