Peniche

ROAD TO PENICHE: A SURFER’S PILGRIMAGE FROM ITALY TO PORTUGAL

Surf

What you'll do

SurfWeek Van Road Trip Portugal is a surf adventure that begins long before reaching the ocean. Starting from Italy, you'll travel with the group through France and Spain aboard SurfWeek vans, sharing the road, the landscapes and the excitement of the journey. On the way to Portugal, the crew spends a day exploring the vibrant city of Porto, before continuing south towards Peniche, one of Europe's most iconic surf destinations. Once there, the days revolve around surf lessons, free surf sessions, hidden beaches, cliffside sunsets and life on the road. On the return journey, the adventure continues with a stop in Madrid, adding one final cultural experience before heading back to Italy. More than a surf trip, this is a true road-trip experience where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Expect surf, freedom, spontaneous moments, new friendships and unforgettable memories across four countries and thousands of kilometres of Atlantic coastline.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Ocean calling beneath the wheels

Leave the city behind as we set off from Milan (Busto Arsizio) at 12 PM, trading the skyline for the open road. This is where the adventure begins—forging bonds over motorway miles and shared playlists as the van rolls through the changing landscapes of France. Ahead lies the Atlantic, but tonight is about the rhythm of the journey, the anticipation of the swell, and the freedom of life on four wheels.

Day 2 – Atlantic horizon to Spanish border

Wake up in Clermont Ferrand and jump on the van to continue your journey. On the way, you can stop at the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s grandest sand cathedral, where the Atlantic horizon stretches infinitely before you. Then we keep driving, winding our way into the heart of the Basque Country. As the sun dips low, we’ll pitch our tents under a canopy of stars in Hendaye, resting on the edge of the Spanish border with the rhythm of the ocean as our soundtrack.

Day 3 – Porto's Golden Skyline Azulejo Charm

Gently transition across the border as the rugged Spanish landscapes give way to the soul of Portugal. After a scenic lunch on the road, we roll into Porto by afternoon—a city where history is painted in blue azulejo tiles and the Douro River reflects a golden skyline. Spend your evening wandering through the narrow, hilly streets of one of Europe’s most iconic wine capitals before settling in for a cozy night at our hostel. Porto’s magic is the perfect prelude to the coast.

Day 4 – Nazaré's Waves to Peniche Forest

Savor a slow lunch in Porto before chasing the coast south. We’ll stop at the legendary cliffs of Nazaré to witness the sheer power of Praia do Norte, home to the world’s largest surfed waves. By evening, we arrive in Peniche to check into our Eco Surf Resort, hidden within a fragrant forest of eucalyptus and pine. We’ll settle in with a welcome aperitivo and a communal dinner, briefing you on the tides and swells to come.

Day 5 – Surf's Up and Sunset Yoga

Wake up to the salt air and dive into your first surf session at Peniche or Baleal. Thanks to the unique shape of the peninsula, we’ll always find the perfect offshore spray and a sheltered break, no matter which way the wind blows. After a laid-back lunch on the sand, the afternoon is yours to chase more waves or simply sink into the coastal rhythm. As the sun begins its slow descent, we’ll gather for a grounding yoga session nestled within the quiet pinewoods before sharing a home-cooked dinner back at camp under the stars.

Day 6 – Cliffs, Coves, and Sunset BBQ

Wake up for your second formal lesson and a morning free surf. After refuelling, we’ll trace the dramatic, jagged cliffs of Peniche and Baleal on foot, watching the Atlantic swells crash against the rocks from a new perspective. We end the day the way every road trip should: with a sunset BBQ tucked away in the pine forest.

Day 7 – Ocean Flow to Portuguese Feast

Master the flow between land and sea. Start your morning with a surfskate session, translating the fluid motions of the ocean onto the asphalt to refine your technique. After a quick break, head back into the water for your third surf lesson to put those movements into practice on the waves. We’ll celebrate the day’s progress with a traditional Portuguese dinner, enjoying the freshest local catch paired with crisp vinho verde. Mixed dormitory or camping nearby.

Day 8 – Berlenga Island or Nazaré's Fury

Freedom is the heartbeat of the road trip, and today is yours to shape. Whether you choose to boat across to the pristine nature reserve of Berlenga Island or return to the towering cliffs of Nazaré to watch the Atlantic’s raw power, the pace is entirely up to you. After a meditative afternoon soaking in the coastal stillness, we’ll gather for a soulful, traditional dinner at Mena’s—the perfect way to savor the final rhythms of our Portuguese journey.

Day 9 – Óbidos Charm to Almagreira Sunset

Wake up to the charm of Óbidos, a medieval walled village where cobblestone streets lead to the sweet taste of local ginjinha served in chocolate cups. After a morning of wandering through history, we head back to the coast for your fourth surf lesson. As the day mellows, we gather at Almagreira beach for a sunset free surf and a meaningful beach clean-up, giving back to the ocean that has given us so much life this week. Falling asleep under the stars at our campsite, the rhythm of the Atlantic remains your soundtrack.

Day 10 – Golden Hour at Almagreira

The final lesson brings it all together. Watching the group catch waves today, it’s clear how far everyone has come since those first paddles. After a morning of progress, we dedicate the afternoon to a long, soul-soothing free surf session and a well-deserved beach lounge. As the sun begins to dip, we gather at Almagreira for one last golden hour together before heading back into Peniche for a final group dinner. We’ll toast to the waves, the road, and the new friendships found along the way.

Day 11 – Salt spray to sierras

The Atlantic swell stays behind us as we turn our gaze toward the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. After a final morning in Peniche, it’s time to load up the van (checkout by 10 AM) and trade the salt spray for the golden plains of central Spain. As the landscape shifts from rugged coastline to rolling sierras, we’ll share stories from the waves and enjoy lunch on the open road. Our journey leads us to the vibrant energy of Madrid, where a comfortable hostel and a final night of tapas and city lights await.

Day 12 – Surfer's sanctuary by the sea

Point your van toward the wild Cantabrian coast as we head to Somo. Known for its endless stretch of golden sand and consistent Atlantic swell, this is a surfer's sanctuary. After settling in, we’ll paddle out for an afternoon session in the surf. As evening falls, we’ll swap stories under the stars, spending the night in tents at a local campsite, lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean.

Day 13 – Atlantic Shores to Papal City

As we leave the shores of Somo behind, our journey turns east, winding through the lush landscapes of Northern Spain before crossing the border into the heart of Provence. En route to the historic city of Avignon, watch the scenery shift from rugged Atlantic coastlines to the sun-drenched rolling hills of France. We’ll settle in for the night in the City of Popes, resting up before the final leg of our adventure.

Day 14 – Atlantic Odyssey's Wild Road Home

After fourteen days of dust, salt, and sun, we roll back toward the city with hearts full of the wild road. Four countries and five surf lessons later, we’ve swapped the rhythm of the waves for the memories of a lifetime shared in our home on wheels. We’ll arrive at Milan by 4 PM, saying our goodbyes to the van and each other, forever changed by the ultimate Atlantic odyssey.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

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What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Sleeping tent and mattress

7 breakfasts

SurfWeek staff on-site 24/7

WiFi connection

Certified surf instructor

5 surf lessons -10 hours in total

Transfer for Surf Lessons

SurfSkate Demo Test

Discovering Obidos

Stop in Nazaré

Welcome aperitif dinner

Introductory theory lesson

Round-trip van seat from Italy

Van seat for local transportation

Night in a tent in Hendaye

Night in a tent in Somo

Night in a hostel in Porto

Night in a hostel in Madrid

Night in a hostel in Clermont Ferrand

Night in a hostel in Avignon

7 nights in Surf Villa

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Snacks and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Expenditure of personal nature

7 Breakfasts

Lunch and dinner during the van trip

Common fund for fuel (⁓180€/pp)

Common fund for lunches and dinners in camping in Peniche (⁓100€/pp)

Accomodations

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Eklo Hostel (Night 1)

Basecamp for the start of our adventure, this modern hostel in Clermont-Ferrand offers the perfect blend of comfort and community. Relax in cozy shared rooms—prioritizing our group's privacy whenever possible—as we gather to share stories and excitement.

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Aparra Surfcamp Auberge Hendaye (Night 2)

Rest and recharge at Aparra Surfcamp, where the laid-back surf spirit meets the comfort of a charming local auberge. Tucked away in the heart of Hendaye, these shared rooms offer the perfect space to swap stories with fellow adventurers after a day in the waves. Enjoy the authentic, communal atmosphere and the simple joy of living close to the ocean.

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Nice Way Hostel (Night 3)

Tucked in the heart of Porto, the Nice Way Hostel offers the perfect blend of community and comfort. After a day of exploring, you'll settle into shared rooms—privately reserved for our crew whenever possible—to share stories from the road and soak in the vibrant, authentic atmosphere of the city.

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Bukubaki Eco Surf resort (Nights 4–10)

Relax into the serene embrace of Bukubaki, a sustainable sanctuary tucked away in a fragrant forest of pine and eucalyptus. This eco-glamping retreat captures the soul of the Portuguese coast, offering a perfect blend of comfort and conscious living. Fall asleep to the rustle of leaves and wake up refreshed, ready to embrace the rhythm of the Atlantic.

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Crisol Hotel Madrid (Night 11)

Rest your head and recharge at the Crisol Hotel Madrid. Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, our shared triple rooms offer a warm, comfortable space to connect with your fellow climbers and share stories after a day of transit. It’s the perfect authentic base to unwind before we dive back into the final leg of our journey.

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Wolfhouse (Night 12)

Settle into the serene garden of the Wolfhouse for a night under the stars. We provide your own private tent where you’ll rest, blending the comfort of the surf house with the authentic, immersive feeling of sleeping in the wild. Drift off to the sound of the ocean breeze in your cozy outdoor sanctuary.

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Hostel in Avignon Nord Le Pontet (Night 13)

Rest near the historic heart of Avignon. Settle into a comfortable, modern Hostel in Le Pontet, perfectly positioned to recharge after a day of exploration. These cozy rooms for two offer everything you need for a restful night before the final leg of our journey.

Guides

SurfWeek

Our team is composed of dedicated professionals here to make your experience truly unique. You’ll be looked after by a trip manager who oversees every detail, along with one or more hosts who will join you in all activities and share nothing but good vibes. To keep you fueled, our chef will prepare delicious, high-energy meals throughout your stay. Surf lessons are led by certified instructors from local schools, who bring a wealth of knowledge, patience, and a deep-rooted passion for Portugal.