Surfing in Alentejo, Portugal - The ultimate surf guide

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.

Weather and seasons: When’s the best time to visit Alentejo, Portugal for surfing?

If beginner-friendly waves with great conditions sound like your thing then Alentejo is the perfect place to go. The summer months offer smaller and mellow waves, but Alentejo is a great place for surfing all around the year. 

When the nice swells roll in, Alentejo is the place to be for experienced surfers. You’ll find good waves throughout the year as a level 3 surfer, but the best times to get high-quality waves and consistent surf are between April to June and from September to November. Don’t worry if you want to visit Alentejo during the colder months as a beginner, there are some nice beginner spots too. 

You’ll experience mild winters around this area of Alentejo, with temperatures between 10-16 degrees Celcius in the coldest month (January). The summers here are warm, with temperatures around 23-27 degrees Celcius (but the temperature can reach 35 degrees Celcius on really hot days). The water temperature is at its highest around August with water temperatures around 20-23 degrees. The water is at its coldest at the end of February at around 15 degrees.

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