Maceda Surf Camp (North Portugal, Portugal) ★★★

Sitting less than 5 minutes drive from two stunning beaches and only 40 minutes from Porto, our camp is a convenient escape from not just the big city, but also from everyday life.

The closest beach is Cortegaça, which is a long stretch of white sand with traditional fishing boats scattered along the shoreline. It’s perfect for surfing, peaceful walks, watching the sunset and swimming.

Slightly south of Cortegaça is Maceda Beach, which is where we run our surf lessons. With towering pines sitting atop sand dunes and very few crowds, it’s yet to be overrun by tourists. This means it’s the ideal beach to catch waves with new and old friends, and connect with the raw beauty of nature.

As for our camp location, you couldn’t ask for a more tranquil spot. Sandwiched between a quiet street and an expansive pine forest, it gives you the distinct feel that you’re surrounded by nature while still being close to all the amenities you might need.

We call it home, but you might call it a natural oasis. And with our focus on sustainability and preserving the environment, we aim to keep it that way for generations to come.

Why Maceda surf camp is unique?

Maceda Surf Camp is not just a place to learn surfing, it’s a true journey into nature and connection. We stand out from other surf camps because of the experience we offer, going beyond the waves.

A Deep connection to nature

At Maceda Surf Camp, we embrace the beauty of the natural world around us, with spaces designed to keep you connected to it.

Whether it’s gathering around the campfire, relaxing by our peaceful fish pond, or practicing yoga in our open-window shala overlooking the forest, the simplicity of nature is never far away. We also have a dedicated forest area within the camp where you can enjoy moments of solitude and relaxation.

A wide range of activities for every taste

Of course, surfing is at the heart of what we do, but that’s just the beginning. After each session, we offer a variety of activities that allow our guests to connect, discover new passions, and enjoy unforgettable moments together.

From yoga sessions to creative workshops, and social events like themed nights or tastings, there’s something for everyone. Our camp is perfect for solo travelers looking for adventure, friendship, and new connections.

You’re never alone here, and every day is an opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Are you ready to become part of the Maceda Surf Camp story?

Eco-friendly rooms with a cosy coastal vibe

Ever stayed in a surf camp with rooms built from surfboards and wetsuits?

As big believers in the power of sustainable building, our eco-friendly rooms strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort.

Recycled metal, salvaged bricks and reclaimed wood ensure our lodging blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, while used boards and wetsuits provide insulation and add a touch of uniqueness.

It all started with a patch of dirt in the forest

In the heart of Portugal, nestled beside the remote beach of Maceda, you’ll find a gem unlike any other – Maceda Surf Camp. Our enchanting tale begins with Joao Diogo, a pioneer Portuguese surfer, and his ambition to create a unique surf retreat near Porto that was close to nature.

Fast forward to May 2022 and we have current hosts Loïc and Rachel crossing paths with Joao. They quickly discovered that they share a similar vision of running a nature-connected camp, and proposed managing the place.

A day in the life of a Maceda Surf Camp guest

Wondering what a typical day at our Northern Portugal surf camp looks like? Well, no two days are the same. We aim to surf when the conditions are best. This means our daily schedule is set the night before. That said, here’s what a day could look like:

You wake up to the sound of birds chirping and head outside to take in the fresh air
After a nourishing breakfast, you grab your surf gear and hop in our van for a short drive to Maceda Beach
You spend the morning catching waves, with our instructors guiding you every step of the way
After an exhilarating surf session, we head back to camp for a delicious lunch and some downtime
In the afternoon, it’s your call! Feel like joining a restorative yoga session? Or are you down for an adventure?
As the sun sets, we gather around the bonfire for some marshmallow roasting and storytelling
After dinner, you can choose to relax in a hammock or join a game night with your fellow campers
Before heading to bed, take a moment to appreciate the peacefulness of the forest and the stars above

Surf Lessons

Our 4-hour surf lessons are held at the stunning (but uncrowded) Maceda Beach and consist of the following:

Wetsuits and board allocation
Insurance
Transport to the beach
Warmup and stretch routine
Instructions on surf etiquette and safety
On-sand explanations of various surf techniques (paddling, positioning, catching waves, popping up, surfing)
Transport back to the camp

All lessons are run by fully qualified surf instructors with years of surf teaching experience, and because we keep our lesson sizes small, you’ll receive plenty of individual attention and feedback. This means that no matter how short your stay, you’ll leave with a solid foundation and the confidence to continue improving on your own.

1 SURF LESSONS / Introduction to Surfing (4H) : 70€

3 SURF LESSONS / Mini course (12H) : 180€

4 SURF LESSONS / Mini Course Plus (16H) : 220€

5 SURF LESSONS / Complete Surf experience (20H) : 250€

FREESURFER / Equipment and transfer : 40€

Yoga and Wellness

Activities + Adventures

Picture this. You’re guided to a sun-dappled outdoor yoga shala, surrounded by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees.

Now imagine starting or ending your day like this—it’s the essence of our daily yoga sessions.

Every day, we offer at least one 75-minute yoga class, tailored to the time of day and the needs of our students. Depending on the moment, you can enjoy Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, or Vinyasa Flow, each designed to complement your energy and goals.

Our yoga packages are designed for flexibility and convenience:

Unlimited Yoga : Participate in as many classes as you like during your stay for a more cost-effective price per class.
Drop-In Option : Single classes are available on-site, so there’s no need to book in advance—just join when it suits you.

To elevate your wellness experience further, we also offer professional massages on-site:

75-Minute Thai Massage : A deeply therapeutic experience to restore balance and energy.
Relaxing Sports Massage : Perfect for unwinding and relieving tension after a day of surfing. Indulge in the ultimate blend of movement, relaxation, and care during your stay!

Activities and Adventures

When was the last time you sat beneath the stars and shared meaningful conversations (while sipping a Portuguese green wine with new friends from different parts of the world? We might only be 40 minutes from Porto, but our surf camp is a world away in terms of what we offer. The focus is on back-to-nature experiences that are simple, social and fun.

Here’s what to expect :

Portuguese wine and cheese tasting
Bonfire nights with marshmallows or Stokbrot
Ceramic or creative workshops
Maceda games
Pizza night with cocktails and lively conversations
Waterfall excursions to the lagoons of Serra da Freita
Plums and Rhum Music Festival (Summer only)
Board games night
Grill Fish night Volleyball, Chess and Poker tournement