The Algarve's west coast is one of the best places in Europe to learn to surf: consistent Atlantic swell, sandy beginner beaches, and schools that have been doing this for decades. The south coast is gentler and warmer, and has schools of its own. Wetsuits, boards and insurance are included almost everywhere, so you really do just turn up. This is the complete list of surf schools on Algarve Circle, running west to east from Odeceixe on the Alentejo border down through Sagres and Lagos to Vilamoura. Every school here works with certified instructors, and most keep groups small, so pick by where you are staying and how you like to learn.
Surf school on Praia de Odeceixe founded in 2008 by local surfer David Rosa, small-group lessons on the west coast's best beginner beaches.
Why we picked it
Founded in 2008 by local surfer David Rosa, who still runs it, teaching small groups on some of the west coast’s best beginner beaches right on the Algarve–Alentejo border.
Surf school teaching at Praia da Arrifana and Praia do Monte Clerigo in Aljezur, certified instructors, lessons from €45.
Why we picked it
Lessons at Praia da Arrifana and Monte Clérigo inside the Rota Vicentina, every instructor certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation, from EUR 45.
Sagres surf school running since 2002 from Hotel Memmo Baleeira, with a seasonal beach hut at Praia do Cordoama and Surf & Stay packages.
Why we picked it
Teaching in Sagres since 2002, one of the longest-running schools on this stretch, with a year-round base at Hotel Memmo Baleeira and a summer beach hut at Cordoama.
Praia da Luz surf school founded by Rodrigo Lacerda, with small group and private lessons, board hire and pick-ups from Lagos, Luz and Burgau.
Why we picked it
Founder Rodrigo Lacerda is a Level II surf coach with Surf and Rescue certification and 20+ years of teaching; the sheltered, south-facing Praia da Luz is a forgiving place to start, with pick-ups from Lagos, Luz and Burgau.
Surf school by Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, with private and group lessons, board rental and daily surf trips on the west and south coasts.
Why we picked it
Over 17 years of daily surf trips from Lagos and Praia da Luz to wherever the conditions are best, groups capped at 8 surfers per instructor.
Lagos surf camps since 1992: the original European surf school, all-inclusive weeks from €256 at the Surf House with its legendary rooftop bar.
Why we picked it
Running surf camps from Lagos since 1992, the original European surf camp: all-inclusive weeks from EUR 256 staying at the Surf House with its legendary rooftop bar.
The first surf school on Vilamoura Beach (2006), Portuguese Surfing Federation certified, with surf, SUP, bodyboard and longboard lessons year round.
Why we picked it
The first surf school on Vilamoura Beach, going since 2006, federation certified, teaching surf, SUP, bodyboard and longboard all year round on the warmer south coast.
