Portugal is recognized by many Portuguese and foreigners as one of the best places in Europe to learn and practice surfing. And this is only possible thanks to the vast offer of surf schools near the beaches where this sport is practiced.
We went to see some of these schools, in Lisbon and just over an hour’s drive from the city, which allow you to practice surfing, bodyboarding and stand up paddle, sports that have been gaining more and more fans in our country.
Surfing and Bodyboarding in Nazaré, the big wave beach
We have to start with the town that in recent years has been attracting all the attention, thanks to the enormous ondas of the spot that lies on the north side of this typical Portuguese beach, a Nazaré.
Although Praia do Norte already has surveillance, our suggestions go to the surf schools on the main beach, which are no less than four: Nazaré Surf School, Zulla Nazaré Surf Village, Barra Surf Club Nazaré and Surf4 You, the latter of which stands out for its private and group surf lessons, as well as surf courses.
As for the other schools, we would highlight Nazaré Surf School for its offers such as surf trips, equipment rental and, for those who like to surf lying down, bodyboard lessons; Barra for its private and group lessons, as well as board rental and accommodation; and Zulla for its complete offer in packs of 5 and 10 surf lessons.
Surfing on the Coast
Over 30 km long, most of which are beaches, the Costa da Caparica (the Costa to the locals)is one of Lisbon’s favorite areas to spend the summer and many of them take advantage of it to surf or bodyboard.
As you’d expect, all along this coastline there are dozens of surf schools, each wanting to attract all the attention.
But it was at Riviera Beach that we found the Surf Meeting Point, which was the school that attracted us the most, because it has individual lessons with a certified instructor and even has a photographer in the water, to capture all your first maneuvers in this sport.
Surfing and Stand Up Paddle in Ericeira, the Mecca of World Surfing
The Ericeira has only seven beaches considered optimal for surfing, enough to consider this region of the country a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and the second in the whole world.
That’s also why it’s full of surf schools. Today we highlight three of the main ones, with offers to suit all tastes: 3 Surfer’s Surf School, with lessons for beginners, more experienced surfers and group lessons; Ericeira Surf School, which offers Surf Tours, group and private lessons and, for the little ones, learning sessions that promise to entertain all children; and Surf Riders & Co, which stands out for its wider range of services, with the usual surf lessons, plus yoga classes, surf camps and stand up paddle sessions.
Surfing and Bodyboarding in Peniche, a surfer’s paradise
Everyone knows that Peniche is considered one of the leading exponents of surfing and bodyboarding in Portugal. That’s also why the capital of the Supertubes has one of the widest ranges of schools for learning this sport.
We start with the Escola de Surf de Peniche, which offers regular lessons, but also organizes group surf sessions for schools, bachelor parties, corporate events or birthday parties; the G3Store Surf Center, in addition to individual and group lessons, has other types of offers, such as accommodation, equipment rental and boat trips to the Berlengas Islands; and the Baleal Surf Camp, a school that has been making waves in these parts since 1993, in particular for the diversity of surf and bodyboard lessons on offer, including the family pack, perfect for having a good time with your loved ones.
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