07 Arrifana – Aljezur

Arrifana has an interesting layout, it’s a bunch of settlements that are layered like an onion. And if you’re on foot, it’s not so pretty to get from the ‚beach zone‘ to the more inland zone (Vale da Telha). You have to walk on the road for a few km to reach this part and while that is doable in late November, regular season traffic will probably kill you quickly, given how some folks drive over there. Unfortunately, there’s also no bike rental or anything (at least not in November). Luckily, the beach part of town has all you need. Great views, lovely beaches, and good food. The best option for decent veggie fare without heaps of carbs is the lovely SeaYouSurf Café. Good food, drinks, lovely people. We stayed at the HI Destination Boutique Hostel, which is the upmarket part of the local hostel. Wonderful spacious rooms in a separate building adjacent to the hostel itself, with sea views from our balcony. Good value for money and absolutely recommendable. We spent our second rest day in Arrifana and enjoyed it – picture perfect super relaxed surfer village 😁. On the afternoon of our rest day dense fog moved in and refused to go away, which provided a nice change of atmosphere, although a bit chilly. But no zombies. 😊

Next morning, the fog was still around, but we found the hike to Aljezur very lovely. Wonderful countryside for the most part and seeing the ruins from the old Ribat emerge from the fog and then vanish again was pretty cool, too.