Portugal has established itself as a premier destination for those who want a little surf with their yoga – or vice versa. Should you choose to stay at a yoga/surf camp in the country, you will have your pick of the mainland’s endless surf from the massive waves of Nazaré to the Azorean archipelago, be able to bask in the abundant sunshine, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that combine to create the perfect environment for these complementary practices. Here’s our guide to the best surf and yoga retreats in Portugal for 2025.
Peniche
The Peniche area has become a hotspot for surf enthusiasts of all levels with its consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and unique location. Built on a small limestone peninsula with a 10 km perimeter and Cabo Carvoeiro as its Western limit.
Boa Onda Guesthouse Peniche
Location – Praceta do Mar 1, Atouguia da Baleia
Boa Onda Guesthouse earns perfect ratings from guests who appreciate its relaxed atmosphere especially during the off-season when the crowds are thinner. The guesthouse has built a reputation for its friendly team.
Evening yoga classes with Bianca offer the perfect way to unwind after a day of surfing. Guests particularly value the quality instruction from surf teachers who provide personalized tips to improve your surf technique. The combination of morning surf sessions and evening yoga give you an ideal balance of high-energy and relaxation.
Baleal Surf Camp
Location – Praia do Baleal Campismo, Av. da Praia, Ferrel
Baleal Surf Camp has earned a devoted following for its high-quality instruction and family-friendly approach. The camp’s instructors provide challenging lessons for surfers of all levels in a warm, supportive environment where both staff and fellow surfers make everyone feel welcome from day one. The Surfer’s Nest Apartment offers comfortable accommodation options for guests, and many visitors return to Baleal Surf Camp again and again. Maybe, you will join the ranks after your first visit!
Ericeira & Costa da Caparica
Puresurfcamps – Surfcamp Caparica
Location – R. Catarina Eufémia 37, Costa da Caparica
This 2-star hotel offers much more than its rating might suggest. The highly skilled surf instructors make your learning experience enjoyable even for complete beginners. The camp supplements surf sessions with yoga classes, which gives you the chance to relax and recover from a long day trying to ride the waves.
Accommodations are ideally located just steps from the beach and surf equipment, which allows you to get maximum time in the water. Guests appreciate the generous breakfasts and creative themed meals that will keep your palate entertained throughout the week. Veggie and vegan options are available to help cater to all surfers’ needs.
The camp’s location gives surfers easy access to the beach, surf school, and the center of Caparica with convenient transportation from Lisbon via Uber or Bolt. Although many guests and staff speak German, all activities and surf lessons are conducted in English. Go for a beach walk or play a little table tennis to add some variety to your camp experience.
Mauka Lodge – Paddle & Surf
Location – R. Alto da Cabrita 3, Mafra
Many guests return year after year to Mauka Lodge as hosts Tiago and Reynaldo go above and beyond to make you feel included. What makes Mauka Lodge special is its ability to adapt to different surf conditions with multiple beach options available depending on the day’s weather and waves. Mauka also offers surfskating, which helps guests understand body mechanics on the board and significantly improves surfing skills. October is a particularly excellent time for surfing in the area.
Surf Yoga Portugal
Location – Av. Colinas do Atlântico 77, Ericeira
Surf Yoga Portugal creates what guests describe as a “warm, family-like atmosphere” that makes visitors feel instantly at home. The retreat earns high marks for its exceptional yoga classes, which blend movement, music, and breathwork to nourish both body and mind.
The property features morning yoga classes with ocean views and provides shala access throughout the day for self-practice. With only 10 guests at a time, the atmosphere remains cozy and quiet. The food, prepared by Vania, receives consistent praise, while hosts Vania and Carlos are described as “kind, caring and professional.”
What sets this retreat apart is its location adjacent to excellent surf spots, creating the perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Guests particularly enjoy breakfasts with ocean views, which become a cherished daily ritual.
The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat
Location – Tv. dos Moinhos 10, Ericeira
The Salty Pelican offers comprehensive packages that include twice-daily yoga classes on a terrace overlooking the sea with different instructors, beginner surfing lessons, massage services, meditation sessions, and refreshing hikes.
Accommodation options include shared rooms with bunk beds that are described as clean and cozy with sea views. The outdoor area features a comfortable lounge with a beautifully designed pool.
Perfect for solo travelers, The Salty Pelican provides a blend of structured activities and free time. Guests should note that, if they stay without a package, there’s no kitchen access and add-ons like laundry and breakfast come at an additional cost.
Lalitā House Yoga Camp
Location – R. dos Lírios 5, Ribamar
This 3-star hotel offers a peaceful retreat away from Ericeira’s bustle while remaining close to both the beach and a charming village. The property features a beautiful garden with clean and quiet rooms and is specifically designed for those looking for a peaceful environment.
Lalitā House focuses specifically on tranquility and mindfulness, making it the perfect place for travelers looking to truly disconnect and rejuvenate through yoga and surfing in a relaxed environment.
Azores Islands
Salt Lips Surfcamp Azores
Location – Estr. Regional da Ribeira Grande 1088, Ponta Delgada
Salt Lips Surfcamp on São Miguel Island offers guests a remarkable surfing experience in one of Portugal’s most pristine and unspoiled regions.
Host Tomás, who serves as both camp manager and surf guide, expertly matches surf spots to guests’ skill levels. What sets Salt Lips apart is its location in the Azores, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” and known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and consistent Atlantic swells. Unlike other surf destinations that experience flat seasons, the Azores deliver waves year-round thanks to their unique mid-Atlantic position. The seven-day packages allow guests to fully immerse themselves in both surfing and exploring the island.
The Azores offer water temperatures ranging from 62-72°F (17-22°C). Winter (October to March) brings bigger swells perfect for experienced surfers, while summer months feature smaller, more manageable waves ideal for beginners. The volcanic nature of the islands creates a diverse range of surf breaks from beach breaks to point breaks and reefs, all with significantly smaller crowds than mainland Portugal.
Madeira Island
Madeira New Wave
Location – Casas Próximas, R. Dr. João Abel de Freitas 1, Porto da Cruz
Madeira New Wave is considered the premier surf school on the island of Madeira. While primarily focused on surf instruction rather than full retreat accommodations, this school earns a place on our list for its exceptional teaching quality and unique island location.
The instructors receive consistent praise for their expertise and success with helping guests of all levels catch multiple waves during their sessions. Their 3-lesson package is particularly well-structured for beginners, with two days focused on basics and smaller waves, followed by more advanced instruction with bigger waves.
Many guests find their experience so enjoyable that they book additional lessons beyond their initial package, which is a testament to both the quality of instruction and the addictive thrill of surfing Madeira’s unique Atlantic waves.
Algarve Region
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, gives visitors a distinctive surf and yoga experience with its unique blend of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, stunning coastline, and reliably sunny climate.
Tiny Whale Surf Lodge
Location – Lote 276 + 279 Colinas Verdes
Tiny Whale Surf Lodge provides the perfect launch point for your surf adventures in the Algarve, with professional instructors who work one-on-one with guests to maximize their surfing and surf skating progress.
Tiny Whale takes a comprehensive approach to surf education featuring video coaching, surf skateboarding, and mobility training. This all-encompassing methodology dramatically accelerates guests’ skill development, with even complete beginners reporting significant improvement in just one week. The small instructor-to-student ratio, with just four students per coach, ensures personalized attention. The relaxing and therapeutic yoga classes help guests recover from their active days in the water.
The lodge offers impressive amenities including a jacuzzi, a pool, and excellent food.
Deluxe Surfhouse Algarve
Location – Vivenda Telhado Verde, Cama da Vaca, Luz Lagos
Hosts Marc and Annika from Deluxe Surfhouse Algarve get high praise for their expert advice on local surfing conditions and delicious culinary creations, particularly the lemon cake – the perfect reward after a long day of surfing.
The facility features numerous amenities including quarterpipes, surfskates, billiards, slacklining, shady spots, and a refreshing pool.
For surfers, the property offers convenient access to numerous surf spots within 15-45 minutes by car. During summer months, the beaches provide consistent waves suitable for beginners, with Beliche and Arrifana specifically recommended for newcomers. The more versatile Amado Beach provides something for everyone.
Best Seasons for Surf and Yoga in Portugal
Each region in Portugal offers different optimal surfing conditions throughout the year, which makes it possible to find great waves somewhere in the country regardless of when you visit.
Seasonal Guide
Autumn (September-November) – In autumn, almost all surf spots work well. The summer crowds disperse, swells start to strengthen, the water reaches its warmest temperatures, and there’s still plenty of sunshine. This is an excellent time to visit spots along the central coast like Peniche, Ericeira, and the surf areas near Lisbon. Many surf and yoga retreats consider this their prime season.
Winter (December-February) – During winter, Portugal receives strong northwest swells that bring consistent big waves to both west and southern coasts. This creates some of Europe’s best surf spots for experienced surfers. This is also when Nazaré famously produces its monster waves. Retreats often focus more on yoga during this season, with surfing scheduled during optimal weather windows.
Spring (March-May) – A transitional period with gradually improving weather and moderate swells. Many retreats offer special spring packages as the water begins to warm and conditions become more accessible for intermediate surfers.
Summer (June-August) – In summer months, smaller, gentler waves are perfect for beginners and intermediates. This is the busiest season for surf and yoga retreats, with warm weather and consistent smaller waves ideal for those learning to surf.
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers an unbeatable combination of elements for a successful surf and yoga retreat: varied and consistent waves for all skill levels, beautiful natural settings for yoga practice, excellent climate, delicious and often plant-based cuisine, and a relaxed culture that encourages mindfulness. The diversity of its coastline means you can find the perfect condition for your skill level somewhere in the country at any time of year. Have we convinced you yet?
