My Guide to Surf Camps in Portugal (2026 update)

If you’re considering going on a surf camp in Portugal you’re not alone! Portugal’s Atlantic coastline is the surfing mecca of Europe and seems to be on everyone’s bucket list these days.

The dramatic coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and some of the best surf spots and biggest waves in the world. If you’re a beginner don’t worry, there are plenty of smaller waves to practice on and many fun surf camps in Portugal that will teach you the ropes.

Portugal has so much to offer both experienced and beginner surfers with world class surf spots like Nazaré, home of the biggest wave ever surfed, Peniche, Ericeira and the sunkissed Algarve.

For those who want to learn how to surf there’s plenty of great value surf camps in Portugal where you can learn in a fun, safe and sociable environment. Many also include yoga lessons too as the two make the perfect combination for a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga and surf holiday in Portugal.

Best Places to Learn to Surf in Portugal

While you can surf almost everywhere in Portugal you’ll want to pick your destination and time your visit to suit your experience level.

The Summer months are better for beginners while, Autumn and Winter, see generous and consistent Atlantic swells that create some enormous waves.

Portugal’s surfing hotspots include:

• Ericeira (Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve) just 1 hour north of Lisbon,
• Peniche and Nazare on the Central Atlantic Coast for those enormous waves.
• Sagres and Aljezur in the Algarve for beginner friendly waves and sun-kissed days.

If you’re looking for surf camps near Lisbon check out the charming seaside resort of Cascais only 40 mins from Lisbon.

As well as boasting Europe’s best surf spots, Portugal has some of the warmest weather in Europe (although you’ll still want a wetsuit in the Atlantic ocean) some of the cleanest beaches in the world and some of the most beautiful historic sights.

There’s alot of history, culture and beautiful cities and nature to see in Portugal and it’s quite easy to combine a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga and surf holiday with a couple of days exploring Lisbon, visiting the UNESCO listed colourful, fairytale castles in Sintra and exploring atmospheric Porto.

Are Portugal Surf Camps worth it?

Surfing is a lot of fun but it isn’t as easy as the pros make it look. If you really want to learn how to surf and make sure you are safe in the sea, or just improve your technique then I’d really recommend getting some proper tuition and joining one of the awesome surf camps in Portugal.

The first time I tried to surf was in Kuta, Bali and it sucked because I hurt myself because I didn’t know what I was doing. A few years ago I did an amazing surf and yoga retreat in Taghazout, Morocco which had me safe in the water and standing up on the board in no time.

I’m still far from being a pro but trust me – having a surf instructor and spending time immersed in the surf lifestyle at a surf camp really helps if you’re serious about learning to surf.

Many Portugal surf camps are surprisingly affordable and provide great value for money as they include accommodation, meals, board hire and lessons, some also include yoga classes, transfers, local excursions and other activities.

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Portugal is also a yoga hot spot and as yoga and surfing make such a great combination many surf camps also include yoga classes so you get the best of both worlds in one holiday.

Joining a surf camp or a yoga retreat is a great choice for solo travellers as you’ll get to meet plenty of like minded people and your days will be filled with activities so you’ll never feel lonely or bored. Portugal is a super safe country for solo female travellers too and easy and affordable to travel around.

There is a wide range of surf camps in Portugal to choose from, I find www.booksurfcamps.com really useful, it’s like the Booking.com for surf camps where you can read reviews from people who’ve already been there themselves and make sure you pick the perfect one for you.

The Best Yoga and Surf Camps in Portugal

• 7 Day Surf Camp @ Surfcamp 55, Ericeira
• 7 Day Surf Retreat @ The Surf Experience, Lagos, Algarve
• 4 Day Surf & Yoga Holiday @ The Salty Pelican, Cascais, Lisbon
• 8 Day Surf Camp @ Visconde Surf House, Peniche
• 8 Day Surf Retreat @ Arrifana Surf Lodge, Algarve
• 6 Day Surf Experience @ Sagres Sun Stay, Sagres
• 8 Day Eco Surf Camp @ Golden Waves Surf & Yoga, Aveiro,

Affordable 7 Day Surf Camp @ Surfcamp 55, Ericeira

Spend seven days in one of Portugal’s best surfing spots learning the art of surfing in Ericeira – Europe’s only world surfing reserve.

This surf camp in Portugal is particularly great for beginners and novice surfers who want to focus on basic surfing techniques. You will get a 2.5- or 3-hour surf lesson each day from amazing, qualified surf instructors from Action Waves Portugal. Plus, all equipment is included.

Days will be spent learning how to catch waves, while nights will be spent in one of Hostel & Surfcamp 55’s dorm, triple or private rooms. The guesthouse is located in the center of the charming historic fishing town of Ericeira on the seafront with a lounge area where you can enjoy meals that you prepare yourself in the communal kitchen. You can also explore the village and try some local cuisine, the seafood restaurants in Ericeria are excellent.

Although meals are not included, roundtrip airport and beach transfers are and this is one of the most budget friendly surf camps in Portugal located in one of the prettiest fishing towns. You can use the kitchen and BBQ facilities to prepare your own meals or check out the many restaurants nearby.

Booking info

Read More – The Best Surf Camps in Ericeira

Fun 7 Day Surf Holiday @ The Surf Experience, Lagos, Algarve

This multi-level surf camp in Portugal has been running since 1992. It’s located in the beautiful beach town and surfing hot spot of Lagos in the sunny Algarve.

The people behind The Surf Experience will not only help you to develop your surfing skills whether you are complete beginner or a more experienced surfer, but will also teach you yoga asanas that complement surfing.

Hit the waves every morning at around 9:30am for a surf lesson and enjoy a free yoga session afterwards. You will also get breakfast, lunch and six nights accommodation at The Surf House; an adapted townhouse right in the heart of Lagos. It’s a social house complete with barbecues, a lounge area, two large terraces and a modern kitchen for cooking dinner. You can also enjoy the numerous restaurants, beaches and lively nightlife of Lagos within a few minutes walk from the surf camp.

This is one of the best surf camps in Portugal for those who want a bit of everything – great surfing, yoga, a lively social scene while also enjoying all that charming Lagos has to offer and the warmest weather in Portugal.

Booking info

Read More: Best Surf and Yoga Retreats in The Algarve 

Luxurious 4 Day Surf & Yoga Retreat @ The Salty Pelican, Cascais, Lisbon

For a short surf and yoga holiday just a 40 min scenic train ride along the coast from beautiful Lisbon head to the charming seaside resort of Cascais and join the Salty Pelican’s popular 4 days 3 nights short surf and yoga package.

Start the days with sunrise mediation and an energizing yang yoga session by the seaside. Following a healthy buffet breakfast take a surf lesson and enjoy time on the beach before winding down with a relaxing yin yoga class back at the stylish and modern luxury surf lodge. A relaxing massage is also included in the package.

There’s also the opportunity to join a nature hike with awareness and meditation exercises and a sunset picnic on one of the most magical beaches in Portugal, explore the charming resort of Cascais, or explore the colourful castles and palaces in nearby Sintra or ride the trams in gorgeous Lisbon.

Thanks to the proximity to Lisbon airport this is the best yoga retreat and surf camp in Portugal for those on a quick visit. They also offer longer retreats which I’d highlight recommend if you have more time as you won’t want to leave after 4 days of bliss!

More Info

Read More: Where to Stay in Lisbon

8 Day, All Level Surf Camp @ Visconde Surf House, Peniche

Whether you’re trying the sport for the first time or are a seasoned surfer, spending 8 days at Visconde Surf House is guaranteed to leave you feeling more confident and proficient on the waves.

The highly experienced team at Visconde Surf House offers an intimate surfing experience, with classes capped at just 5 participants. With 10 surf classes and unlimited use of surf equipment, this surf-and-stay holiday helps beginners master the basics and pros perfect their technique.

You’ll find this surf camp in Peniche, a popular spot for surfing and other watersports. The surf house is small, cozy, and right on the beach, so you can make the most of your time in the ocean.

Meals are not included, but there are plenty of restaurants within a short walk. The surf house also has a shared kitchen, and several supermarkets are close by.

Surf camps are available all year round, and sports insurance, photos, and pickup from the Peniche bus station are included in the package.

Booking info

Read More: The Best Surf Camps in Peniche

8 Day Beginner Surf Retreat @ Arrifana Surf Lodge, Algarve

Arrifana Surf Lodge has designed an awesome surf camp for beginners and intermediates, focused on semi-personalized instruction through small groups and highly attentive surf teachers.

Depending on your level, you’ll join a beginner or intermediate class with no more than 7 other students. There are two fun and relaxed surf lessons each day, each lasting 90 minutes. There’s also an evening yoga class to stretch out your tired muscles.

Despite a relaxed, holiday-style atmosphere, you’ll learn so much during the 8-day camp and come away with the confidence to ride the waves on your own.

The surf lodge is situated on Arrifana beach. While it’s a semi-rural location, there are many cute cafes and restaurants close by, and it’s just 6 kilometers from Aljezur town. The house has a very communal vibe, with a plunge pool, hammocks, sun loungers, and outdoor bean bags.

Unlike some other surf camps in the area, this surfing holiday includes most meals, including daily breakfast, six lunches, and four dinners. You’ll also get unlimited tea, coffee, juice, fresh fruit, yogurt, and bread, as well as transfers from and to Aljezur, making this retreat incredible value for money.

Booking info

Read More: The Best Yoga Retreats in Portugal

Budget 6 Day Surf Holiday @ Sagres Sun Stay Surf Camp & Hostel, Sagres

Sagres Sun Stay is a brand new eco-friendly hostel and surf camp with a wide range of very affordable surfing and windsurfing packages located in Sagres – the biggest surf town in the Algarve and the most south-westerly point of Portugal.

They offer an expertly designed learn to surf program has been created by coupling professional knowledge and teaching method with a friendly and interactive coaching approach combing theory and practical skills that guarantee quick, fun and safe progression.

Choose from dormitory rooms to deluxe private rooms depending on your budget and enjoy all the facilities including a T-shaped salt water pool, fitness machines, communal kitchen, yoga classes and a bar and cafe. A varied and healthy breakfast and dinner is served and packed lunch boxed provided for when you’re out surfing.

Booking info

8 Day Eco Surf Camp @ Golden Waves Surf and Yoga, Aveiro nr Porto

For the best surf camp experience in Northern Portugal head to Aveiro, a charming town with boats and waterways that have earned it the nickname of the ‘Venice of Portugal’, 30km from Porto.

Golden Waves eco lodge sits peacefully between powder soft beaches and rich pine forests near to picturesque Porto, Aveiro and Costa Nova. The ideal setting to reconnect with the elements. Whether you’re a surf newbie or a veteran on the waves, your instructors offer expert tuition to help you get the most out of the experience. 

With several nearby beaches to choose from, your hosts will choose the best spots for the day based on the conditions. After an active day on the waves you can cycle the local area, visit the nearby lagoon, and soothe any aching muscles with a yin yoga class.

Booking info

I hope this post has helped you to find the perfect surf camp in Portugal and that you have an amazing time.

If you’re still undecided or want some more tips and visiting Portugal check out my other blog posts too.

• Where to Stay in Lisbon
• My Ideal Itinerary for Lisbon
• My yoga retreat packing list
• The best surf camps in Peniche, Portugal
• The best surf camps in Ericeira, Portugal
• The best surf camps and yoga retreats in the Algarve
• The best surf camps in The Canary Islands, Spain
• The best surf camps in Fuerteventura 
• The best surf camps in Costa Rica
• The best surf camps in Bali
• The best surf camps in Sri Lanka

Have you been to an amazing surf camp in Portugal? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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