Keep the Board: 5 Good Surfing Centers in Algarve

The southern coast of Portugal and the Algarve region is a popular area for a beach relaxation. The picturesque nature, 200 kilometers of continuous beaches, a decent set of entertainments, opportunities for playing golf, tennis, and a perfect selection of active water sports make Algarve attractive to tourists and especially those who like surfing.

(photo by Ars Electronica)

A constant stream of surfers is attracted here by year-round waves, numerous spots and training surf centers. Algarve surfing schools are among the best in the world, and local beaches contribute to the development of this activity.

Are you a beginner surfer who wants to become a professional? The following local surf centers are waiting for you all year round. By using this guide and Cael rental car, you can quickly choose a suitable surfing school and get to it after arriving in the capital of the Algarve region…

Algarve Surf School

(photo by Algarve Surf School & Camp)

On the official website of the school, or rights after getting to the center itself, you can create your ideal program for learning to surf. Each visitor needs to choose the appropriate accommodation, the number of lessons and equipment rental, if necessary.

An example of the most popular package: 7 nights in a hostel plus 6 days of classes will cost 435€ in low season and 473€ in high season.

While studying at school, you’ll be able to select two options for accommodation: a hostel in Sagres or in Lagos. Both have cozy rooms and a convenient location.

Professional school instructors provide lessons for groups. When staying between Lagos and Sagres, those who want to work out are picked up by a special school bus. You can book special classes for children, and for a more detailed study of surfing technology – take a couple of private lessons. One class day costs 50€, while an individual lesson is 110€.

At the school, you can rent both a surfboard, and a wetsuit – qualified staff will always help with the choice.

Address: Praia do Amado, Portugal, 8670-230 Carrapateira

Extreme Algarve

(photo by danniepolley)

Extreme Algarve Surf School has been working on the Algarve coast for more than 10 years. Now here you can combine windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons with yoga and relaxing massages.

The school has its own small hotel where you can stay. The location of the hotel is wonderful – it’s placed within 10 minutes’ walk from the center of Lagos and a few minutes from the beach where classes are held.

As for prices, 1 class day will cost you 50€, 3 class days – 135€, 5 class days – 200€. Experienced instructors are ready to train people of all levels – from beginners to professionals. In addition to activities on the beach, the school team arranges tours to the best places on the coast for windsurfing, so you can try to jump with a parachute, ride a bike over the hills or conquer the cliff on the beach.

Address: R. Pintor Falcão Trigoso, 8600-610 Lagos

Lagos Surf Center

Lagos Surf Center unites under this name a shop selling equipment and clothes for surfing, board rental, and accommodation in the surf village of Luz Surf.

The center offers special ‘Surfari’ packages, created by professional instructors of the school for visitors of different levels of training. Such packages include transportation, training, consulting, wetsuit and board rentals, as well as lunch.

The price for surfing lessons are 50€ per 1 day, 150€ for a 3-day course, and 225€ for 5 days.

Daily at 09.45am, the school’s buses go to the best beaches of the west coast of Algarve for the best waves, taking into account the weather conditions.

Accommodation for school students is possible in Luz Surf village, which is located on Praia da Luz. The cost of living in modest but comfortable rooms starts from 13€ per night, and from 350€ per week. On the territory of the village you can practice yoga and Pilates to recover from riding the ocean waves.

Address: R. Silva Lopes 31, 8600-623 Lagos

Odeceixe Surf School

The surf center is located on Odeceixe Beach. In a small building you can rent all the necessary surfing equipment.

Lessons are held 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. Morning classes start at 11am, while evening classes at 4pm. Each lesson lasts 90 minutes. All school instructors are certified by the Portuguese Association of Surfers, which confirms their excellent knowledge of the beaches of the coast, as well as the ability to provide first aid.

Remember that not more than 10 students are allowed in a single group. Classes are held in Portuguese and English.

Beginners are usually studied in the shallows, but experienced surfers go out into the open water.

Surfing lessons are held on the following beaches:

• Odeceixe
• Amoreira
• Arrifana
• Monte Clerigo

Also, it’s possible to stay in a local camp called Surf and Yoga retreat. Guests are accommodated in small tents with daily yoga classes included.

Address: Estrada da Praia de Odeceixe, 8670-320 Odeceixe

Arrifana Surf School & Camp

(photo by Holiday Photos)

Arrifana Surf School & Camp will provide you with everything you need for a perfect surf vacation. The school is assigned to the Arrifana Beach, located in a conservation area. Here, you will be given all the necessary equipment: a surf board that matches your level of training, wetsuit, and qualified instructors who will show you the best places to improve your surfing skills. Typically, the basic package includes surf lessons from Monday till Friday, but individual tour planning is possible depending on your arrival dates.

Arrifana Surf School offers surf lessons for beginners as well as advanced surfers. Beginners’ lessons are held at Arrifana Beach, as this beach is ideal for beginners, and the advanced surfers will be studied at reef spots. All school instructors are accredited, and the surf school itself operates from February till November.

Address: Urbanização Vale da Telha 31, 8670-156 Aljezur