Aljezur sits on the southwest coast of Portugal, roughly 1.5 hours from Faro airport or 3 hours from Lisbon. There's no train and no direct bus, so most visitors fly into Faro and rent a car. That's the simplest option and the one we recommend — the beaches here are spread across 20+ km of wild coastline, and a car turns a good trip into a great one.
Faro vs Lisbon: which airport?
Both airports work, but Faro is the better choice for most people.
| Faro (FAO) | Lisbon (LIS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive to Aljezur | 1.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Route | A22 west, then N120 north | A2 south, then N120 west |
| Car rental cost | Lower (more competition) | Higher |
| Flight options | Seasonal peaks, mostly budget airlines | Year-round, wider selection |
| Tolls | ~€7 (A22 electronic tolls) | ~€20 (A2 tolls) |
| Best for | Summer trips, budget airlines | Winter trips, intercontinental connections |
Faro has cheaper car rental, a shorter drive, and lower tolls. The downside is that some routes have fewer flights in winter. Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, and Wizz Air serve Faro from most European cities between April and October.
Lisbon has flights year-round from everywhere, including intercontinental connections. But the drive is twice as long, car rental costs more, and motorway tolls add up. Choose Lisbon if your flight options to Faro are poor or very expensive.
Renting a car
A rental car is the single most important booking after your flights. The surf beaches — Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, Amoreira, Vale Figueiras — are scattered along the coast with no public transport connecting them. Without a car, you're limited to whichever beach is walkable from your accommodation.
Tips:
- Book from Faro airport — the concentration of rental companies keeps prices competitive. Expect €25–40/day for a compact or mid-size car.
- Book early for summer. July and August availability tightens weeks ahead, and last-minute prices double.
- Check fuel policy. Full-to-full is always the best deal. Avoid pre-paid fuel options.
- A22 tolls are electronic only. There are no toll booths — cameras read your plate. Either rent a Via Verde transponder from the car rental desk (€1–2/day) or register your plate on the Via Verde Visitors website beforehand. If you skip this, unpaid tolls will follow you.
- Insurance: Your credit card may cover collision damage waiver — check before buying the rental company's premium insurance.
- Roof racks: If you're on our Premium rental package, we include roof rack pads so you can carry boards on top of the car. Most compact cars won't fit a longboard inside.
Driving routes
From Faro airport (1.5 hours)
Take the A22 (Via do Infante) west towards Lagos. Exit at junction 4 for Aljezur and follow the N120 north. The A22 is a fast, quiet motorway with electronic tolls. The last stretch on the N120 winds through cork oak forest and is genuinely beautiful.
From Lisbon (3 hours)
Head south on the A2 motorway towards the Algarve. At the junction near Ourique, take the N120 west towards Aljezur. The alternative is to continue south to the A22, head west to Lagos, then north on the N120 — slightly longer but all motorway. The A2 has conventional toll booths, so no electronic toll setup is needed.
From Porto (5.5 hours)
Take the A1 south to Lisbon, then the A2 towards the Algarve, then the N120 west. It's a long day of driving — consider breaking it up with a stop in the Alentejo. Alternatively, some budget airlines fly Porto–Faro directly.
From Spain (Seville — 2.5 hours)
Cross at the border near Huelva and follow the A22/Via do Infante across the Algarve. Exit for Aljezur as described above. The Seville route is a good option if you're combining Portugal with southern Spain.
Bus options
There's no direct bus to Aljezur from Lisbon or Faro. The typical route involves a change in Lagos.
From Lisbon:
- Rede Expressos from Sete Rios bus station to Lagos (~3.5 hours, €20–25)
- Local bus from Lagos to Aljezur (~1 hour, runs a few times daily)
- Total journey: roughly 4–5 hours with the connection
From Faro:
- Bus to Lagos (~2 hours) then local bus to Aljezur
- Less frequent than the Lisbon route
FlixBus also serves Lagos from various Portuguese and Spanish cities. Check schedules on Rede Expressos and FlixBus.
The bus works if you're on a strict budget and plan to stay in one spot — Arrifana or Monte Clérigo, where you can walk to the beach. But it rules out the best part of the Aljezur experience: exploring different beaches based on the day's conditions.
There's no train
Aljezur's train station closed decades ago. The nearest active railway is in Lagos (30 minutes south by car), served by regional trains from Faro and Lisbon. You'd still need to get from Lagos to Aljezur by bus or taxi.
Do you need a car?
In short: yes.
The Aljezur area has five main surf beaches spread across 20+ km of coastline — and the right beach changes daily depending on swell, wind, and tide. Without a car, you can't chase the conditions, which is half the point of surfing here. The area also has limited mobile signal on some beach access roads, so ride-sharing apps aren't reliable.
The only scenario where you don't need a car: you're staying directly in Arrifana village and happy to surf Arrifana every day. It's a great wave that works most conditions, so it's not a bad plan — but you'll miss out on spots like Vale Figueiras and Amoreira.
For the full experience of the Costa Vicentina, rent a car.
Parking
Parking is free at most Aljezur beaches year-round. In July and August, Arrifana and Monte Clérigo introduce paid parking (€2–5/day). Arriving before 9am usually means you'll find a spot without trouble — and dawn patrol gives you the best surf conditions anyway.
Vale Figueiras and Amoreira have small dirt car parks that are always free.
FAQ
Is Faro or Lisbon airport better for Aljezur?
Faro, in most cases. It's half the driving time, car rental is cheaper, and tolls are lower. Lisbon is worth considering only if your Faro flight options are limited or very expensive — it has year-round service from more destinations.
How much are tolls from Faro to Aljezur?
About €7 on the A22. The A22 uses electronic tolls only — no booths. Rent a Via Verde transponder from your car rental company or register your plate online before you drive.
Can I get to Aljezur without a car?
Technically yes, by bus via Lagos. But you'll be limited to one beach and dependent on infrequent local buses. For a surf trip, a car is strongly recommended. The ability to check conditions and drive 10 minutes to a different beach is what makes Aljezur special.
What side of the road does Portugal drive on?
The right side, same as mainland Europe. Roads around Aljezur are quiet and easy to navigate. Some beach access roads are unpaved but manageable in any rental car.
Where do I get fuel?
There's a petrol station in Aljezur town (on the N120). The next nearest are in Lagos, 30 minutes south. Fill up in Aljezur — you don't want to detour to Lagos for fuel.
Once you're here, we take care of the gear. Tell us your accommodation address and dates and we'll have boards and wetsuits waiting when you arrive.