Famous for its 3 large rock formations, Praia Dos Arrifes Beach in Algarve Portugal is a stunning little cove to explore. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit, with plenty of photos and a video.
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Why visit Arrifes Beach Algarve?
As you can see in the panorama below, the beach of Arrifes is recognizable by its 3 rock formations enclosing the cove. It is also called praia dos Tres Penecos (Beach of the triple rocks) because of those 3.
With golden sand, it is a great place for photography and for kids to play.
Below is a short video with the waves around Arrifes Beach:
PLANNING TIPS - Praia dos Arrifes Algarve
How to get to Praia dos Arrifes Algarve
- South of Portugal on the Algarve Coast - see my article with the best things to do in Algarve
- Just West of Albufeira and East of the famous Sao Rafael Beach
- Albufeira to Arrifes = 10min drive
- Last 200 m to the parking are not paved
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Visiting Arrifes Beach
- Wooden steps to access the beach but not many as the cliffs are low
- Restaurant A Sardinha
- Parasol and chairs for hire
- Better to explore at low tide for access to the rocks and all the coves.
- Small and near Albufeira, so very crowded in summer
- I don't know if it was allowed, but many motorhome had settled on the land near the parking
- Check out the best rated accommodations in Albufeira
Access to Arrifes Beach
The cliffs at Praia Dos Arrifes are quite low so access to the beach and its restaurant is easy. I visited late afternoon as the sun was lowering. There would not be enough interesting light at sunset, but at the hour, some of the rocks were turing golden.
Arrifes Beach is quite small (and really small at low tide). Parasols are available for hire.
Beach of Arrifes in photos
It was actually one of the my favorites to photograph as there were smaller rocks everywhere making the water swirl in every directions:
According to Wikipedia, the plants at the top of the rock formations are salt resistant and grow there because the sea stacks are tall enough above water.
Praia Dos Arrifes Algarve - views from the cliffs
You can also admire Arrifes Beach from the surrounding cliffs. Just be careful with stability near the edge.
Arrifes beach has several cove better access accessed at low tide. From some angle the 3 rock formations almost look attached as one.
And just for the pleasure, here are a couple more shots of the sea stacks, one has a big hole at the top.
Praia Da Vigia
As you walk on the cliffs west from Arrifes Beach, you can see the smaller neighboring beach called Praia da Vigia. At high tide, it almost disappears.
From the cliffs in the distance (towards the East) you can also spot the colorful Praia da Falesia, my favorite beach in Portugal. As the sun set, the colors stand out even more!
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