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The Surf Experience

21 Rua dos Ferreiros, Lagos, Portugal
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The Surf Experience
Reviews (40)
0 out of 5

The original Surf Experience Surf House to longest running surf camp in Portugal established 1992. Perfect for solo, couples or groups. Breakfast and Lunch included. Centre of town. Roof top BBQs in summer

Location

Located in Lagos, a beautiful town just 1 hour west of Faro.The house is on a quiet street in the centre of town 50 metres from lively bars, restaurants and surf shops

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40 REVIEWS

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Had a great week in lagos bit windy at times but jez found some nice sheltered spots and we surfed everyday!  Bootcamp element of the trip was great video feedback was very helpful, the massage was much needed! The house was great Rachel the chef was fantastic we ate like kings all week!  Would definitely come back to Lagos and would definitely do another bootcamp with jez! The only slightly negative feedback from me and others from the week is that when we were picked up from the airport on the Sunday we had a very small car with no roofrack just strapped so the three boards went on the roof and it was blowing a gale! But nothing was damaged so not really a complaint! 

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

To be honest it was too good, house was amazing, everyone really nice and up for party, all meals were almost organised by staff, or places were recommended, people went out in a big group, staff came along also, bbq and pizza in house were very good, party in town was brilliant house is in city centre so very convenient, waves were good, if poor waves we went to dam and jumped into reservoir or played sport on beach, coaching was very good especially main gut who had so much knowledge which was very very interesting at all times. I sorted most of my surf problems quite easily and the guys made the steps very simple. i now understand why it is the best surf House in lagos. I would very highly recommend it and will probably go back soon

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had a fantastic time in Lagos, everyone there was lovely and really made sure that we saw all the right spots, got some ace surf. Yoga was wonderful too - I certainly will recommend it. I'm actually considering spending a season in the area as I liked it so much!

- Less Reviews
Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Had great holiday thanks. The surf house was good, really relax, the guys were great, very helpful. Surf was good, great for starters. Instructors were very patient and Jez in particular was really good at explaining how to get up right. So indeed by end of the week was surfing the waves which was my goal. Lagos itself is a nice town. Didn’t get to see much of it as the surf days are long, not in bad way. Danced a bit in evenings.. all in all good wk. Week may be a bit short if u really want to get good at the surfing

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

We had an amazing time with Surf Experience. The guys were great and we loved their restaurant recommendations. The house itself was fine - cleaned well daily - and staying there was a great way to get to know everyone. Re: lessons - we're glad we didn't have to do the bootcamp exercises up and down the beach like other schools we saw! The guys were good and were always willing to help when you had questions (or give you a push when you weren't getting a wave!). Those west coast beaches are amazing and I'm really glad we got to explore with the surf school. We'll do another surfing holiday for sure - learning something new forces you to forget about work pretty quickly - so although it was a very active holiday without many (any?!) sleep-ins, we came back feeling really rejuvenated. Shame it feels like such a long time ago already!!

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I’ve now nearly recovered from the week, the house is great, just what you would expect, lots of food/juices tea coffee and milk, TV, Internet, WIFI, great roof terraces, excellent people, I learned a lot from the instructors and would have had better surfing sessions if I hadn't been sampling the local bars on a regular occasion, massive selection of restaurants and shops, the beaches are fantastic, when you catch them on a good day, they are firing, even the bad days are pretty good, at the end of the week my fuel tank was on empty but my fun tank was brimming. Even people who don't surf would love this experience 5*. Ill be back next year… Ill never learn – Barry. Saltburn by the Sea

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I only have positive things to say. I thought all the staff were so friendly, the accomodation was lovely. The beaches were fabulous. It was my first time surfing, so I was new to it all. I will be continuing to surf and would most definately go on a similar holiday again. Thanks for your help and initial suggestions

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

We had great time in Lagos and we hope to be back soon! It was our first surf experience and we had a lot of fun trying to catch the waves ;) We spent most of the time on the West coast which was great as the beaches there are absolutely amazing, far better than those in Lagos. The city Lagos is nice and handy (shops, bars, restaurants). We enjoyed very much your fish dinner in local restaurant. Regarding logistics just few small things that would improve our stay: Surf lessons - the staff was very friendly and explained well, although they could spent some time with us individually, even 10 min./person - looking how we surf, correcting mistakes etc., in practice we received some training on the first day and then, they focused just on supervising us if we are ok, so we had to learn from our mistakes (and that can take a while... )Besides everything was more then fine and we will continue surfing expierence for sure :)

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

In general our holidays were great. Surfing was last part of our holidays as before going to Lagos we managed to visit Porto, Lisbon and Alentejo region. Lagos is nice. Great food, wine & people. We really enjoyed surfing. People & instructors were great and we really liked that almost every day we were taken to another beach. I think we will continue our adventure with board and waves – Anna, Warsaw, Poland

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

The holiday in the Surf Experience is one of the best ive ever had! The beaches were beautiful and the waves were perfect. Lots of clean greens and the guys there were great and so knowledgeable and changed up the beaches depending on the ability of the surfers vs the waves. Lots of great tips for the instructors so learned a huge amount. Having the south and west to choose from meant that we were guaranteed surf every day so couldnt have hoped for more. The Surf Experience surf house was excellent. Everyone there was so welcoming and friendly. They invited every new arrival out for dinner with the group and brought us to some fantastic local spots we would never have found on our own. I was only sorry I couldnt stay longer and it will be top of my list for my next break away

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Everything about the holiday was fantastic thank you. The surf house was great fun and the staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The conditions were variable but the instructors would always be able to pick the best spot for the day. The tuition was great. I wouldn't hesitate to return and have recommended it to many of my friends back home

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

The holiday was excellent. I booked the holiday based on some reviews i saw on boards.ie, but in truth i didn't know what to expect. I was really happy with everything, the guys at Surf Experience were excellent, there was a really good vibe on the camp, it was more like a group of friends renting a house together for a week. The surfing was good too, I always felt pretty comfortable in the waves. I hope to return their some time in the future

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had a fantastic time at The Surf Experience and would highly recommend it to anyone. All the guys were who worked there were great, house was very clean and well equipped and is perfect for anyone travelling alone – Helen, London

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

The whole week was excellent, good instructors who knew the area / beaches very well and helped us get the best out of the experience. Lagos is a great town with an excellent nightlife and an international mix of people which worked very well. The house was good, breakfast and lunch provided also good. Overall a brilliant week, improved my surfing loads, met loads of great people

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I stayed at the overflow house next door and it was super clean but I went everyday for meals to the surf house. Everyone was so nice and easy going. The lessons were great. All the instructor were really attentive and helpful. I also liked the lunches they made. I had a great time and have already referred a friend to you. I also loved the Friday night BBQ at the house that Sugar made. Everything was great. Thank you so much. I had a great time!

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Can genuinely say I had an amazing time...was so impressed with the set up in the Surf House...it was all so well organised but you never felt hassled...everyone was so friendly.. the beaches were reallly stunning and surfing was great fun..although I need a lot more practice! Will def be going back!

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had a great time over there, the guys really know they're stuff and they're really easy going and great to hang out with. They always had an open door in terms of asking questions, and they knew the Lagos area inside out in terms of advising us where to go. Some of the beaches were great. I started out as a person who'd never really surfed, and now I can stand up and catch green waves as well(some of the time!) Would defo recommend it, and I'll defo be returning myself

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I absolutely loved every minute of everything! I ended up staying a extra week and applied for the surf instructor job since jeez is taking a month off to tend to his new born. I can't wait to go back next year. Cheers

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Had a great time. House was great really relaxed and very clean all the staff were great made me feel very welcome on arrival, great place to go even on your own everyone goes out each evening together would recommend it to anyone. As for the surf it was great I got out the back just on one day but I was happy to just practice in the white water, the instruction was great better then any lessons I've had anywhere and the food in Lagos is so good and so cheap. I'm just dreaming about my next one - Fiona, Westport

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Had a great time. Surf was good & the town was a cool friendly place. The surf crew were great, good food, friendly people & very well organised. I will recommend this holiday to my mates. Thanks a million of all the help, really appreciated it. Joe - Sligo

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had an absolutely brilliant time! The accommodation was great, the people were all really lovely, it was all nice and great for someone who is traveling on their own as well. I was really chilled out when I got home, it was just the break I needed

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Really cool surf house, very laid back feel to it. Excellent facilities, really nice rooms and would definitely recommend it ahead of staying at a hotel as you get to meet all the people outside just being on the beach and you can head on down to the fridge anytime! Also you have full use of a big flatscreen tv with internet. The weekly barbeque is great fun and not to be missed, likewise the trip to the fish restaurant - two GREAT nights that really made the holiday. Restaurants are by and large very good but it would be advisable to ask some of the locals/ some of the surf crew as to the better eateries as some are much better quality than others - and all reasonably priced. Surfing conditions were perfect all week, except for one day, and the crew are well informed to choose which beach to head to. The trips in the land rover to the various beaches are super exciting but did feel the surf coaches could have been a bit more helpful or encouraging at times. Overall, we had a really great holiday, met some really cool people and got to see some parts of Portugal that we never would have had it not been for those trips in the landrovers! =) A great holiday!

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Had a very good time,surf was good,people were very nice and Lagos is a lovely place ,i would very much recommend it

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I have to say I have never felt better coming back from a holiday all battered and bruised !!!! Seriously the guys the crack and location were great, the other guests were fun, restaurants were very tasty and very reasonable and I am seriously thinking of going back

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had a great time. The surf house was really nice and the staff were great. It feels like I've learned more from this week then on my 2 summers surfing in Ireland (no instructor). The beaches was also very nice, during my 7 days we were on 5 different beaches, 1 was a bit rocky but they all were nice. Everybody that have been in Portugal says the food is great and i will have to agree. Thanks to the staff and guests in the surf house i go to visit a few lovely restaurants i never would have found otherwise in a 1 week holiday. I would recommend everyone to make a holiday like this and a lot of other holidays I've done over the year feels a bit wasted

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

It was AMAZING! All the staff of the surf house was friendly and helpful, the house was clean and in a perfect position in the town; lagos is brilliant, a lot of bars (the jam, redeye 4 example) and restaurants. The surf was pretty good, amazing beachs and incredible landscape. i'll reccomend the surf house to my friends and i hope to come back as soon as possible! Dani - Vercelli, Italy

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

The Surf holiday was absolutely amazing and I was relucutant to come back. The food over there was brilliant, the people were amazing and the staff were more than helpful. We got assigned to jez who took us away from the beginners and to some awesome spots as well as helped both mine and my friend andy's surfing with his knowledge. I appreciate you organizing the trip for us and id like to thank toby for his hospitality, awesome music and advice on local quisine. We went to improve our surfing and ride some good waves but came back having achieved as well as leading an epic lifestyle for 6 days! Thanks again, Jack – Devon, Uk

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

My surf holiday was great! Super room with roof terrace, Lagos great town and everything was just super organised in a cool laid back way. Surf was good, i learned the basic and hopefully i can get out in the water soon to practise more. A lot of nice bars and restaurants, check out The Jam or the  Grand cafe(after 2, bad surf day after:-). Thanks for introducing me to an amazing holiday! Joakim, Norway

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Surf Holiday went very very well, everything was really at the top. Surf house was great, guys were really professional, town was super cute, surfing was great! We went out every day to different places with all the people from our surf group to eat and for drinks! Thanks, Karina, Brussels

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

The surf holiday was amazing!!  The crew were fantastic.  I would recommend it to anyone.  The accomodation was grand for the price, nice and clean etc.  Waves were grand, although I wouldnt really know as Im just a beginner.  Beaches were beautiful and Lagos was banter.  The guys at the surf house especially Ozzie Dave looked after night schedule as well as day, it’s awesome as everyone just headed out together. I´ll definately be back. Thanks for arranging it. Julia, Aberdeen, Scotland.

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had a great time.the house was great ,really homely and i met lots of great people.the beaches and surf were awesome ,great weather too.lagos has some really nice restaurants especially if you like fish.with so many bars too the nights out were great fun.i,d definetely go back again. Great surf hioliday. cheers for everything Derek, Ireland

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I had an absolutely brilliant time. Everything was really of a good standard, lessons, accommodation, instructors, beaches, etc. Lagos is a really cool town (loving the price of booze:-), good nightlife, and the food was excellent. Surfing was great, on the last day, I managed to ride a few waves, which made it all worthwhile !! I'm hooked. I'll definitely go back, just not sure when. Anyways, thanks for everything, Rob. London

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

We had a great time thanks, We had some waves each day and the beaches were great. Excellent lunch each day too. Happy with the surf lodge. Favourite restaurant was the fish place up the hill from the lodge, although Piri Piri Chicken and steak on the stone were also spot on. Thanks for a fun holiday

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Yeah worked out really really well and had a great time. The lads were all bang on, beaches were great, got a few waves so was very happy with it all. Will defo head back at some stage in the future, maybe a long weekend at the end of Sep with a few so will be in touch about that. Thanks, Des, Dublin

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Firstly I wanted to thank you for recommending the surf house in Portugal.....we had a fantastic time. The instructors, Dave, Matt and Jaz were really great and the house was so well run. Met some very cool people and had great days in the waves....almost a different beach everyday. Got out to the green waves towards the end too so we were pretty happy with our progress over the week. It was exactly what we were looking for in our surf holiday!! The Tobys were great too - really took care of everyone, making sure we got to have dinner at great places. I honestly don't have a bad word to say about the holiday.....except that it ended too soon! Thanks again, Johanna, Ireland

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Thanks for your email. I had a great surf holiday. The surf was excellent. The accomodation was very good. Really nice town with great Bars and Restaurants. I really enjoyed it and met lots of new people. Will definitely be going back their again. Many thanks. Diarmid, Ireland

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Thank you all for one of the best vacations I ever had

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Without doubt the best holiday I have ever had! My surfing improved loads, I met so many wicked people and fell in love with Lagos

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

Thanks for another great experience in and out of the water. Learnt lots and have lots of happy memories. See ye soon again

Review from Franc
Franc
Ireland, Dublin

I really enjoyed my time with you guys. You've got one of the few (and maybe only) surf camps around Europe which can cater for absolute beginners and experienced surfers, in a fun and supportive environment. And being based in Lagos with all the restaurants and bars is pure brilliance

+ More Reviews
Number of people: 15
Bath Towels
DVD
Kitchen
Parking (free)
TV
WIFI (free)
Laundry
Roof top terrace
Sundeck
Surfboard hire
Surfboard Storage Area
Washer
Westuit storage area
Wetsuit hire
BBQ Facilities
Breakfast (included)
Dinner (additional)
Packed lunches
Mountain biking
Yoga
Shared Room
Room Type: Shared - Mixed
Sleeps: 9

Shared room with bunk beds

Twin Room
Room Type: Both
Sleeps: 2

Twin room

Double Room
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 0

Single Room - Penaso
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 0

Single Room in the Pensao next door to the Surf House

Twin Room - Penaso
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 0

Twin Room in the Pensao next door to the Surf House

Double Room - Penaso
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 2

Double Room in the Pensao next door to the Surf House

You can never get lost

When you book you will receive our confirmation email with full travel directions of how to get to us.

We provide Airport Transfers from and to and they can be booked in the booking steps.

  • Price for 1-4 people: €20
  • Price for more than 4: €40

Surf conditions in Lagos:

Beginners:

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Intermediates:

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Advanced:

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Rain

Wetsuits

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MAR/APR

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Air Temp (°C)

JAN/FEB

18°

MAR/APR

22°

MAY/JUN

27°

JUL/AUG

30°

SEP/OCT

27°

NOV/DEC

18°

Surf Lessons often occur at the areas best and most reliable surf beaches, Praia do Amado and Praia do Amoreira, 20-30 minutes from Lagos. Depending on conditions you may surf at any number of surf beaches nearby such as Maia Praia, Castalejo, Arrifana, Zavial, Cabanas and Porto de Mos. Either way the surf schools will pick you up and take you to the best beaches on the day.

Don't worry if you have no experience whatsoever. The beginner's lessons are taught in waist deep water riding the white water only. You will learn everything from standing techniques to turning and finally paddling outside and learning how to catch ?green' (unbroken) waves. If you are already experienced the instructors will take you further out and help you develop your technique on bigger waves.

Lagos is a year round surf destination thanks to its position at the corner of the Algarve. It is one of Europe?s best kept secrets and offers waves for beginners, intermediates and expert surfers. It also has the warmest water in Portugal and the winter temperature is warm enough for t-shirts. In the summer the temperature is in the late 20s and stay bright until 10pm.

Within Lagos is the town's long golden sandy beach that seems to go on forever, Meia Praia, a very safe beginners surf beach, but not always reliable.

Further Afield

Head further West and after 20 minutes you arrive at a crossroad, take the turn South West and after a few minutes you reach the laid back surf town of Sagres where you will find breaks such as Tonel, Mareta, Beliche and Zavial. Again different standards are catered for in these beaches that wrap around Cape St.Vincent

Alternatively take the right turn and after 10 minutes you will reach a great beginners /intermediate surf beach Praia do Amado. Close by is one of Portugal?s most beautiful beaches Praia da Bordeira. Further North is the world class surf break in Arrifana and beginners beach Amoreira. The UK's Independent newspaper sums it up best: "Here is one of Europe's undiscovered treasures - thankfully protected by a 120km-long Parque Natural, which helps ensure that "tourist development" mostly means a café in a shack on a beach. It all seems like a fabulous secret, shared only by the intrepid few who make it this far. Their reward? Having miles and miles of these dramatic beaches (almost) to themselves."

Come Surf Lagos with us?

PAYMENT

  • A small deposit is required to secure your booking.
  • Your balance is due at check in.

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  • Your deposit is non refundable but can be used for the same property/surf school within one year of your original booking.
  • You can cancels anytime up to 7 days before travelling and you will not be charged the balance.

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