PORTUGAL

We’re taking our bespoke Women + Waves camp to the beautiful shores of southern Portugal. Over the course of seven days, you’ll see your surf skills soar. As well as five days of expert surf coaching, you’ll get heaps of video analysis and workshops designed to help you catch wave after wave. In your downtime, explore this beautiful part of the Algarve, taste incredible (and affordable!) local food and share the stoke with your new crew of all-female surfers.

Coaching-wise, we’ve got you covered. You’ll improve no end with five days of on-water coaching, led by local surf school, The Surf Experience and our awesome female coach. We’ll film each session, then break down your surfing move-by-move in our video analysis sessions – seeing yourself surf is a great way to progress. We’ll gear our surf workshops towards the most relevant topic for you and your all-female group that day – it could be anything from land-based coaching to help you perfect your pop-up to a session on surf forecasting. We’ll also include yoga-inspired stretches to keep you limbered up between surfs.

You’ll also have a surf-free day. This day is all yours to chill out on the local beach, explore the surrounding area or try some other activities. You could head into Lagos (“lah-goosh”), a port town with cobbled lanes, 16th-century walls and golden beaches. As well as a fascinating history to discover (this was a key launching point during Portugal’s Age of Discovery), Lagos has some excellent restaurants and cafes – just ask us for a recommendation or two. If you’ve still got energy to burn you could try some optional activities, such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Grab a paddle, push off into the blue and explore the grottos, caves and hidden lagoons along the coastline. Please note, these optional activities aren’t included in the price of the trip.

Accommodation-wise, we’re spoiling you with our two coastal apartments. Located just 550 metres (a ten-minute stroll) from the golden sands of Porto de Mos beach, it’s got an unbeatable position plus a whole host of shared facilities including a pool, gym, sauna, hot tub and tennis court. Both apartments have private outdoor space – either a balcony with sea views or a ground-floor garden patio beside brightly coloured azalea bushes. Choose from private and twin room options. For more information, see our Accommodation tab.

One of the best bits about this trip is that it’s easily accessible, especially for anyone travelling from the UK and Europe. Our base is just a 40-minute transfer from Faro airport, which has numerous international connections. With a flight time of under three hours from the UK, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a sun-filled surf trip that’s just a short hop away.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

This trip is suitable for Beginner and Progressor surfers. If you’re a Beginner, we’ll get you up and riding in no time. Progressor Surfers will learn how to confidently paddle out back and catch green waves. Whichever your level, we’ll help you to develop your surfing skills and increase your ocean awareness – all whilst having heaps of fun! Come prepared to seriously step up your surfing! Not sure what level you are? Then take our quick test.

AIRPORT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE MEETINGS AND TRANSFERS

• You’ll be greeted at airport arrivals by a member of our transport team and whisked away to our base for the week (around a 40-minute journey from Faro airport).
• After a surf-stoked seven nights, we’ll drop you back at the airport in good time for a stress-free check-in.

Please note if you are not able to join our airport transfer at 6pm there will be an additional cost of 60 € each way for your airport transfer based on 3 people. On departure day, we’ll drop you back at the airport by 9am.  Please see our FAQs for alternative transfer options.

ACCOMMODATION

• Seven nights of self-catered accommodation – see more in our Accommodation tab.

FOOD

• There’s a great balance of self-catering and eating out on this trip.
• Your accommodation will have self-catering facilities, but you also have the option of eating out.
• We’ll eat some meals out together and can arrange optional group meals at our favourite restaurants.
• Lunch will be a packed lunch (included with the surf lessons) at the beach so we can make the most of the surf.
• Five lunches are included (on your surf days). Please note, breakfasts, dinners and lunch on your rest day are not included in the price of the trip.

COACHING

• Five days of surf coaching delivered by The Surf Experience school and our awesome, female trip leader.
• Photo and video analysis.
• There is one instructor per five guests. Small groups ensure you get personalised coaching.
• A Women + Waves surfing log book to track your progress and accelerate your improvements.
• We choose the best tidal state, swell size and conditions for you to get the most out of your sessions.
• We have a wetsuit and board waiting for you in Portugal to suit your experience level.
• Remember you can surf as much or as little as you want throughout the trip – this is a no-pressure camp with a focus on fun!

SURF SKILLS WORKSHOPS

• These bespoke surf skill workshops will often be delivered during the analysis sessions and will cover everything from building confidence to tips on bodysurfing, breathing techniques and how to surf bigger waves. If you’ve been on a trip with us before, we will tailor these sessions to new and relevant topics to suit your progrogression, so you’re always learning.
  Workshops will include:
• Surf forecasting and travel
• Equipment (the right board for you and building a quiver)
• Ocean Safety
• Pop-up progression
• How to gain and maintain speed
• Paddling workshop
• Turtle rolling
• Surf etiquette and how to handle a line-up
• If you are a Progressor surfer, we’ll tailor the coaching to your needs

PHOTO & VIDEO ANALYSIS

• You’ll be filmed surfing throughout the trip – watching yourself in action during our video analysis sessions is hands down the fastest way to progress
• You’ll take home an awesome photo and video package of your surf sessions

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Morning sea dips
• Explore Lagos – it’s a quick (under ten minutes) Uber ride to the centre of town.
• Shopping
• Sunset drinks on the beach
• Yoga-inspired surf stretching before and after you hit the waves.
• Coastal walks
• Optional paddleboard and kayak tours are available (not included in the price).
• Optional organised meals at our favourite local restaurants.

Please note, sometimes we need to be flexible as some activities will be weather and condition dependent – but don’t worry, we’ll always do our very best to ensure you get the very best out of the trip! All our surf days and evening meals are completely optional – you can enjoy as much or as little as you desire. This is not a boot camp! 

Day 1

Touch down in Portugal! You’re about to spend seven nights surfing some of the best waves the Atlantic has to offer with a group of like-minded women. Expect golden beaches, sunshine, great food and plenty of Portuguese culture thrown in for good measure.

At Faro airport, we’ll pick you up at Faro airport at 6pm and transfer you to our base for the week. After being shown to your room to settle in,  there’s time to freshen up before our chilled welcome meeting. In this meeting we’ll discuss what you’d personally like to get out of the trip, whether that’s standing up for the first time, mastering your backhand or sampling the finest Portuguese cuisine, we’re here to make this happen for you! Then it’s a relaxed evening, a chance to meet the other women on the trip and share the stoke for the days ahead.

Please note if you are not able to join our airport transfer at 6pm there will be an additional cost of 60 € each way for your airport transfer based on 3 people. On departure day, we’ll drop you back at the airport by 9am.  Please see our FAQs for alternative transfer options.

Day 2

Today your surf coaching begins!

Each day based on the conditions, your instructor will decide where the best waves are suited to your ability, we’ve got a variety of options on either the South or the West coast! We’re spoilt for choice!

We’ll first have a meeting over our fresh morning coffee to set our surf goals for the week using our bespoke Women + Waves log books.

Once we have our goals set, we’ll go over the plan to achieve them on the beach. Then we’ll jump straight into the ocean for your first surf session with your trip leader and the team. Typically on our surf days, after we’re surfed out we’ll fuel up with a packed lunch on the beach overlooking the waves and debrief on what we’ve just learnt. We’ll also have the chance to grab a nice cup of coffee or ice cream from the beach cafe, chill out and grab some rays!

We’ll then head back to our accommodation, where you’ll pick up even more knowledge in our video analysis session and we’ll deliver our first surf workshop.

Then in the evening, it’s time to chill out with everyone and enjoy some sunset drinks and a delicious evening meal at the local beachside restaurant ‘O’ Antonios’,  famous for its fresh seafood and white sangria!

Day 3

After your first day of surfing, you might be feeling a little tight, so we’ll ensure we start the day with some good surf-inspired yoga on the beach!

Then after reflecting on your video analysis from the day before, we’ll look at troubleshooting any challenges in your surf technique. With small group coaching of only 5 guests to one instructor, we really bespoke your tuition to see big gains on day 2!

It’s then time to demolish our delicious veggie-packed- lunch and follow up the water session with some more video analysis and our second surf workshop back at camp.

There is plenty of free time to jump in the pool before kicking back with a couple margaritas and dinner at our favourite buzzing Mexican restaurant ‘The Green Room’. The burrito bowls are next level and the quesadillas are what cheesy dreams are made of!

Day 4

Today is your surf free-day! It’s time to look after yourself. Have a little lie-in and then dive in for a fresh morning dip at Porto De Mos.

Then it’s time to join your trip leader and head into Lagos for breakfast and enjoy the best coffee in town at Black & White cafe, picture-whitewashed walls, cool tunes and a full Aussie vibe. You can expect to inhale some fresh avo on toast or some Eton-mess pancakes here.

After breaky, your trip leader will take you to explore the old port town with its historic churches and a coastal tour towards the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse. You’ll have an aerial view of some of the best golden beaches in Lagos. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the iconic viewpoint of Mirador Del Faro (those beautiful rock stacks)  the perfect photo opportunity and you may even spot a hidden beach or two!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite all over again, we’ll head back down for lunch at Twin Fin  – a surf cafe and bar offering fresh juices, and salads or opt for something a little stronger like their classic Mimosa – you’re on holiday after all!

After lunch, It’s time for some retail therapy including a tour of our favourite independent boutiques and surf shops such as:

Olaria Nova – a beautiful family-owned pottery shop with modern and innovative hand made ceramics – be warmed you’ll want to take everything home!

Urban Jungle –  Where you’ll find that classic Portuguese shirt and vintage treasures.

Quiksilver – It wouldn’t be a surf trip without drooling over some shiny new boards now, would it? We’ll take you to the local surf shop and explain what to look for when buying your first board and wetsuit.

Then it’s time to return back to the apartment for some rest! Enjoy some pool time or hop in the sauna to really relax!

In the evening, we’ll have a big group feast back at our self-catering apartments and enjoy some alfresco dining on the balcony, washed down with some local Portuguese vino.

Don’t fancy our Lagos tour? No problem, we can help organise a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour to explore the grottos and caverns (not included in the price). Or just take the time to chill at the pool or bask on the beach.

Day 5

Wake up and dive into another surf lesson, we’ll be picking up from where we left off and continuing our progression! We’ll tick a few more boxes in the logbooks followed by video analysis and surf workshop number 3.

Before dinner, it’s time for our post-surf stretches to really unwind and release all the tension from your well-worked muscles.

Then tonight, we’ll head to the beach to watch the sunset, followed by heading into town for

dinner at our favourite modern Asian fusion restaurant – Gorilla. From vegan ramen, vegetable tempura, spicy Thai curries to busting bao buns – what’s not to love?!

Day 6

For many of you, this will have been the first step of your surfing journey, so after today’s surf session, we’ll sit down (with a coffee and a pastel de nata of course) and discuss your next steps for your future surfing and where to go from here. We want you to go away with a clear understanding of how to continue your surf progression and what to put into practice.

Then tonight, sunset drinks around the pool, and an optional night out to our favourite tapas house called Meu Limao, they combine traditional Mediterranean recipes with modern cooking methods – super yummy fresh local produce with plenty of veggie or vegan options, plus they also make a killer homemade lemonade or sangria! All in a lush historic setting!

Day 7

It’s your final day in Portugal, so the perfect chance to practise everything you’ve learnt so far. Unless, of course, you want to chill. This is your trip – so you can surf as much or as little as you like! We’ll be looking back to see how much you’ve improved in our final video analysis session. We’ll then do a big open Q&A where you can have a chance to ask us anything you like about surfing.

For our last evening, we’ll head to Mar d’Estorias terrace bar and restaurant – here you’ll find the perfect combination between sea breeze and historical inspiration brought on by the rooftops of the adjoining monuments. The restaurant is decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles where you can chow down on your favourite local food, grab a drink, and watch the sun as it sets on your last night in Portugal.

Day 8

After an epic trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Portugal (for now!) and fly home. We’ll drop you to the airport at 9 am so you are relaxed and ready for your flight home.

Don’t want to leave so early? View our FAQs about alternative transfer options.

We’ve got our hands on two self-catering apartments with an epic location, just 550 metres from Porto de Mos beach. It takes only ten minutes to stroll from your digs to this golden stretch of sand – one of the best surfing beaches in Lagos – with its shimmering sea, limestone cliffs and chilled-out cafes.

Both apartments have private outdoor space, perfect for al fresco breakfasts before hitting the waves. One has a balcony with views of palm trees and the ocean, while the other has a ground-floor terrace surrounded by purple azaleas and pretty gardens. The apartments are part of a larger condominium, so you get to use a whole host of communal facilities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, hot tub and tennis court.

Inside, expect cool Mediterranean style, with terracotta tiled floors, whitewashed walls and big windows that let the Portuguese sunshine stream in. Both apartments feature cosy living rooms with comfy sofas, plus well-equipped kitchens, giving you the flexibility of self-catering.

ROOMS

Accommodation options range from private doubles to shared twin rooms. Prices vary: twin rooms cost £1,799; private double rooms cost £2,049. Chat with us when booking to confirm your choice).

Apartment 1 (ground floor)

This apartment sleeps up to five guests in three bedrooms. There are two bathrooms. One bedroom has an ensuite bathroom.

Apartment 2 (penthouse)

This apartment sleeps up to five guests in three bedrooms. There are two bathrooms. One bedroom has an ensuite bathroom.

FACILITIES

Facilities include a communal swimming pool, gym, sauna, hot tub and tennis court. Both apartments also have self-catering kitchens plus washing machines, TVs, air conditioning and WiFi.

Ready for your surfing to skyrocket? With five days of in-water coaching, video analysis and daily surf theory workshops, you’ll step up your skills and improve your technique pronto. If you’re a new surfer or are looking to surf out back for the first time, this trip is for you. It’s also perfect if you’ve previously surfed out back and want to develop your skills in catching unbroken waves. You’ll be in great hands with your trip leader and her team – they are all fantastic surfers and coaches!

PHOTO & VIDEO ANALYSIS

Seeing yourself surf is the best way to improve and gives you a move-by-move breakdown. Plus, you get to take the footage and photos home with you – it’s both a great memento and a valuable coaching tool.

WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE

Wake up by the sea, fuel up on breakfast and get ready to get stuck into a day on the water. When and where we surf will depend on the tides and conditions of the day, but once that’s decided we’ll jump into the minibus and head to our chosen spot. We might kick things off with some yoga-inspired stretches before heading into the big blue. To make the most of our time on the water, we’ll grab a picnic lunch on the beach. After our session on the water, we’ll head back to the apartment to rinse off, chill out and sit down for a video analysis session.

When you’re not surfing, the time is yours to relax on the local beach, explore Lagos or try some optional activities like paddleboarding. Each night, you’ll have the option of cooking back at the apartment or heading out for a group dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.

For more details on what each day involves, check out our Itinerary tab.