The Route
A guided 7 day road trip along the coast of Portugal in convoy of campervans, exploring the best surf towns, beaches and waves.
Ericeira is seen as the surfing capital of Portugal and offers an impressive variety of surf spots, crammed into just a few kilometers of coast. In 2011 Ericeira was chosen as the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe. There's a great vibe in town and it we're sure it'll tickle the tastebuds of the coffee lovers, foodies and party folk alike.
On the windswept rugged western coastline (aka the Wild West) is Sagres - also known as 'the end of the world'. A small town surrounded by dramatic cliffs, unspoilt beaches and wild seas. Its coastline stretches both towards the south and the west. This offers an incredible array of beaches to surf, differing conditions and swells for all levels of surfers.
The area is defined by long white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, small seafood restaurants lining the beach and little boutiques in town selling local goods. Comporta has a sort of discreet luxury that’s found only when you look close.
✓ Campervan for 4 or 5 people
✓ Unlimited mileage
✓ Insurance for up to 2 drivers
✓ Bed linen and towel set
✓ Camping set (outdoor chairs & table)
✓ Fully equipped kitchen
✓ Toilet & shower
We have two models of campervan available. We've named them 'The Original One' which is up to 5 years old and sleeps five people and 'The Big One' which is up to 2 years old, a slightly newer model and also is 0.5m longer.
Models do vary slightly and we can't guarantee that they will be as shown. However we have put in a request that our hired vans have bunk beds rather than double beds at the back.
All bedding will be arranged as singles. It's important to note that the fifth bed is made up by lowering the table and is approx 175cm x 100cm. Alternatively the bed above the cabin can be made in to 3 singles.
TBC for 2023
The drivers minimum age must be 21 and have held a valid licence for at least two years before rental. Your rental allows for two drivers.
Yes. A bond of 1,500 € (2,000 € for newer models) has to be deposited by credit card when hiring the vehicle. This might change on the day depending on the van. It is payable only by credit card.
Yes we're working with old and new trusted suppliers who run long-established surf schools. The group surf lessons will cover Levels 1 & 2 and vary in duration. Most are for 2 hours but some are for 3 hours. Equipment (boards and wetsuits) are provided for each lesson.
Level 1 - Beginner surf lessons
This level is for those who have never surfed before, or haven't surfed for a while and want to repeat the basics: Learning the basics of surfing, become comfortable in the ocean, catch white water waves and start doing turns.
Level 2 - Intermediate surf lessons
Get out to the lineup and surf green waves, improve your wave selection and learn how to go right and left on a wave.
You are best off booking lessons when registering or you can do this from your profile page as it is unlikely that there will be availability on the day.
We are working with a local surf school in Ericeira who has provided us the best rates around. You can book a board and soft top wetsuit for 6 days. You must do this during the booking or from your profile.
N.B. We are working on getting prices for just boards or wetsuits.
Portugal is the perfect surfing highway. This trip is for you if you like a bit of adventure, enjoy meeting new people and you don't mind a little bit of the #vanlife.
The Surfari is for all surfing levels and that is because we follow the core surfing principles of welcoming all and sharing the stoke, no matter how pro you are.
This experience is as much about the journey as is it about the surfing.
The minimum age for this trip is 21.
Lisbon airport is the closest airport. From here it’s a 25 minute taxi ride to the campervan pick up location.
No we don't organise transfers but the campervan pick up location is only 25 minutes away by taxi.
No, we don't offer a weekend option.
Expect to pay for fuel (about £250 per RV), food and drinks during the week.
We have hand picked a selection of pine forest campsites along the coast that are both close to the surf and towns whilst also being well set up for a comfortable stay. They have WCs, showers and electricity for the van. In most campsites there are small shops and restaurants should you need to top up on anything.
No you don't. Five people is the most affordable way to experience The Surfari but if you want to take a van between two of you then that's no problem although you will be dubbed 'the lovers van'.
Vans are available to pick up between 3pm until 6pm on the arrival day. We recommend that you pick up your van as early as possible so that you have more time to set up camp and chill in the evening.
Vans need to be dropped off by 10am on the departure day although you might decide to stay on to explore Lisbon if you wish to.
