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Writer's pictureCharlotte Rosprich

Surfing Portugal with Kids

Surf camps and surf vacation with kids


You have kids and want to surf? No problem, you would think, right? Unfortunately it is not that easy to find suitable surf holidays for families. At least not if both partners want to surf, you are a single parent and you need the same surf times as your child. In many surf camps children are not wanted or simply not feasible.


I have two kids myself and somehow surfing vacations with a family attachment is always a bit complicated. My daughter is 11 and wants to surf, my son is 8 and doesn't want to, I would love to be in the water all day and am always stressed to please everyone. My daughter can now surf small green waves, but there are hardly any surf schools for intermediate kids. I don't trust myself to surf alone with her in unknown waters (I do it from time to time, but then I'm very relaxed and don't get to surf myself).


But despite everything, I have made many experiences so far, which show that it is possible to bring everything under one hat. So you should be willing to compromise, because with children everything is different and not everything can be planned.


Lisbon Area - Family surf camp with kids

In the Noah Surf House in Santa Cruz, between Peniche and Ericeira, there is something for everyone and there are actually different levels for the kids. The team is super nice and besides the trampoline and skatebowl, there is the gigantic view and the super design.





Near Peniche there is also the Bukubaki, here you live in tents and tree houses in the forest and has a skatebowl next to the pool. There is a surf school and the variety of spots around Peniche should offer something for everyone.



If you prefer surfing at the reef and are an Ericeira fan, you will find great, new and family-friendly apartments at You & The Sea. In addition to indoor pool, games, restaurant and skateboard bowl, there is a great sea view and super interior design with lots of space. If you are looking for a surf school, you can ask Tres Ondas, a great surf school that also offers children's courses and speaks German.



Algarve - Family surf camp with kids

And for those who also like quiet kids beaches and warm weather, the Algarve has a lot to offer (except in summer). Where the west coast is rough, the bays of the south coasts also offer quiet beaches with bathing water suitable for small children.

But also on the west coast there are beaches that offer bathing possibilities for children by pairing with estuaries (Praia da Armoreira or Praia da Bordeira).


For those who are on a budget: Surfinn at Monte Clerigo near Aljezur has family rooms, a pool, great breakfast, super nice hosts and surf equipment and is just a few meters from Praia da Armoreira.



For those who like big resorts with all around program: Martinha has rooms and houses of all types and 5 pools, plus access to the quiet Martinhal Bay. Several restaurants and food stalls provide catering and the Kids Club is not to be missed. There is surf school, tennis court, soccer, paddleball, pump track and more for the little ones. For us it is a bit too big and American but for families with small children it is great.



Next door, one bay over, is the Memmo Baleeira, a four-star hotel that is a member of Designhotels. It has large rooms with pull-out couches, a pool, great ocean views (without waves), a playground and a restaurant. In the in-house surf school children from 12 are taught, for all younger ones there are unfortunately only private lessons.





I like the Monte da Vilarinha best. Granted, it's not cheap, but the pool enchants you and the tasteful chalets and rooms are great. Playground, children's bikes, animals round out the facilities and there is plenty of room to run around and play. It's only 10 minutes to the beach of Bordeira, where they work with the local surf school.




And then I discovered another jewel:

Quinta do Catalao: There is no pool, no wifi, but country life Pur 10 minutes from the sea north of Luz. There is a farmhouse, teepees, a caravan and other authentic sleeping options. Breakfast can be ordered and everything is organic and fair. The farm belongs to a family from Munich with 3 children and they will provide you with all the necessary tips. Here you can comfortably rent the house or experience some adventure glamping.

Und dann habe ich noch ein Juwel entdeckt:















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