Surf & Adventure Retreat at Arrifana Beach, Algarve

The camp is based in Arrifana, on Portugal's west coast about 7 km from Aljezur. It's 250 metres from the ocean, with free sea views from the property, and 850 metres from Arrifana beach itself. Four other beaches are within 6 km, so you're not stuck with one break if the swell or wind doesn't suit. The location is quiet — this is a nature reserve, not a resort strip.

Accommodation is in shared rooms — 2-, 3- and 4-bed configurations — and every room has its own private bathroom. Beds have good mattresses, and there's central heating plus a fireplace for the cooler months. Beyond your room there are two living rooms, several terraces and a garden with hammocks, a barbecue and a pizza stone oven. The communal kitchen is fully equipped, and the housekeeper buys fresh fish from the fisherman next door and organic fruit and vegetables from the regional market.

Surf lessons are included at a rate of one session per three nights of your stay, and you can swap a surf course day for a guided mountain bike tour if you'd rather. Instruction is in small groups of no more than six students, tailored to all levels from complete beginner upward. Boards and wetsuits are available at any time, including outside lesson hours. The surf school operates at both Arrifana and Monte Clerigo.

What sets this apart from a standard surf camp is the flexibility and the extras. You set your own arrival and departure dates, there are no hidden costs, and you can submit a non-binding enquiry through their Camp-Customizer to price up exactly what you want. On top of surfing there's mountain biking (rental bikes and e-bikes on site), yoga mats if you want to practise, a pool table, darts, table tennis, spikeball, a beach volleyball court, and a laser projector for cinema nights. WiFi is available throughout.

The team is small and hands-on — a housekeeper plus the Algarve Adventure crew — and they'll help arrange what you need, from shopping trips to bike routes in the nature park.

What's included

- Accommodation in 2-, 3- or 4-bed rooms with private bathrooms - All rooms have private bathroom facilities - Surfboard and wetsuit use at any time, including outside lessons - 1 surf lesson per 3 nights of stay with an experienced instructor - Small-group coaching (max 6 students per instructor) - Option to exchange a surf course day for a guided mountain bike tour - Free sea views from the property - WiFi internet throughout - Use of communal kitchen, barbecue and pizza stone oven - Use of two living rooms, terraces and garden - Pool table, darts, table tennis, spikeball, beach volleyball court - Yoga mats - Cinema setup with laser projector - Surfboard and neoprene storage room - Central heating and fireplace - Housekeeping service - Free parking

What's not included

- Flights and travel to Portugal - Airport transfers - Meals and drinks (self-catering or at local restaurants) - Surf lessons beyond the included 1 per 3 nights - Mountain bike and e-bike rental - Personal expenses and shopping trips - Travel insurance