Portugal · SURF LESSONS
Portugal has beach breaks for beginners within an hour of both cities and a wave at Nazaré nobody should be near. These 8 cover the schools at Costa da Caparica, Matosinhos and the Algarve, with kit, group size and price.
Spend two hours learning to surf near Costa da Caparica, just 10 to 30 minutes from central Lisbon. Local instructors such as Filipe, Bruno, David, and Miguel teach beginners on soft boards, adjust the lesson to the sea, and provide wetsuits and equipment. Choose group or private instruction, with optional pickup and video.
“it was so nice, and the team was very funny and friendly:)”
Meet Fish Surf School in Matosinhos for a 90-minute beginner lesson with a certified instructor, wetsuit, board, insurance, and storage included. You’ll learn safety, paddling, standing, and wave technique on the sand before heading into the sea. Instructors such as Ricardo, Ivan, Nono, and Diego teach in English or Spanish, with groups limited to eight.
“It was a great course. The surf school is very easy to find and accessible by metro. The guides took the time to help everyone with their technique and how to get up on the board and ride a wave. We wanted to book a second lesson as it was so much fun!”
Meet SUPA at its wooden kiosk near the Praia da Galé car park for a two-hour lesson with a certified Portuguese or English-speaking instructor. You will warm up, practise surf safety and board technique on land, then work on catching waves with an instructor beside you. Surfboard, wetsuit, insurance, and storage are included.
“We had a great expirience with SUPA surfing school. I already had a lesson in the pasta days and I came back to enjoy the waves again. All the teaching was excellent, with the right amount of theory and then in the water. The step by step approach worked very well and after the first lesson you will be already able to go in a decent way. Teachers are great, kind and all the mood of the lesson is perfect. I can only make a good reference, the guys deserve it all!”
Meet your van near Aliados and let the guide choose the best beach for the day’s waves. In a group of up to seven, you’ll learn paddling, standing, and wave timing, then practise in the Atlantic with instructors such as Igor, Bernardo, Katerina, or Kata. Transport, wetsuit, board, and insurance are included.
“Amazing first surfing lesson! The trainer, Kata, was really nice, patient, and made learning super fun. We got picked up in Porto which was very convenient. We 100% recommend!”
Meet Salty Souls Surf School at Carcavelos for a two-hour lesson with warm-up, surf theory, and water practice. Gustavo, Ricardo, or Antonio may guide your small group of up to 10. You receive a board and wetsuit, then head to the beach with the best waves, often including Guincho or Carcavelos.
“I loved getting to meet friends and learn how to surf! The class was super welcoming and straightforward.”
Meet at Praia do Malhão for a two-hour SurfMilfontes lesson led by Portuguese Surfing Federation-accredited instructors such as Antonio, Miguel, and Eric. You’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes on theory, warm up, then practice for about 90 minutes with a board, wetsuit, leash, transport if needed, and an individual performance check.
“My husband and I took a 5 day course. We had a really great time. Teachers are very nice, supportive and professional and our progress was super well followed up. I really learnt a lot in a wonderful environment thank you!! We will come back”
Meet Go4surf near Gamboa Beach for a two-hour surf lesson suited to beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced riders. Your session includes a Billabong 4.3 wetsuit, board, insurance, and coaching in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French. Instructors such as Gustavo, João, Zala, and Miguel focus on clear advice and plenty of time in the water.
“Surfing in Peniche was great for us as beginners. Due to small groups (four persons) our learning curve was really strong. Other surf schools in that area had more like 15-20 people groups. We will definitely join the surf school again.”
Meet the Salty Souls Surf School bus above Casa da Praia restaurant at Carcavelos Beach. Your two-hour lesson covers warm-ups, surf theory, and guided practice with equipment and insurance included. Coaches such as Gustavo, Gabriel, Miguel, Ricardo, and André work with small groups in English or Spanish, helping first-timers catch their first waves.
“Had so much fun! My two guides were super nice! Would recommend”
Pick a coastline, a cellar or a trail.
