Stoke Portugal Surf Camp (Santa Cruz, Portugal)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

Santa Cruz, Portugal, is an underrated surfing mecca in Portugal that has yet to hit the tourism map. Smack bang in the middle of world-renowned breaks – Ericeira and Peniche – Santa Cruz is still catching the powerful Atlantic swell while holding onto the quaint, fishing-village heritage where the beers are poured generously and the locals are welcoming (translation: near-empty lineups & fewer tourist traps than neighbouring towns).

With famous wave breaks like Nazare just a short drive up the coast, if a 60 foot wave spectacle is underway, you’re only a stones throw away from the action. In a similar vein, if you’ve lucked out and booked your stay for a week that the WSL is in town, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing; qualifying series have been held at Santa Cruz beach (that’s us, baby) in previous years. 

With space for only about 27–35 guests per week, the atmosphere remains intimate and friendly—you're more likely to leave as part of the family than just another guest Surfcampseurope.com+1Surfcampseurope.com+1. Shared common areas like the garden, terrace with pool and BBQ, pizza oven, and lounge become natural places to connect and unwind after surf sessions

With decades of surf camp expertise behind them, StokeTravel and Good People Surf have joined forces to create an exceptional surf experience that blends big brand infrastructure with local soul. StokeTravel — pioneers in running high energy Basque surf retreats since 2005 — bring renowned logistics, event infrastructure, and international audience reach. Good People Surf, on the other hand, contributes intimate, community first surf coaching shaped by over 20 years of surf camp experience.

This partnership delivers the best of both worlds: the safety and polish of a seasoned global operator, merged seamlessly with authentic small group coaching, Basque and Portuguese coastal culture, and a friendly, home grown vibe. The result? A surf camp experience rooted in real people, real ocean passion, and decades of surfing heritage — designed to help guests connect deeper with the waves and each other.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

At Santa Cruz Surf House, your bed isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your launchpad into surf life. Whether you’re pairing up or flying solo, our rooms are designed to reflect wave?charged comfort. Couples or solo travelers craving a bit more space can settle into cozy double rooms, complete with fresh linens, handmade décor, and easy access to fresh morning ocean breezes. If you’re traveling with a buddy, the twin rooms offer two single beds that can be pushed together or kept apart, giving you flexibility and freedom to chill or connect before the next surf session.

For those looking to keep things affordable yet social, the shared dorms—typically 4 or 6 bed setups—create a fun, communal vibe. Expect bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and plenty of opportunity to share surf stories late into the evening around the fire pits, pool, or outside bar. With a small crew of around 25–30 guests, the house feels more like a surf family than a hotel.

Every type of stay includes full access to the heart of surf life: the garden terrace with pool, BBQ and pizza oven, common kitchen and lounge, and bikes or surf skates to cruise to the nearby breaks. Wake up to a hearty breakfast, hit the waves with your coaches, then slide back for BBQ nights, yoga, or impromptu surfboard chatter under eucalyptus framed skies.

So whether you’re after private downtime or dorm?room camaraderie, Santa Cruz Surf House serves up all the surf centric comfort you need—from wax to wave to well earned rest.

Wake up to a hearty homemade breakfast included in every stay, fueling your morning surf sessions with fresh bread, fruit, muesli, tea and coffee—perfect fuel whether you're heading out with the crew or stretching before dawn patrol. 

While lunch and dinner aren’t part of every base package, many of our stay options include it—and for others it’s available as a value-added extra. When included, you’ll be treated to creatively themed meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients or picks from our garden in a laid back BBQ or pizza oven setting under the setting sun. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or other dietary preferences? No worries—just let us know when you book, and we’ll take care of it with true surf?house hospitality.

All guests share access to a fully equipped kitchen, cozy communal areas and outdoor spaces where spontaneous dinner gatherings, pool side drinks or pizza nights can happen any evening. Whether meals are included or built around your surf filled days, you’ll find the flexibility to eat how you like—and the flavors to keep you stoked.

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

At Santa Cruz Surf House, some packages come with a lesson included, giving you your first taste of wave riding as soon as you arrive. These surf sessions last around 1.5 to 2 hours in the water—just enough time to catch early waves, get tailored coaching, and return ready for more action

When you book, lessons are available either as part of your package or as add ons at any time—extra lessons, more surf time, whatever suits your vibe. Each class is capped at a maximum of 6 people per instructor, ensuring individual attention and better progress in the sets.

Whether you're stepping in for your first lesson or adding more surf days to your trip, you’ll get personalized coaching, solid gear, and plenty of wave time to build your confidence. Video analysis and theory classes are also available in many packages to help you refine technique and really dial in your surf game

When you’re not getting salty, there’s plenty to keep the stoke rolling. Hit the local wineries (Santa Cruz was coined the European City of Wine in 2018), feast on some fresh, locally caught seafood, or sit back and take in a sunset so good that it’ll have you googling “Portugal long term visas”. We also offer horse-back riding options and can point you in the direction of nearby hikes – for the beach bums sick of the surf and sand.

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Santa Cruz is a sand-bottom beach break with multiple working peaks—some directly in front of town and others accessible with a short walk. Waves break both left and right, offering quality rides up to overhead on the better swells. There’s even a sand-covered shipwreck that adds character to the lineup, but the bottom remains mostly sand with some reef patches.

Seasonal conditions

Water temperature varies by season: typically 17–18°C in winter (February–March), rising to around 22–23°C by August–September, with annual averages near 19–20°C . In summer, air temperatures generally range from 20 to 30°C, while winter days average 10–18°C with plenty of sun even in cooler months.

Waves can range from waist-high to overhead. While the beach handles all tides, the optimal conditions usually occur on low to mid tide, which helps prevent closeouts and allows for cleaner peak waves. At high tide, wave quality can deteriorate, especially for less experienced surfers

Crowd factor and local people

Santa Cruz sees moderate crowds—especially on weekends, during summer, or around peak surf days. Town-center peaks tend to get busiest; however, a short walk along the beach often yields quieter and more uncrowded peaks.

Locals are generally respectful and share the lineup—localism exists but is moderate, not aggressive. Friendly etiquette goes a long way. 

Characterization of surroundings/region

Santa Cruz sits on Portugal’s Silver Coast (Costa de Prata), just about 1 hour north-west of Lisbon in the Torres Vedras municipality. This former fishing village, now a relaxed surf hub, is framed by golden sand dunes, rocky outcrops like the iconic Penedo do Guincho, and poetic history—home to monument trails honoring Kazuo Dan, Antero de Quental, and João de Barros. 

Local life vibing with surf and sea influences. Cuisine draws on fresh seafood and coastal traditions—think grilled limpets, black scabbardfish with banana, arroz de peixe or bolo do caco at sunset beachside eateries.

Activities and facilities

Santa Cruz, nestled on Portugal's Silver Coast, offers a tranquil surf haven just over an hour north of Lisbon. This charming coastal village boasts golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and a rich literary history, having inspired poets like Antero de Quental and João de Barros. The area offers a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Santa Cruz is a locality in the Silveira parish, part of the municipality of Torres Vedras, Portugal. 

Beyond surfing, Santa Cruz invites visitors to explore its coastline, enjoy scenic hikes along cliffs, visit viewpoints like Alto da Vela, or cycle to nearby beaches such as Praia Azul and Praia da Física. Discover the region's rich history through the "Passeio dos Poetas" trail, honoring local literary figures. Savor fresh seafood at local eateries and enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries like pastel de nata. Engage in activities like yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, or unwind at local spas. The community is welcoming, with a laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty.

Ways to get to the camp

Our Portugal Surf Camp is in Santa Cruz – a 50 min drive away from Lisbon Airport (where we can grab ya from), and nestled right in between Ericera and Peniche, in close proximity to some elite surf spots for learners and pro-shredders. 

Whether you’re making your way down the coast, or making a one of trip/first stop on your trip out of Lisbon. 

From Lisbon Airport, it’s easy enough to Marteleira. From there, we’re only a short Bolt ride away, or if pre-arranged we can collect you from there. 

PACKAGES & PRICES

This package includes:

Pod-style hostel dorm accommodation in the Stoke Portugal surf house, located in Santa Cruz (bedding included)
Healthy homemade breakfast everyday. All ingredients locally sourced and mostly our very own veggie garden (all dietary requirements catered for on request!)
Daily yoga and stretching
Bikes and surf skates for use (cash deposit required)
Free Wifi
Transfers available from nearby town Torres Vedras available upon prior arrangement
Daily activities available such as hiking, pool parties, movie nights, day trips to Ericera plus nights out in Santa Cruz

* Book 7 nights or more to save, and get an additional free drink from our bar each day!

This package includes:

Pod-style hostel dorm accommodation in the Stoke Portugal surf house, located in Santa Cruz (bedding included)
Healthy homemade breakfast everyday. All ingredients locally sourced and mostly our very own veggie garden (all dietary requirements catered for on request!)
3 surf lessons included – 2.5 hr surf lesson from experienced surf guides, with wetsuit and board included
Daily yoga and stretching
Bikes and surf skates for use (cash deposit required)
Free Wifi
Transfers available from nearby town Torres Vedras available upon prior arrangement
Daily activities available such as hiking, pool parties, movie nights, day trips to Ericera plus nights out in Santa Cruz

* Book 7 nights or more to save, and get an additional free drink from our bar each day!

This package includes:

Pod-style hostel dorm accommodation in the Stoke Portugal surf house, located in Santa Cruz (bedding included)
Healthy homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday. All ingredients locally sourced and mostly our very own veggie garden (all dietary requirements catered for on request!)
Daily yoga and stretching
Bikes and surf skates for use (cash deposit required)
Free Wifi
Transfers available from nearby town Torres Vedras available upon prior arrangement
Daily activities available such as hiking, BBQ and pizza nights, pool parties, movie nights, day trips to Ericera plus nights out in Santa Cruz

* Book 7 nights or more to save, and get an additional free drink from our bar each day!