Level:
Learn from people who know these waves
Group and private lessons at surf schools across Portugal. See price, duration and reviews from other travellers before you book.
- For beginners and for surfers levelling up
- Board and wetsuit usually included — check each lesson
- Book online, no phone calls
Prefer to talk to a school directly? See surf schools
Surf lessons & experiences
Booked via GetYourGuide
Photo: Sergey Mysovskiy · Wikimedia Commons
Which sea is yours?
From your first day on a board to the most famous waves on the planet. Pick your level and we show the spots that match it.
Waves from 1.2 m to big wave
Serious waves
Fast barrels and big seas, experience only.
Advanced spots
Costa Vicentina
Surf trip
A week chasing swell, with lessons wherever the waves are.
See surf lessonsBefore you go
When to go
The North Atlantic sends regular swell from October to April. In summer the sea calms down and the water warms up: the best time to learn.
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
- Bigger, more regular swell (Oct–Apr)
- Best for learning (Jun–Sep)
Boards made here
Semente (Ericeira, since 1982), Polen (Cascais), Fatum (Peniche) and Mica (Ericeira) hand-shape boards for surfers from all over the world.
Meet the shapersThree kinds of wave
Beach break
Sandy bottom. More forgiving and the best place to learn.
Reef
Rock or lava bottom. Powerful, fast wave for experienced surfers.
Point break
The wave wraps around a headland and peels long and regular — great to progress.
Guides to read next
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Ready for the next wave?
Tell us the region, your level and dates. The planner puts spots, places to stay and lessons into one ready-to-use plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before hitting the water.