Picturesque golden coasts that benefit from year-round sunny days combined with powerful Atlantic waves attract droves of surfers to the Algarve, but you don’t need to be a pro to get in the water. The waves in the south of Portugal range in difficulty (some are less powerful but still offer fun rides), and the local schools provide excellent deals for beginners and intermediate surfers. Why not learn from some of the local best by enrolling at one of the following schools?
If immersing completely in the surfing lifestyle without any distractions sounds like the plan for you, consider the Algarve Surf Shop & School based in remote Sagres, a quiet fishing town in the southwesternmost point of Portugal. Operating since 1996, the Algarve Surf Shop & School is one of the older schools and covers multiple experiences ranging from surf camps to traditional lessons and special trips. Enrolling also comes with the possibility of reduced accommodation fees at one of the local hostels.
Why not spend the days surfing and the evenings/nights glamping in well-equipped bell tents? Wavy Surf Camp in Sagres provides a unique experience that includes lessons, trips, and glamping in comfortable tents (some are even categorized as luxury tents). In addition to surfing, you can try kayaking, snorkeling, skateboarding, cycling, and the camp organizes volleyball and ping pong matches.
Popular opinion is also on the side of Future Surfing School, another seasoned surf school in the region. Offering lessons since 1998 and idyllically located at the beautiful Praia da Rocha in Portimão, there’s no doubting the appeal, and lessons are geared towards all levels from absolute beginner to intermediate – choose from single classes to monthly packages covering 5-10 lessons. Future Surfing School also works in partnership with many local hotels for every personality type, from hostels to boutique and even five-star hotels.
Aljezur in the northwest Algarve is a charming fishing village where the beach is one of the main highlights. It’s no surprise, then, that some of the Algarve‘s top surf lessons come from a shop that calls this town “home.” SW Surf Shop is the place to go in the northwest Algarve to buy gear and suits, rent boards, and sign up for classes that are taught by local pros.
Sign up with Albufeira Surf & SUP if you want to learn how to surf, stand-up paddle board, cliff jump, and/or to go on kayak tours. This school is for general ocean-lovers, but even students who haven’t spent much time in the water before may enjoy experiencing their first time on a board with this group of experienced athletes. As for surfing, sign up for a two-hour class at €35 per person, a one-day class at €75 per person, and various camps. An additional benefit is the school’s location in the middle of one of the Algarve’s coolest towns.
Are you looking for a fun hostel that also offers surf lessons? The Algarve Surf Hostel in resort town Lagos may be the right spot. Working in partnership with the Algarve Surf Shop & School in Sagres, the hostel and school boast a range of package deals in addition to the relaxed environment (it’s a short walk from the bars but far enough away for peace and quiet during downtime). Prices begin as low as €15 per night, making it incredibly budget-friendly for this lovely side of the Algarve.
A major perk of the Jah Shaka Surf Shop is the extensive list of options available to customers. Try traditional surfing (€25 per day if you don’t need classes) or kitesurfing, bodyboarding or stand-up paddle boarding (there is also a week-long camp that blends kitesurfing, SUP, and yoga classes for €440 per person per week). The surf shop also offers a range of accommodations for everyone from budget-lovers to luxury travelers.
