Surf Camp Prices Portugal 2026 — Realistic Costs by Type & Region
No inflated or outdated prices. This is the honest breakdown of what surf camps and lessons actually cost in Portugal in 2026 — by type, region, and season.
How Much Does a Surf Camp Cost in Portugal?
A surf camp price in Portugal covers accommodation, daily lessons, equipment, and usually some meals. Prices span a wide range depending on the type of accommodation, lesson format, and time of year. Here's the realistic picture for 2026.
Budget
€250–380
per week
Dorm + breakfast + group lessons
Mid-range
€450–650
per week
Room + half-board + coaching
Premium
€750–1,200
per week
Private room + full board + extras
Important context: These are 7-night prices including accommodation, daily surf lessons, surfboard, wetsuit, and breakfast as a baseline. What's included varies — always check the specific inclusions before comparing prices.
Surf Lessons vs Surf Camp: Price Comparison
Is it cheaper to book a camp or to arrange lessons and accommodation separately? Here's a realistic comparison for a 7-day trip in mid-season.
Booking separately
Mid-range surf camp
The camp wins on price and includes dinner (not in the self-booked estimate). For a 7-day surf trip, a mid-range camp is almost always better value than booking separately — and significantly less effort to organise.
Price Breakdown by Camp Type
| Type | Per week | Accommodation | Meals | Lessons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | €250–380 | Shared dorm (4–8) | Breakfast only | Group (6–10 pax) | Solo travellers, budget-conscious |
| Mid-range | €450–650 | Shared twin room | Half-board (B+D) | Group (4–8 pax) | Most travellers |
| Surf & Yoga | €550–850 | Twin or private room | Full board | Group + yoga daily | 30s–40s, wellness-focused |
| Premium / Boutique | €750–1,200 | Private room | Full board | Small group (2–6 pax) | Quality-seekers, shorter trips |
Price Breakdown by Region
Peniche / Baleal
Budget/wk
€250–350
Mid-range/wk
€420–580
Premium/wk
€700–950
Most affordable region. Highest density of surf camps creates competition that keeps prices down. Best value for beginners.
Ericeira
Budget/wk
€290–400
Mid-range/wk
€500–680
Premium/wk
€800–1,200
10–20% premium over Peniche. World Surfing Reserve status and village atmosphere command higher rates. More boutique options.
Lisbon / Costa da Caparica
Budget/wk
—
Mid-range/wk
€450–650
Premium/wk
€700–1,000
Fewer camps, more surf schools with day passes. Higher accommodation costs due to city proximity. Good for city + surf combinations.
Algarve (Sagres, Arrifana)
Budget/wk
€280–400
Mid-range/wk
€480–700
Premium/wk
€800–1,100
Warmer water and more sunshine than the centre. Fewer camps. Can be worth it for surfers who also want beach holiday vibes.
What Affects the Price?
Peak season (Jul–Aug)
School holidays drive demand across Europe. Camps fill months in advance. Book early or accept a premium.
Shoulder season (Sep–Oct, Apr–May)
Best time to find value. Wave conditions often better than summer (especially October). Water still warm in September.
Accommodation type
Moving from a 6-bed dorm to a private ensuite room is typically €150–300 more per week at the same camp. The biggest single price variable.
Group size
Private lessons cost 2–3x group rates. Small-group coaching (2–4 people) sits in between. The ratio of instructor attention is directly proportional to price.
Duration
5-night camps are roughly 5/7 of a 7-night camp price, not proportionally cheaper. Some camps charge a slight premium for shorter stays.
Meals plan
Going from breakfast-only to full board typically adds €60–100/week. Half-board (B+D) is the best value — you'll want to explore local restaurants for some lunches anyway.
Airport transfers
Usually €20–40 each way if not included. Budget camps often exclude this; premium camps include it. Check before assuming.
Extras (yoga, SUP, etc.)
Stand-alone yoga or SUP sessions typically add €10–20/session. Some camps include them in the package; others charge separately.
Is a Surf Camp Worth the Money?
The honest answer: for most people visiting Portugal for a week to surf, yes — a mid-range camp at €500–600 is worth it. Here's the case for and against.
✅ Worth it when:
- You're a beginner who wants structured daily progression
- You're travelling solo and want a social experience
- You don't want to spend time managing logistics
- You have 5–7 days maximum
- You want to meet other surfers
⚠️ Skip the camp when:
- You're an advanced surfer who wants to self-guide between breaks
- You're travelling with family who won't all surf
- You want full flexibility to explore beyond one location
- You already have all your own equipment
If you're unsure what's right for your situation, use our free matching service — we'll match you with options based on your budget, level, and goals.
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Honest answers about surf camp and lesson prices in Portugal