Find the best surfing camp in Portugal for you

Portugal is renowned as one of the world’s premier surf destinations. There are waves for every skill level and surfing camps alike. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, there are many surf towns where you can ride the waves.

As much as I love the ocean, I am no hero on a board. So what is better than taking lessons? After moving to Portugal, I decided to give it a try, so I embarked on a mission to find the best surf camps in the country.

In this article, I share the surf camps and schools I’ve discovered, so you can make a more informed choice. Whether you prefer to surf in Lisbon or go surfing in the Algarve Region, there is a good option for you. Let’s look at some popular surf areas and surf camps in Portugal.

Why should you come surfing in Portugal? 

Portugal is a well-known destination for surfing or learning to surf. There are incredible spots for beginners and experienced surfers. The die-hards will surf in Nazaré, known for having some of the world’s largest waves! Many records have been set here, but these waves are only for professionals.

Portugal is also ideal for beginners looking to go on a surf holiday. You can join a surf retreat, learn basic surfing techniques, and join some of the best surf camps. Whether you want to ride the waves in the Algarve along the south coast or find world-class surf breaks close to Peniche, you’ll enjoy a memorable time in Portugal.

Benefits of a surfing camp in Portugal

There are many advantages to enrolling on one of the surf camps in Portugal. There are surf camps for all ages, and it’s a fantastic way to learn a new skill.

During your stay in a surf hostel in Portugal, you’ll also meet many other surfers, and you can make some long-lasting friendships. The surf camps cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.

The surf schools offer professional equipment, rent out surf gear, and, of course, have experienced and qualified instructors. They will teach you the fundamentals of surfing, including techniques for paddling, catching waves, and maintaining balance on the board.

A surf coach can even point out common mistakes, accelerating your learning process on the board. Safety is also super important, and you’ll learn how to surf in a controlled environment under the watchful eye of instructors.

Best surf camps in Portugal

There are many surf camps in Portugal, and Discover Portugal did some research. Together with Tripaneer, you can find some of the best surf camps in the country! Some include complimentary yoga sessions along the coast, as well as many other fun activities.

Are you ready to discover fantastic surf spots and upgrade your surfing skills? Let’s check out some surf camps worth booking in Portugal!

8-Day Yoga and Surf Camp in Porto

Let’s start in northern Portugal, close to Porto. Golden Waves Surf Lodge is located in Ovar, just south of the city. It’s one of Portugal’s most secret surf destinations, perfect for beginners and advanced surfers.

Your day will start with catching waves and end with a yoga session during sunset. The surf school will give you a step-by-step introduction to surfing for those who’ve never surfed before. The intermediate course is perfect for improving your surfing skills. And if you already know what you’re doing, Ovar is just a paradise for catching waves!

You will enjoy daily surf lessons, totalling 12 hours of surf classes. You can use surfboards and wetsuits; this surf camp includes surf insurance.

Prices start at €639 for 8 days and 7 nights. Golden Waves Surf Lodge offers shared premium rooms and single, double, and family suites with garden views. Apart from the dorm, all rooms have private bathrooms with amenities.

Other Porto surf camps:

• 6-Day All Levels Nature Surf Camp near Porto, Aveiro – Marias Hostel & Surf – From € 275
• 8-Day Yoga and Surf Camp in Porto – By Golden Waves Surf Lodge – From € 639
• 4-Day Flash Surf for Beginners in an Eco Surfcamp – By Maceda Surf Camp – From € 260

5-Day Surf Camp with Yoga in Peniche, Baleal Surf Camp

Peniche is one of the best places in Portugal to surf, and you’ll find many surf schools in this coastal town. One is the Shark’s Lodge, which offers the Baleal Surf camp. This 5-day Peniche surf lodge experience includes surfing, yoga, and a lot of fun!

Three surf lessons are included and are ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. There will also be three yoga classes. Full surfing insurance is included.

Prices from € 295 for 5 days and 4 nights. Shark’s Lodge is open year-round. 

7-Day Intensive Surf Coaching for All Levels in Ericeira

An intensive course is fantastic for those who want to upgrade their skills! And Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve, is a fabulous place to do so. It’s a favourite surf town of many, and there is a lot to see and do nearby.

The Hostel & Surfcamp 55 offers surfing camps for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers. You’ll get two surf lessons per day, including theory lessons. Discover things to do in Ericeira by clicking here.

Prices start at €520 for 7 days and 6 nights. Hostel & Surfcamp 55 accommodates 21 people, and each room offers a stunning sea view. 

Other surf camps in Ericeira:

• 8-Day Unforgettable Surf Camp Experience – By Ericeira Chill Hill – From € 349
• 8-Day Breathtaking Surf and Yoga Holiday – By the Salty Pelican Yoga – From € 649
• 6-Day Amazing Surfing and Yoga Holiday – By Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat – From € 538

8-Day Yoga and Surf Camp at A Dream Destination in Aljezur

The Algarve is known for its stunning coastline, and there is plenty of opportunity to surf! The West Coast has some fantastic waves, and Aljezur is an excellent spot to learn how to surf the green waves. Russo Surfcamp offers surfing camps for all levels, with daily yoga classes included.

You can use the surf equipment for free (except on Saturdays), and there are also free bikes available for use. If you want to increase your surfing skills, you can check the professional photo and video sessions with your instructor. There is live music every Friday night, which starts after the barbecue.

Prices from: € 689 for 8 days and 7 nights. Russo Surfcamp offers rooms in a modern Portuguese country house situated in a natural setting. Outside is a garden, BBQ area and plenty of spots to chill.

Other popular surf schools in the Algarve:

• 8-Day Kids and Family Surf Camp in Praia da Luz – By Climb and Surfcamp Quinta Formosinho – From € 1,030
• 8-Day Surf Clinic for Intermediate to Advanced Surfers in Bensafrim – By Tiny Whale Surf Lodge – From € 1,035
• 8-Day Intensive Kitesurf Camp in Luz – By Ocean Spirits Lodge – From € 727

8-Day Fascinating Surf Camp in Machico, Madeira Island

You’re lucky if you prefer a surf holiday on the Portuguese islands! The islands are in the middle of the Atlantic and offer some of the best waves in Portugal! Madeira New Wave offers a surf camp on the east coast of Madeira, in Machico.

It’s perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, and in Madeira, you can enjoy the sea and the mountains! Read the Madeira guide for more tips!

Prices start at €835 for 8 days and 7 nights. At Madeira New Wave, you stay in a modern house with private double rooms. The six themed rooms have a private bathroom, TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Other surf camps in Madeira and the Azores:

• 8-Day Unforgettable Surf Camp in Porto da Cruz, Madeira Island – by Madeira New Wave – From € 475
• 5-Day Authentic Surf Camp Experience with Pilates in São Vicente, Madeira – By Madeira Surf Centre – From € 445

How to choose the right surfing camps in Portugal

Who is surfing?

There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a surf camp in Portugal. One of the first things to consider is who will be joining the surf camp. There are specific surfing camps for each level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. There are many surf lessons for complete beginners and intermediate surfers.

For more experienced surfers, surf guiding is available, but it’s always best to check. Would you like to join a female-only surf camp? Or do you look for fun activities for your children? Or perhaps you’d like to combine surfing with a yoga retreat? The surf camps in Portugal have something available for everyone!

Where are the surfing camps in Portugal?

Second up is the location. Along the Portuguese coast are many surf towns that offer surf lessons. Do you prefer a dramatic coastline or stunning beaches? The surf house is often within walking distance from the surf beaches, but it is always good to check. The perfect surf camp, of course, includes beach transfers.

Best surf camps in Portugal (what to look out for)

You want to be in good hands when you join a surf camp in Portugal. Most (if not all) surf camps offer insurance, and all the surf equipment and wetsuit rentals are usually included. Be sure to purchase travel insurance to cover any accidents that may occur. As a Discover Portugal reader, you receive a 5% discount on your policy.

Check how many surf sessions are included depending on your wishes and goals. Are there any yoga sessions available to help relax your mind and your muscles?

And the best surf camps have, of course, qualified surf instructors. This way, you can be sure your surf lesson is safe and effective. The best surf camps offer video or image sessions after your daily surf lessons.

The experienced instructors can guide your surf game to the next level and prepare you for more advanced surf conditions. Surfing camps in Portugal offer free WiFi in most cases.

Accommodation

People from all walks of life join the surf camps in Portugal. But not everyone has the same interests. For kids and youngsters, spending time in a surf house with numerous activities can be a great way to enjoy themselves. However, if you prefer a quiet surf trip, check if the accommodation caters to such needs.

You might enjoy more yoga sessions, a surf camp near a national park, or a surf retreat that combines surfing lessons with sunset yoga sessions, meditation, and massages.

Thankfully, there is a surf experience for every surfer. You can easily find a surf house with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to cook your own healthy meals. There are also many with barbecue facilities, and these surf schools might offer weekly barbecues and activities.

Surfing conditions in Portugal

Depending on the location, seasons and time of the month, the waves can be smaller or larger. Most surfing schools can provide advice on wave sizes and swell conditions. The Portuguese coastline stretches over 800 kilometres, and a beautiful beach is around every corner.

The giant waves in Nazaré are suitable only for professional and more experienced surfers. But there is a surf experience for everyone in Portugal!

The Atlantic Ocean generates a consistent swell all year round, making Portugal a favourite surf location for many. The weather is warmer in summer, and the waves are friendlier. There are larger swells on the western coast as well. Autumn is quieter along the beaches, and the consistent swells are perfect.

During the winter months, the waves can be more challenging, and experienced surfers will enjoy the breaks along the coast. For them, Portugal truly turns into a surfing mecca! In spring, the giant waves become smaller again, and most skill levels can join the surf camps again.

Surf breaks in Portugal

When surfing in Portugal, you’ll encounter different types of surf breaks. But what are the best waves for you? You have beach breaks, which are perfect for beginners. Ericeira and Peniche are well-suited for the beginner surfer.

Consistent waves are ideal for any level surfer, and you can find these all over the country. Point breaks are a favourite of the experienced surfer. For example, the supertubos (supertubes) south of Peniche are loved by many. Nazaré is known for its massive wave breaks. These are fantastic for big-wave surfers!

Water temperature in Portugal

For those who have swum in Portugal before, you might know how cold it is! The water is warmer in summer, but the temperature remains chilly.

It is essential to dress appropriately, and all surf camps in Portugal offer wetsuit rentals. This way, your surf sessions can be longer, but you also protect yourself from the sun and salt water.

Your surf school will help you with the best wetsuit for the time of year, which might depend on the location.

The sea temperature can vary between 17°C (63°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer. In the Algarve, it can be warmer than in northern Portugal.

Besides a thick wetsuit in winter, you may also consider wearing neoprene accessories, such as booties, gloves, and hoods, for extra insulation. In the summer, you can wear a thinner wetsuit, which will also protect you from rashes.

Favourite surf spots in Portugal for the best surf camps

Portugal boasts numerous surf spots catering to all skill levels. The Algarve has surf locations around Sagres, Aljezur, Arrifana Beach, Lagos, and Bordeira.

North of the Algarve, you find the Alentejo coast. Here, you find spots like Sines and Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Closer to Lisbon, Cascais, Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica, and Sintra are much-loved destinations.

Further north, we find Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve! With eight kilometres of coast, there is no shortage of fabulous waves to ride. Many surf schools also offer pick-up services from Lisbon airport.

You find the famous surf locations, Peniche and Nazaré, along the Silver Coast. Surfers’ Paradise Peniche has around 20 surf spots, whereas Nazaré is known for the biggest waves in the world.

So, even if you can’t ride them, check out the surfers who can! It will be a fantastic experience! Click here to read more about the big wave season in Nazaré.

Along the Green Coast (the Costa Verde), you can enjoy surfing around Viana do Castelo, Leça da Palmeira, Ovar and Espinho. You’ll find surf camps in Portugal in any of the above places!

FAQ

Conclusion about surfing camps in Portugal

The best surfing camps are scattered all over the country, and there is a perfect surf lesson for every level. You’ll start with some theory and basic skills if you’ve never stood on a board. But the classes are also incredible for intermediate and experienced surfers. The best surf camps in Portugal offer a fantastic surf experience for all ages.

The accommodations you’ll stay in are near beaches and close to wonderfully relaxed towns. The surf capital Ericeira is perfect for beginners, but seeing the professionals surf in Nazaré is also a great experience! Would you like to learn how to paddle and stand up on a board?

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