Premium Surf CampAlentejo, Portugal
Surfing in Alentejo, Portugal - The ultimate surf guide
How does living in a surf camp surrounded by beautiful nature, curious donkeys and amazing waves sound to you? Pretty good, right? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know before visiting Alentejo, Portugal’s hidden surfing gem.
Alentejo is a place to be free. You’ll feel the calmness of this south-central region embrace you the moment you leave the busy capital of Lisbon and see the beautiful landscape and cork trees outside the car window. Here you’ll get to see the traditional Portugal, surrounded by fields and vineyards in every direction.
The beaches are spacious and uncrowded and offer good-quality waves. You’ll get to experience local Portuguese food, regional wine and breathtaking nature. Here’s everything you'll need to know before booking your next surf holiday to Alentejo, Portugal!
Quick Portugal facts: Things to know before you go
Official languages: Portuguese
Time zone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Capital: Lisbon
Population: Around 10 million people.
Religion: The majority of the Portuguese (over 80%) identify themselves as Roman Catholic.
Electricity: 230 V is the voltage in Portugal. You need a C or F plug adapter if your electric devices don't fit the outlets.
Flag: 🇵🇹
Surfing in Alentejo, Portugal: Everything you need to know
Surfing in Alentejo is like stepping into a dream, with endless beaches and crowdless lineups along Portugal’s southwest coast. You’ll be swept into the laid-back atmosphere of a small town's surf community, the stunning nature around you, and the unspoiled surf breaks with high-quality waves. Get ready for an unforgettable surf holiday by the Atlantic Ocean.
Read more about surfing in Alentejo here
Seasons and surf conditions: When is the best time to surf in Alentejo, Portugal?
The seasons in Alentejo are summer, autumn, winter, and spring. Surf conditions vary throughout the seasons, from bigger swells in winter to gentle rides in summer.
Spring: March to May
Summer: June to September
Autumn: October to November
Winter: December to February
Spring surf conditions: Larger swells transition to smaller waves
During the springtime in Alentejo, you’ll see the larger winter swells transitioning to smaller, more manageable waves. This period isn't as constant as the autumn and winter but still offers enjoyable surf conditions, most suitable for intermediate surfers. It’s a nice time to visit Alentejo for the mild weather and to avoid crowds.
Summer surf conditions: Calm and gentle waves
The summertime is Alentejo’s peak tourist season. Now, Alentejo presents calm conditions and smaller, mellow and more gentle waves. It’s a nice time for beginners or those looking for more relaxed surfing sessions to visit the area.
Autumn surf conditions: The bigger swells return as the surf season restart
Autumn brings the first significant swells of the surf season. The temperature cools down, and the waves start to pick up consistency and size. This season is often referred to as the best season for surfing in Alentejo and attracts more experienced surfers who are comfortable in bigger waves.
Winter surf conditions: Powerful waves for advanced surfers
During wintertime, Alentejo experiences its largest swells and most powerful waves, making it a popular time for advanced surfers to head to the region. Reef breaks may become more prominent during the winter swells, creating challenging yet rewarding surfing opportunities.
When is the best time to surf in Alentejo for my level?
Alentejo’s consistent surf and beautiful coastline make it a paradise for surfers all year. Surfers will love the forgiving and mellow waves in summer, while the winter offers gentle conditions with some more thrills. Thanks to its variety of surf spots, Alentejo truly has something for everyone, no matter when you visit.
What’s the vibe like in the water?
The vibe in Alentejo’s water is peaceful. You’ll get to experience wild and unspoiled nature with a small crowd. If you show respect for the environment and other surfers, you'll experience a friendly, welcoming, and calm atmosphere in the water that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Surfboard recommendations: Which surfboard should I bring to Alentejo?
You’re welcome to use our boards in our camp quiver, but we have some recommendations if you want to bring your own. From shortboards for tackling powerful waves to longboards for cruising gentle swells:
Shortboard: Take on Alentejo’s larger and more powerful waves on a shortboard, an especially nice choice during winter swells.
Fish: A fish board is nice to bring to the smaller and medium-sized waves in Alentejo. It is suitable for the region’s variety of conditions.
Midlength: The midlength is another good option for surfing in Alentejo’s different conditions. It provides a nice balance between the maneuverability of a shortboard and the stability of a longboard.
Malibu: A Malibu or a funboard is ideal for cruising on the gentler waves in Alentejo, especially during the summer season.
Longboard: If you enjoy smooth and relaxed surfing, a longboard will be your best friend when you cruise down Alentejo’s waves. It provides glide and stability and is suitable for small to medium-sized waves.
Local weather: Mild winters and warm summers
Alentejo enjoys mild air temperatures throughout the year; meanwhile, the water temperature varies seasonally, from cool in winter to pleasant in summer.
Air temperature: This area of Alentejo experiences mild winters, with temperatures between 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 60°F) in the coldest month of January. The summers are warm, with temperatures around 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F), but they can reach 35°C (95°F) on really hot days.
Water temperature: The water temperature is at its highest around August, with comfortable temperatures around 20°C to 23°C (approximately 68°F to 73°F). It is at its coldest at the end of February, around 15°C (59°F).
What to wear while surfing in Alentejo: Which thickness should my wetsuit be?
We have wetsuits at the camp, but if you plan to bring your own, bring one that fits the climate of the season you plan on arriving. Depending on which season you visit Alentejo, you should use a suitable wetsuit. During the warmer months, a thinner wetsuit, like a 3/2mm, is good to keep you comfortable in the water. A thicker wetsuit, like a 4/3 mm, is good in the colder months to provide more insulation.
General wetsuit guidelines:
3/2mm wetsuit: April-October
4/3mm wetsuit: November-March
Remember: The thickness of the wetsuit may vary from person to person based on comfort levels, personal preferences, and the specific weather conditions during your visit. Check out our wetsuit guide for more info.
Surf safety: What should I be aware of?
Surfing in Alentejo is generally a calm and safe experience. Although, it’s always good to be aware of the safety considerations:
The distance to the surf spots: Even though you can hear the waves from the tanning beds at the camp, it’s a bit of a drive to get there. The drive towards the surf spots will take around 15 to 20 minutes.
Water conditions: When surfing, always be mindful of the currents and look for hidden hazards such as reefs.
Local hazards: Even though you won't see many surfers in the lineup, many people might swim in the ocean during summer.
A final note on surfing in Alentejo: Enjoy one of Europe's most uncrowded and untouched surf spots
Alentejo is the place to go if you’re looking for a peaceful surf getaway. Grab your board and enjoy the views from the car window on the way to your session, maybe saying hi to a local fisherman heading to the same beach. Paddle out to the crowdless lineups and take in Alentejo's unspoiled beauty.
Where to stay in Portugal: Our hearts are in two places
We have two surf camps in Portugal: one in Alentejo and one in Ericeira. Both camps are amazing in their own ways. If you like a more upbeat vibe in a bigger camp, then our surf camp in Ericeria is the place for you. If you’re looking for a more relaxed surf camp atmosphere then Alentejo is the right choice.
A surf camp that feels like home
When you open the gate to our Alentejo surf camp you’ll see that it’s surrounded by a big field where our cute donkeys and horse strolls around. The donkeys are very curious and love to come up for a pat! The vibe at the camp is very homey where everyone hangs out together by the pool, plays cards in the shaded sofas and enjoys amazing food, like homemade pizza during the pizza nights and traditional cooking by our talented chef.
Getting around in Alentejo
You’ll be getting a ride to and from the surf spots (and to and from the different activities that we offer at the camp) from our camp crew. If you feel like picking up something from the supermarket or pharmacy, we’ll be happy to give you a lift on our way back from the beach after the surf. You will be completely fine without a car when visiting our camp, but if you feel like traveling a bit by yourself and seeing the surrounding areas then renting a car is a great idea.
The taste of Portugal: What to eat in Alentejo?
Most of the dinners that we serve at the surf camp are homemade Portuguese dishes, made with local ingredients. The base of many dishes from Alentejo consists of lamb, pork and Alentejo bread. Soups are very common dishes too, like the Açorda. And while you’re in Alentejo, don’t forget to indulge in the regional wine!
Traditional food from Alentejo
Açorda: A common Portuguese soup made out of bread, coriander, garlic and spices from the region. Often topped with a poached egg.
Sopa de tomate: The tomato soup is simple yet delicious! Both egg and bread will be in the soup, making it quite filling!
Cozido de grão: A traditional portuguese stew.
Bifana: A popular steak sandwich that can be found in all of Portugal.
Porco Preto: Porco Preto, or Black Iberian pig, is typical in Portuguese cuisine. You’ll find Porco Preto in many dishes, like grilled pork and Alentejo-style pork stews.
Queijadas De Évora: A traditional pastry that is common in all of Portugal. It has a buttery crust and the filling is a mixture of sugar, fresh cheese and egg yolks (not to be confused with the iconic Portuguese pasty pastel de nata).
Sericaia com Ameixas de Elvas: Another dessert that you shouldn't miss out on is the Sericaia com Ameixas de Elvas, which is a traditional dessert in Alentejo. “Ameixas” is Portuguese for plums. The dessert is egg-based and flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon.
Around the area: Experience the beauty of south-central Portugal
Alentejo has a lot to offer when it comes to exploring the beautiful nature. You can go horseback riding during sunset, dive into the blue ocean where you’ll see Portugal’s underwater life (like Portugal’s famous sea urchins, fish and even an octopus if you’re lucky!) and hike along the coastline.
Porto Covo
Porto Covo is a small former fishing village along the coast of Portugal, located ten minutes away from the surf camp. If you translate the name to English, it will read “port of the fishing net” and you’ll see fishermen out on the ocean catching fish, lobsters and crabs. You’ll find nice cafes and restaurants in Porto Covo, as well as cute souvenir shops and beautiful beaches. Porto Covo is also the starting point of the famous Fisherman’s Trail hike.
Packing: What should you bring for your Alentejo surf trip?
You won’t need to bring much with you on your trip to Alentejo since we’ll provide both surfboards and wetsuits at the camp. But there are a few things that you shouldn't forget to add to your suitcase:
Passport
Mosquito repellent: The mosquitos in Portugal are the most active from around May to September, so a mosquito spray is a great thing to pack with you so that you can enjoy the warm summer nights outside.
Sunscreen: Remember to bring strong sunscreen with you. Alentejo can get quite hot and dry, so a sunscreen with high SPF will come in handy.
Comfortable shoes: There are many nice places to hike in Alentejo but the roads can be quite dusty, so pack a pair of shoes that you can walk around in and feel comfortable.
Swimwear: Bring board shorts/bikinis that are suitable for surfing.
A reusable water bottle
Sustainability
The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.
We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.
Lapoint