When Is the Best Time to Visit Aljezur and Its Beaches?
- Miguel
- May 9, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Planning a trip to the SW Algarve Coast, home to Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira beaches? The Atlantic Ocean shapes this region’s unique climate, offering a distinct experience every season—whether you’re hiking, surfing, or exploring the coast. As locals and hosts at Yucca Garden Holiday Homes in Vale da Telha, a 5–10 minute drive from these beaches, we’ve created this guide to help you choose the best time to visit and where to stay. Here’s your guide to the area’s weather and accommodations in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Ready to plan your getaway? Book at yuccagarden.pt/our-place!
How Does the Atlantic Shape the Weather in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park?
The weather in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park area is ruled by the Atlantic, keeping it cooler than the Algarve’s south coast. Summer days are warm, but nights can be chilly, even in August, so pack a light jacket or sweatshirt. The Nortada, a strong north wind, brings a frequent breeze. Winters are mild, rarely dropping below 10°C, with rainfall concentrated between November–December and February–March. The ocean sets the mood: calm in summer (1–2m waves), wild in winter (2–5m waves). Each season brings a unique vibe to Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira—let’s explore when to visit.
Why Is Spring Ideal for Hiking Near Aljezur? (March–May)
Spring is the peak season for hikers in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, with warmer days and some rain. The park blooms with wildflowers, making it ideal for the Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Trail), a 226.5km, 13-stage coastal path (rotavicentina.com). The sea starts to calm (1–3m waves), drawing surfers to Arrifana with fewer crowds. Monte Clérigo and Amoreira remain quiet for coastal exploration.
Why Visit: Lush landscapes, mild weather, uncrowded beaches.
Activities: Hike the Rota Vicentina’s coastal trails.
Surfing: Arrifana sees less crowded waves.
What Makes Summer Great for the Beaches? (June–August)
Summer brings milder seas (1–2m waves) to Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira, but Arrifana gets crowded with surfers and surf schools—visit at sunrise or after 5pm (schools operate 10am–5pm) to avoid the rush. Monte Clérigo offers easy beach access, though parking is limited in July and August. Amoreira is less busy, providing a calmer coastal experience.
Why Visit: Warm days, calmer seas.
Activities: Enjoy the beaches, surf at less crowded times.
Surfing: Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira have manageable waves.
Stay with Us: Our 2-bedroom Villa (4 guests) in Vale da Telha is perfect for summer beach trips. Book at yuccagarden.pt/our-place/villa.
Is Fall the Nicest Season for the SW Algarve Coast? (September–November)
Fall, especially September, is the highlight of the SW Algarve Coast. The sea stays calm, the Nortada eases, and crowds thin out after the peak season. Days are sunny and warm, extending into October, with November bringing shorter days and occasional rain. By late fall (November) bigger swells attract experienced surfers. Monte Clérigo and Amoreira offer peaceful beaches.
Why Visit: Calm seas, fewer tourists, pleasant weather.
Activities: Explore beaches, hike, surf.
Surfing: Calmer waves in September–October.
Stay with Us: Our 1-bedroom Lodge (2–3 guests) in Vale da Telha is great for fall surfers, a 5-minute drive from Arrifana. Book at yuccagarden.pt/our-place/lodge.
What’s Winter Like Near Aljezur? (December–February)
Winter is mild (above 10°C) but rainy, with rainfall peaking in November–December and February–March. The ocean gets wild (2–5m waves), causing downtime for surfers. Monte Clérigo and Amoreira are quiet, showcasing the coast’s dramatic beauty.
Why Visit: Quiet escapes, dramatic seascapes.
Activities: Experience the coast’s wild side.
Surfing: Canguru at Arrifana for experienced surfers tackling bigger swells.
Where to Stay in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park Area?
Accommodations in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park area sit on a scenic plateau 70m above sea level, offering ocean views, while Aljezur town lies in a valley outside the park, a 10-minute drive inland. Here’s where to stay near Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira, with Yucca Garden Holiday Homes in Vale da Telha as a top choice.
Why Stay in Vale da Telha?
Vale da Telha, between Monte Clérigo and Arrifana (5-minute drive to both), offers villas with pools and gardens, smaller units, and apartments. It’s the most central location of the few we listed, enabling you to reach Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira within 5-7 minutes by car. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, a supermarket, a mini-market, and surf rentals/schools, yet it feels non-urban with cliffside ocean views. Short hikes from our homes lead to wild beaches, nearly empty even in summer. Yucca Garden Holiday Homes here provides modern rentals with private terraces, rated 4.8 from 60 reviews. Book at yuccagarden.pt/our-place.
What’s It Like to Stay in Arrifana?
Arrifana is steps from Arrifana beach, with slope-side surf lodges (steep road, sea views) or cliff-top accommodations (a short walk to the sand). Eat at Bar da Praia da Arrifana, but for groceries, drive to Vales in Vale da Telha (5 minutes). It’s ideal for surfers needing quick beach access.
Why Choose Monte Clérigo for Your Stay?
Monte Clérigo, a hamlet on the slopes facing Monte Clérigo beach, offers beachfront houses with prime access to the sand. Accommodations are simple but location-driven. A surf school and rentals are nearby, but groceries require a 5-minute drive to Vales. Amoreira beach, 2–3 minutes away, has a river mouth crossable in summer.
Is Espartal a Good Option for a Quiet Stay?
Espartal, a 4-minute drive from Monte Clérigo and Amoreira’s southern access, features villas and apartments in a tranquil setting with no bars or shops. Monte Clérigo’s amenities are close, and Aljezur’s Intermarché supermarket is 10 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SW Algarve Coast
When is the best time to surf near Aljezur?
Late fall (November) and winter bring 2–5m waves, bigger swells at Arrifana’s Canguru for experienced surfers. Summer’s 1–2m waves at Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira are calmer.
What’s the weather like in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park in spring?
Spring (March–May) is mild with some rain, ideal for hiking the Rota Vicentina and exploring uncrowded beaches like Monte Clérigo.
Is summer too crowded at Arrifana and Monte Clérigo?
July and August are busy at Arrifana and Monte Clérigo. Visit at sunrise or after 5pm to avoid surf school crowds, or try Amoreira.
Where’s the best place to stay near Arrifana beach?
Vale da Telha, 5 minutes from Arrifana, offers villas and Yucca Garden Holiday Homes with private terraces. Arrifana has slope-side surf lodges with sea views.
How close are Yucca Garden Holiday Homes to Monte Clérigo and Amoreira?
Our homes in Vale da Telha are a 5–7 minute drive from Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, and Amoreira, perfect for exploring the area’s beaches. Many more beaches are reachable in 20-30 minute drives.
Plan Your SW Algarve Coast Adventure
The SW Algarve Coast shines year-round, from spring’s hiking trails to late fall and winter’s bigger swells. Whether you’re exploring Monte Clérigo, visiting Amoreira, or surfing, there’s a perfect time and place to stay. At Yucca Garden Holiday Homes in Vale da Telha, our modern rentals are minutes from these beaches, earning 4.8 from 60 reviews: “Perfect location!” – João, 2024. Book your stay at yuccagarden.pt/our-place!
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