Craving empty waves, wild beauty and an insight into Portugal’s surf culture? This week-long journey down Portugal’s southwest coast takes you deep into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Here, surf, solitude and local charm come together. And you’ll explore hidden beaches, eat like a local and surf the Alentejo and Algarve’s most epic breaks.
Welcome you at Lisbon airport, van trip to the hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes area through the scenic flat lands of the Alentejo, check-in, free time to sightsee the village and local surf spots, followed by a welcome traditional meal on a local restaurant and return to hotel. Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Vila Nova de Milfontes, a pleasant village at the mouth of the River Mira has grown significantly thanks to tourism, drawn by the calm and beautiful beaches along the Costa Vicentina are much sought after, mainly because they still retain most of their natural features and provide excellent conditions for water sports.
Historically, the town faced frequent pirate attacks, including a major assault in 1590 that devastated the settlement. To protect the village and its navigation routes, the São Clemente Fort was constructed between 1599 and 1602 during the reign of King D. Filipe II. Key heritage sites in the historical center include the Fortress, the Parish Church, and the Cabo Sardão Lighthouse, built in the early 20th century.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day, being the most popular Aivados, a beach break with some rocks that offers consistent both left and right or Malhão, a beach break with some rocks that offers both left and right for surf guide, and Furnas, a beach break with left and right or Malhão, a beach break with some rocks that offers both left and right for surf lessons. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
In the other part of the day, stroll through the cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses and, visit the Cabo Sardão Lighthouse offers dramatic coastal views and natural rock formations that are a must see, and return to hotel. Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Vila Nova de Milfontes hotel, van trip by the coast for surfing on the best wave of the day, possibly Zambujeira do Mar, a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks with both left and right, perfect for all levels.
Lunch on traditional local restaurant, passing through Odemira with its picturesque setting, with its whitewashed houses perched on a hillside overlooking the Mira River, which flows gently toward the Atlantic. The city embraces its cultural traditions through vibrant local crafts such as basketry, pottery, and weaving. Head south for check-in on new hotel in Aljezur area. Overnight in Aljezur.
Aljezur is a small town on the Vicentine coast, known for its traditional Algarve rural architecture with white façades accented by colorful window frames and platbands. Its narrow, winding streets echo the layout of an old Arab medina, a reminder of the town’s Moorish past. At the top of the hill, the remains of the castle stand as a symbol of the battles between Moors and Christians. In the 10th century, Aljezur was almost an island, which gave rise to its Arabic name al-Yazira, meaning “the island,” bordered by the Ribeira de Aljezur, once an important river port for the Almoravid Empire.
Today, Aljezur reflects a harmony between sea and mountains, with dramatic cliffs and sandy dunes along the coast, and lush green hills and fertile valleys inland. These landscapes continue to support traditional farming practices and offer a peaceful setting for visitors. The area’s preserved natural beauty, combined with its deep historical roots, makes Aljezur a place where heritage and nature live side by side.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day in Aljezur, being the most popular Arrifana, a combination of a beach break and a reef/point break with both left and right or Amoreira, a rivermouth beach break, with a bottom that consists of sand and some scattered rocks with both left and right, both perfect for all levels. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
The other half of the day will be filled by a city cultural visit to Aljezur town, stroll through the narrow, winding streets till at the top of the hill for what remains of the castle, and return to hotel. Overnight in Aljezur.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Aljezur hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day, possibly Cordoama, a beach break with waves forms over shifting sandbanks, creating multiple peaks with left and right, perfect for all levels. Lunch on traditional local restaurant. Head south to check-in on new hotel in Sagres area, time to sightsee the village and local surf spots, and return to hotel. Overnight in Sagres.
Sagres dates back to Roman times but gained major significance in the 15th century with the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator. His role in the early days of Atlantic exploration and the discovery of the African coast as far as the Gulf of Guinea forever tied this small fishing port to the Age of Discoveries. On Ponta de Sagres, a striking rock formation that reaches into the ocean, remain the buildings and fortress established by Prince Henry, marking the site as a key chapter in global maritime history.
Close by lies Cape São Vicente, one of the westernmost points of mainland Europe after Cabo da Roca. Once considered sacred by the Romans, who named it Promontorium Sacrum, the cape opens onto an expansive view of sea and sky. Today, Sagres blends this powerful natural setting with a deep historical legacy, offering a place where the memory of exploration and the vastness of the Atlantic still inspire.
Breakfast at the hotel, van trip for surfing on the best wave of the day in Sagres, being the most popular Tonel, beach break offers punchy peaks with both left and right or Zavial, a combination of a point break and a beach break with both left and right for surf guide, and Mareta, a beach break with both left and right or Beliche, a beach break with both left and right for surf lessons. Lunch on traditional local restaurant.
The other half of the day will be filled by a cultural visit to Sagres Fortress and Cape São Vicente the most important land marks from the region, and return to hotel. Overnight in Sagres.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from Sagres hotel, if the flight schedule allows it, possible lunch on traditional local restaurant and departure to Lisbon airport.
