Skip to content

Steer clear of the secluded surf community in Portugal boasting stunning coastlines for a crowd-free surfing experience.

Remote Portuguese surf town offers secluded beaches, ideal for surfing enthusiasts seeking a less populated atmosphere.

Eschew large gatherings at secluded Portuguese surf town boasting beautiful beaches.
Eschew large gatherings at secluded Portuguese surf town boasting beautiful beaches.

Steer clear of the secluded surf community in Portugal boasting stunning coastlines for a crowd-free surfing experience.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Surfing and More in Aljezur, Portugal

Nestled in Portugal's southwest corner, Aljezur offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Aljezur, a foodie city filled with azulejo tiles, fado music, and a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the city buzzing 24/7, is a hidden gem in Portugal's Algarve region. Its proximity to some of Portugal's finest surfing beaches is what attracts most visitors to the town.

For beginners, Arrifana is the ideal spot. Situated around six miles southwest of Aljezur's old town, this sheltered bay offers gentle waves, making it a good option for those new to surfing. The beach is backed by a sleepy fishing village with a few charming bars, restaurants, and surf hostels, providing a perfect setting for a relaxed surfing experience.

More experienced surfers may find Amado and Bordeira more suitable. These beaches, further afield from Aljezur, offer bigger and rougher swells (up to 10 feet in summer), with consistent surf protected from the north wind. Both spots are less crowded but well-known among experienced board riders.

For those seeking solitude, Praia do Medo da Fonte Santa is a pristine, truly off-the-beaten-path beach near Aljezur. Accessible only by foot along the Ruta Vicentina hiking trail, its remoteness suits surfers looking for a secluded surf experience.

Praia de Monte Clérigo, just a short drive from Aljezur, offers good surfing conditions suitable for families and surfers of various abilities, with facilities such as parking and cafés, making it a convenient option for a balanced surf and relax experience.

Aljezur's old town is a stunning pile of historic fortifications, combining Moorish, 10th-century castle, and 'newer' Christian district structures. Roots, in the old town, is a charming café offering great breakfasts, fresh pastries, and light bites for lunch. Pizzeria Vincentina and several other restaurants in the new town offer a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including seafood specialties of the region like percebes, a local delicacy, and bizarre 'gooseneck barnacles', and razor clams and tiger prawns.

Aljezur sits amidst the Southwest Alentejo and St. Vincent Coast Nature Park, offering gentle walking trails and a landscape covered in gorse and heather. The town houses are built in the classic Algarve style, with whitewashed walls and orange-tiled roofs, and a narrow river bisects the town.

Despite its remote location, Aljezur is accessible, with Faro International Airport only an hour and twenty minutes away by car. Dramatic cliffs, clean, steady breaks, and glorious golden sand make the beaches near Aljezur an absolute dream for surfers, swimmers, and sun-worshippers alike. Portugal, with its great culture, picturesque architecture, fascinating history, stunning landscapes, mouthwatering food, and some of the best under-the-radar beaches in Europe, is now a popular tourist destination.

  • Travel guides often recommend exploring home-and-garden-style cafes like Roots in Aljezur's old town, offering a taste of local cuisine and a glimpse into the area's lifestyle.
  • For outdoor-living enthusiasts, Aljezur provides an array of opportunities, including surfing at various levels along its beaches, such as Praia de Monte Clérigo, and hiking along the Ruta Vicentina trail to find secluded gems like Praia do Medo da Fonte Santa.

Read also:

    Latest