What to Pack for a Surf Trip to Portugal
A helpful checklist
Packing for a vacation certainly lets the anticipation grow, but for many people, it’s also the most tedious part, especially when you start to feel overwhelmed and ask yourself, “What do I actually need to pack?”. When it then comes to a specific type of vacation, like a surf trip, it’s easy to end up standing in your bedroom surrounded by wetsuits, board shorts, towels and three different jackets wondering how all of it is supposed to fit into one bag.
The good news: we will help you and tell you what to pack for a surf trip to Portugal. The even better news: If you book our All-inclusive surf experience in our Surf Mansion, you'll have access to lots of things, such as surf equipment, wetsuits, towels, and more.
Our packing list for a surf trip to Portugal
1. Surfboard
Let’s start with one of the main basics you (obviously) need for a surf trip to Portugal: a surfboard. If you are an experienced surfer and already know what you like to surf, bringing your own board can make sense.
If you’re a beginner surfer, you don’t own a surfboard or are simply not bothered traveling with a board bag, don't worry about bringing one. Our All-inclusive surf experience and our all-inclusive surf & yoga experience provide you with a surfboard suitable for the conditions and your experience level.
2. Wetsuit
Don’t get fooled by surfer girls in bikinis and boys in board shorts, surfing in crystal clear waters. The Atlantic Ocean around Portugal is beautiful and great for surfing, but it’s not tropical, even in summer. A wetsuit is definitely a piece you can't leave out of your suitcase. Water temperatures vary during the year and from region to region, so your wetsuit thickness should match the season.
For the Algarve, a 3/2mm wetsuit is commonly suitable for warmer months, while a 4/3mm is a better choice during the colder part of the year. If you don’t own your own wetsuit, you can also easily rent one in our surf school.
Clothes for a surf trip in the Algarve
So far so good. Your luggage still has a lot of space. However, that doesn’t mean you can pack clothes randomly. This is where people often overpack. You don't need ten different beach outfits.
3. Quick-drying clothes
Bring a few pieces that can handle getting wet, sandy and salty. Lightweight shorts, T-shirts and quick-drying layers are ideal.
4. Warm layers
Even if you're visiting Portugal in summer, bring a jumper or light jacket for the early mornings and evenings, when it can feel colder than during the day. In spring, autumn and winter, add a warmer layer and a waterproof jacket.
5. Comfortable shoes
Sandals or flip-flops are great for beach days. However, a comfortable pair of sneakers, running or trekking shoes, should find a space in your luggage, too. You will probably spend more time walking than you expect, especially if you also want to explore the beautiful Algarve around.
Sun protection and beach essentials
Portugal gets plenty of sunshine, particularly during the summer months. The combination of sun, wind and reflected light from the ocean can make it surprisingly easy to burn during a surf session. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen. A two-hour surf session is a long time to be exposed to the sun. Furthermore, a few beach essentials will make your surf trip life easier.
Pack:
High-SPF sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses
A hat or cap
After-sun or moisturiser
Microfibre towel
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated everywhere you go
Dry bag for keeping phone, keys and other valuables away from sand and water.
Other travel essentials
Don't forget the “boring” things. Passport, travel insurance, driving licence if you're renting a car, bank cards, chargers and any medication you regularly take should all be on your list. A portable power bank can also be useful if you're spending long days on the road or at the beach.
By the way, did you know that we have an amazing co-working and living space in Sagres? So if you can work remotely, don’t forget about your laptop, notebooks or hard disks.
One last thing: leave some space. This might be the most important packing tip of all. Leave a little room in your bag. Portugal is full of small cafés, local markets, surf shops, ceramics, food and souvenirs that you'll probably want to take home. After a week of surfing, you may also discover that the most important thing you packed wasn't your favourite T-shirt or your expensive surf accessory.
The short version
To summarise it most simply. This is your packing list for a surf trip to Portugal:
Surfing: wetsuit, board, leash, wax (or simply rent your equipment).
Beach: towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle.
Clothing: swimwear, T-shirts, shorts, warm layers and comfortable shoes.
Travel: passport, insurance, phone, chargers, bank card and driving licence if needed.
You recently travelled to Portugal, and you are missing YOUR travel essential on the list, or you have any other questions?! Simply contact us via WhatsApp, email or Instagram.
We can’t wait to welcome you in our Surf Mansion, our Family & Friends Apartments in Luz, our Apartments in Lagos or our Co-Working Space in Sagres.
