Five of the best surf schools in Portugal

Feb 28, 2014 BY Paul McWilliams

With a coastline that is more or less all exposed to the full Atlantic swell and huge winds, Portugal is unsurprisingly home to some of the best and biggest waves on earth. It’s these reliable conditions that make the country a great place to learn to surf. But which are the best surf schools in Portugal?

Five of the best surf schools in Portugal image from The Surf Experience

Here’s our list of five of the best surf schools in Portugal, where you can learn the basics and hone your skills. Who knows, you might even get good enough to one day take on some of the colossal monster waves that batter the Portuguese coast.

The Surf Experience

The oldest and original ‘surf lifestyle’ school in Europe, the Surf Experience really know what they’re doing. With over 100 years of combined surfing experience, you couldn’t be in better hands. Having been based in Portugal since 1992 they are the oldest in the country, so they know where to find the best waves and offer some of the best surf school holidays anywhere.

Best surf schools in Portugal image by The Surf Experience

Based in Lagos on the south coast of Portugal, it’s really convenient for flights to and from Faro. And this top location also gives them great access to the best surf spots on both the south and west coasts. For more information and to find out about the holidays they offer, visit them at www.surfexperience.com  or call +351 282 762 744.

If you are not convinced check out The Surf Experience promotional video. Good food, good surf and good times:

Pontoeste

Situated right on the sand at Vila da Torreira, just south of Porto, Pontoeste is a friendly and family run surf school was set up in 2007. Since then, they’ve become a real fixture on the beach and offer really positive and exciting surf and bodyboard instruction. Experienced instructors make you feel like part of the family and at the end of your stay you’ll be sad to say goodbye to new friends.

With a range of surf packs to choose from, and courses for all levels of surfer, as well as accommodation and home stays, they provide everything you need for an amazing surf school experience. Easily one of the five best surf schools in Portugal. Check them out at www.pontoeste.com or call +351 965 091 947.

Best surf schools in Portugal image by Pontoeste

Rapture Surfcamp Portugal

Rapture Surfcamp can be found just 3 minutes walk from the beautiful beach at Ericeira. The 4km long beach is known as one of the best surfing beaches in Europe and a regular spot for world championship tournaments with breaks for all levels from beginners to pros. Ericeira was recently named one of only three World Surfing Reserves. So, it’s not surprising that its a great place to learn.

The Rapture surf camp is a top school for beginners and intermediate surfers, who can practice what they learn in the lessons right in front of the surfcamp – all day if they have the stamina! They also offer guiding for advanced surfers and can take you to any of the nearby breaks.

The comfortable accommodation is a 2 story, 5 bedroom villa with sea views. It is located just 200m from Foz do Lizandro beach which is less than 15 minute walk into the main town. They provide a daily breakfast and dinner 5 nights a week to help you keep the costs down. Find out more by visiting www.surfcampinportugal.com or call +43 720 882 702.

Best surf schools in Portugal by Rapture Surfcamp

Baleal Surfcamp

Based in Peniche, Baleal Surfcamp is a family run surf school was founded way back in 1993, making it the second oldest in the country. There’s a real laid back atmosphere which is really conducive to both fun and learning. And the beach itself is pretty spectacular too.

Surfivor

Based up in the north of Portugal near the city of Porto, Surfivor was founded in 2004 and has taught hundreds of people each year how to surf. Enthusiastic teachers and a prime beach location make it great for beginners, but there are waves for every level of surfer too, including multiple surf breaks right in front of the surf camp.

This is our pick of just some of the best surf schools in Portugal. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your technique Portugal is a great place for surfing holidays. And you won’t go wrong with any of these surf schools.

 
Algarve, Aljezur, Alvor, Arrifana Beach, Ericeira, Europe, Faro, Lagos, Leiria, Lisboa, Odeceixe, Oporto, Peniche, Porto, Portugal, Torreira
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4 responses to “Five of the best surf schools in Portugal”

  1. We are looking to holiday in Portugal this summer and wondering if surf hire is freely available to save carrying three boards over as well as all the family luggage.

    Many thanks Ian

    • Hi Ian – I have never been surfing in Portugal (I am also not the author of the article) but my understanding is that there are hire shops in surf towns that can kit you and your family out.

      It might be worth getting in touch before you arrive just to be sure they will have what you need. To check I did a search ‘surf hire Lagos’ and found plenty of options, I am sure if you do a similar search where you will be heading you will be able to arrange all the surf gear in advance.

  2. Hi Ian Rudge,
    I don’t know exactly to where you and your family will stay but in almost all coast line of Portugal you will find a place to rent surf equipment and also surf schools if you need.
    The Prices for the rentals for boards are around the 30, 40 € per day depending of the place.
    You will not have a problem with that.
    Surfs up and enjoy your holidays!

  3. If you are discussing the best surf schools in Portugal, make sure not to overlook this gem: Surf Taxi Peniche It’s a small business, run by one of the most charming instructors in the whole world. And I’ve been literally everywhere before. Highly recommended to chec it out!

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