Learning to surf on your holiday is a great way of adding that something extra to ensure you have an experience you never forget. It’s a chance to learn a new skill that will stay with you forever and is also a great way to spend time with your family and friends, and meet new people on your holiday.

The most important thing to do before you go is to find a surf school that is fully insured with fully qualified instructors. Then book in for a set of lessons and take to the water. One of the ideal locations for learning how to surf is Lagos in the Algarve. The city of Lagos is a beautiful charming place with more than 2,000 years of history. Prince Henry the Navigator, set Lagos up as Portugal’s capital in the 15th century and it was from here that Portugal began to explore and discover the rest of the world.

Lagos is a great base for surfing holidays in Portugal. The city has accommodation to suit all from 4 star hotels to Luxurious Surf Houses. The European Surf Holiday company surfholidays.com offer a wide range of accommodation in the area and also offer surf lessons to suit all standards.

Don’t worry if you have no surf experience, you will learn as you go. Beginner’s lessons are taught in waist deep water riding the white water. It is recommended to take 5 days of surf lessons to allow you get the most out of the experience.

Your lessons begin each day when the surf school pick’s you up in the morning to take you to the best surf beaches depending on the conditions of the day. One of the most popular beaches is Praia do Amado, on the West Coast. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Close by is Praia do Bordeira, another beautiful beach and a great place to improve. You will surf for an hour and a half in the morning and then break for a packed lunch on the beach and then back in the water for another lesson in the afternoon. From time to time Yoga may be available, a perfect accompaniment to surfing.

Each lesson starts with some theory on the Ocean allowing you to understand how waves are formed, what effect certain conditions have on the surf and how to catch your first wave! Next you will pick your wetsuit and board and then do a quick warm up on the beach to get you all ready.

Over the next 5 days you are taught everything from standing technique’s to learning to turn and finally paddling outside and learning how to catch ‘green’ (unbroken) waves. The emphasis is always on fun and by the end of the week you have made great friends, had a holiday of a lifetime and of course become a surfer!!!

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Alvor

Alvor, Torralta e Três Irmãs are three beaches in one, the more extensive of Portimão county, often referred as Alvor beach. Are sought by almost all types of people, mainly by those who like to escape the more crowded places.

Praia da Rocha (Rocha Beach)

Is the most media of them all and often seen as the image of the Algarve, thanks to extensive sandy beach and its impressive cliffs. In the months of peak affluence, this is a beach that runs 24 hours a day. With sun for holidaymakers and with moon for night lovers. This is a beach that does not stop. In midsummer, Sasha’s parties are a must for national and international superstars. The spotlights remain lit until morning, when the first families start  the peaceful routine of healthy vacation. Along its 2.4 miles of walkway are several bars and restaurants.

Praia do Vau (Vau Beach)

This beach is located west of Portimão, before Alvor. Access is easy and have good conditions for people with special needs, allows the hiring of equipment for water sports, as well as chairs and shade. Throughout the day, this beach restaurants serve meals, drinks and ice cream. The beach is not too extensive, while maintaining the charm of a small beach.

Praia do Alemão (Alemao Beach)

Is one of the best kept secrets of the Algarve, with its hidden corners, cut by the typical rocks of the Algarve coast. From there you can arrive, walking along the cliffs, to Prainha and Alvor. Next to this beach is one of the most significant parts of Portimão coast, João de Arens -  a small stretch of sand set among cliffs, rocks and islands. In this piece of land that enters the sea, you can see all the beaches nearby. In the morning has a privileged view to the side of Alvor and in the end of the day to Praia da Rocha and Vau.

Prainha

It is one of the most exclusive beaches of the Algarve coast. The access is almost legendary due to the elevator that takes visitors to and from the beach. You can also get there via the stairs or by the cliffs. Away from the sand, rocks and caves that make this beach, exist one luxury resort that surrounds it.

Photo: J. Miguel

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