A typical day starts with breakfast at the lodge, then a pickup to the beach. The school doesn't stick to one spot. Instructors pick between the beaches around Cascais and Sintra depending on conditions and the group's level. Beginners go somewhere gentle with whitewater to practise pop-ups. Intermediate and advanced surfers get taken to better-shaped waves. Lessons run about two hours, with boards and wetsuits included, and you're dropped back afterwards.

What sets this camp apart from a regular surf hostel is that the school runs everything itself: the lessons, the rentals, the transport and the lodges. They describe themselves as "not just another hostel", and the setup backs that up. Your instructors, your gear and your bed all come from the same small team. Guests regularly name Pedro and Mariana in reviews as friendly and helpful, and they say the place feels relaxed and a bit off the beaten track.

The instructors teach all levels. The school's own line is "the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun", and lessons follow that idea: technique gets taught, but the mood stays light. Beyond surfing, the school also offers stand up paddle lessons, group or private, if you want a flat-day option or a break from the waves.

The location is a big part of the appeal. The Cascais lodge sits in Malveira da Serra, on the edge of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a few minutes' drive from the Guincho area beaches. The Sintra lodge is in the village itself, close to the palaces, the Moorish Castle and the vineyards, and has mountain views. Lisbon is around 30 minutes by car from Cascais, so a day trip into the city is easy.

Cascais itself is an old fishing-town-turned-resort with a nice harbour, good seafood and a lively evening scene. Between the beaches, the forested hills of the natural park and the historic sights in Sintra, there's plenty to fill the afternoons after your surf.

If you'd rather not stay on site, the school also runs standalone lessons, surf rentals with car racks, kids' surf days, and group events like birthdays and team-building. The camp packs, though, are the full version: lessons, transport and a bed with other surfers.

What's included

- Accommodation in the Cascais or Sintra lodge - Daily 2-hour surf lessons - Surfboard and wetsuit for lessons - Instruction for all levels - Transport to and from the beach - Group dinners (Cascais lodge)

What's not included

- Flights and airport transfers - Travel insurance - Meals not stated in your pack - Stand up paddle lessons (unless booked) - Extra surf rentals outside lessons - Sightseeing and entry fees - Personal expenses