Questions and answers
FAQs Surfcamp
General
1) HOW FAR IS THE DROP IN FROM THE BEACH?
Resort: 3km (15 min. by bike, 4 min. by car, we shuttle to Praia do Areal several times a day if needed)
Beach lodge: 500m
Beachhouse: 550m
2) WHAT MUST I NOT FORGET ON MY TRIP?
Please remember to be sure to pack the following items:
* A valid passport/ID card
* An EU health card or foreign health certificate (inform yourself about validity)
* A small first-aid kit
* Sunscreen
* Warm clothes for the evening
* Sufficient cash for activities and surf course
3) ARE THERE BARS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING FACILITIES IN THE AREA?
The resort is located on the outskirts of Lourinhã, just a few minutes walk from the center, where you will find cozy restaurants, stores and supermarkets. From the Beachhouse and the Beachlodge you can reach the beach promenade of “Praia da Areia Branca” with bars and restaurants in a few minutes walk, where you can enjoy the nightlife in the evening. Shopping facilities are also nearby (about 5 minutes by car). Our local teamer will of course drive with you to the supermarket if you need anything.
4) WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE AT CAMP?
Our guests are predominantly between 20 and 40 years old, with the average age being in the mid to late 20s.
5) WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN AT THE CAMP AND IN THE SURF LESSONS?
Our guests come mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Therefore, German is spoken predominantly in the camp. Our team of surf instructors is international, so the courses are partly held in English. If you have any concerns about this, just let us know when you book and we will put you in a course with a German speaking surf coach.
6) IS THE CAMP ALSO SUITABLE FOR SINGLE TRAVELERS?
Absolutely. Many of our guests come to us alone and immediately find a connection. The houses cook together in the evenings, surf together during the day and also spend the rest of the time together. It is not uncommon for us to develop friendships that last even after the vacation is over.
7) IS IT WORTH HAVING A RENTAL CAR?
A rental car is usually not required unless you want to explore the area and go on excursions after the course. Otherwise, our local teamer will take care of your well-being and take you shopping, to the beach, etc.. In addition, bicycles are available in each house, which you can use free of charge.
8) WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR?
There is parking directly in front of the camp houses.
9) CAN I BRING MY DOG/PET?
No, no dogs/pets are allowed.
10) ARE THERE BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS FOR RENT?
Yes, we have bikes, skateboards & skate longboards that you can borrow for free.
Arrival
1) IS THE JOURNEY FLEXIBLE?
April-October: No. Arrival and departure is only possible on Saturdays, because we have a fixed weekly program and only in this way we can guarantee a smooth process. EXCEPTION: Arrival on Sunday or earlier departure are possible, but the weekly price will not be reduced.
November-March: Yes. The arrival and departure day is flexible.
2) WHICH AIRPORT DO I HAVE TO FLY TO?
The nearest airport is in Lisbon, about 70 km south of us.
3) WHICH AIRLINES FLY CHEAP TO LISBON?
Lisbon is served by almost all major European airlines and also some low-cost carriers. Skyscanner is a good search engine to find cheap flights: www.skyscanner.de
4) DO YOU OFFER A SHUTTLE SERVICE TO/FROM THE AIRPORT?
Yes, for 50,- € per person/route we offer an airport transfer from/to Lisbon (approx. 1h). Please do not forget to let us know your flight details in time. Please note that transfers are always possible only on Saturdays between 9h – 21h.
5) IS AN AIRPORT TRANSFER POSSIBLE DURING THE WEEK?
No, we offer our airport transfer only on Saturday between 9h-21h. Exception: In the winter months between November and March.
6) CAN I BOOK THE AIRPORT TRANSFER LATER?
Yes, you can book the airport transfer at least 7 days before arrival.
7) IS THERE A PUBLIC BUS FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE DROP IN?
Yes. The journey with the “public” is super easy! There are buses for about 9€ from Lisbon directly to Lourinha, but not directly from the airport, but from the bus station ‘Sete Rios’. You can reach it either by metro (about 3€), by cab (about 12€) or by Aero shuttle bus (about 5€) from the airport.
From the Lourinhã bus station we will pick you up. If you are on the bus, please give us a quick call or WhatsApp us so we can pick you up! When booking, you will receive further travel information from us with all the exact details.
8) WHAT TIME CAN I CHECK INTO MY ROOM ON THE DAY OF ARRIVAL?
Departing guests have vacated the rooms by 10h, so that they are available for the new arrivals freshly cleaned by 14h at the latest. If you arrive earlier and your room is not ready yet, you can of course put your things in storage and swing in the hammock or go to the beach until you move in.
Accommodation
1) CAN I ALSO BOOK SINGLE OR TRIPLE ROOMS?
In principle, it is possible to book a single or triple room on request for an extra charge.
2) CAN I BOOK A 2 PERSON ROOM AS A SINGLE TRAVELER?
Yes, you virtually book a bed in a 2-bed or 4-bed room with us. The other beds are then occupied by other guests. You can indicate when booking if you do not want to be accommodated in a mixed room (men & women).
3) CAN I ALSO BOOK ONLY SINGLE NIGHTS?
Depending on availability, single nights are also possible. However, this is usually only possible in the low season. Availability & price on request.
4) ARE BED LINEN AND TOWELS PROVIDED?
Bed linen is available. Please bring your own towels.
5) DOES EACH ROOM HAVE ITS OWN BATHROOM?
No, there are several shared bathrooms in all camp houses. In addition, outdoor showers are located on the premises, so you can always freshen up after surfing or other sports activities.
6) CAN WE COOK OURSELVES?
Yes, there is a communal kitchen and barbecue for free use in each house. There is also a refrigerator for you to keep your food cool. As a rule, all houses cook and eat together in the evening. Supermarket and restaurants are within walking distance from all houses.
7) IS THERE INTERNET/W-LAN?
There is a computer with free internet access in all accommodations and free wi-fi throughout the premises.
8) WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL NUTRITION?
At breakfast and at the Welcome-BBQ there are of course also vegetarian and vegan alternatives. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet or food intolerances, it is best to indicate this when booking so that we can prepare accordingly.
9) CAN I DO LAUNDRY IN THE HOUSE?
Yes, there is a washing machine that can be used (5 €/laundry).
Surfing
1) ON WHICH BEACHES ARE THE SURF LESSONS HELD?
The surf lessons take place at the best beach breaks in the area. The spots for the lessons are selected daily, according to criteria of swell, weather and tide conditions, by our surf instructors for the group. Usually the courses take place at our house beach “Praia do Areal”.
2) DO THE SURF LESSONS ALSO TAKE PLACE ON WEEKENDS?
No. Our surf courses take place from Monday to Friday.
3) CAN I JUST RENT EQUIPMENT AND GO SURFING ON MY OWN?
Yes of course! You can rent surf equipment (surfboard & wetsuit) from us for a fee, provided you have already taken a surf course or are already an experienced surfer.
4) WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN THE SURF COURSES?
Our team of surf instructors is international, so the courses are partly held in English. If you have any concerns about this, just let us know when you book and we will put you in a course with a German speaking surf coach.
5) WHAT TIME OF YEAR ARE THE BEST WAVES IN PORTUGAL?
Due to the many different surf spots in our area, you will always find the right spot for your “skill level”. This means that whether you are a beginner or a professional, the variety of different spots allows for good surfing conditions all year round.
6) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE?
Here we’ve put together a page with info on how to best prepare for surfing!
7) CAN I USE THE MATERIAL OUTSIDE OF COURSE HOURS?
Yes, if you have booked a surf course with us, you can continue to use the equipment free of charge outside of the course times.
Booking / Payment
1) HOW DO I BOOK MY TRIP?
You can easily book your trip on our website. In the online booking form you choose accommodation, travel period, additional services, etc. and enter your data. You will receive a confirmation of receipt and if everything fits, a booking confirmation within 3 days.
2) I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A BOOKING CONFIRMATION, WHAT NOW?
After you have booked online via our website, you will receive a confirmation of receipt directly. If everything fits, you will receive your booking confirmation within 3 days. If you have not received a booking confirmation or email from us 3 days after your booking, check your spam folder. If you don’t find anything there either, please contact us immediately.
3) WHEN IS MY BOOKING BINDING?
You make a binding booking the moment you submit the online booking form on our website.
ATTENTION: Please book flights only after you have received the booking confirmation from us. This should be no later than 3 days after your booking.
4) WHEN AND HOW DO I PAY FOR MY TRIP?
If you book very early and it will be a while before your vacation starts, a deposit of about 25% is due first. The remaining amount is then to be transferred at the latest 4 weeks before arrival. In case of short-term booking, the full amount is to be transferred within 30 days.
5) WILL I BE INFORMED WHEN MY PAYMENT IS RECEIVED?
No, there is no extra notification when we receive your money. We will only contact you if we have not received any money.
6) CAN I PAY WITH CARD?
No, card payment is not possible with us. Please remember to have enough cash with you.
7) DO YOU OFFER INSURANCE?
We offer in cooperation with the HanseMerkur a complete insurance, as well as a travel cancellation insurance incl. Vacation guarantee (trip interruption insurance). In addition, it is possible to take out Corona travel protection as supplementary insurance. You can find all the information here.
FAQs Beachapartments
General
1) HOW FAR ARE THE APARTMENTS FROM THE BEACH?
Beachapartments are 400m away from the beach.
2) WHAT MUST I NOT FORGET ON MY TRIP?
Please remember to be sure to pack the following items:
* A valid passport/ID card
* An EU health card or foreign health certificate (inform yourself about validity)
* A small first-aid kit
* Sunscreen
* Warm clothes for the evening
* Sufficient cash for activities and surf course
3) ARE THERE BARS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING FACILITIES IN THE AREA?
At the “Praia do Areal” there is a cozy beach bar with restaurant. The beach promenade of “Praia da Areia Branca” with more restaurants and bars is also within walking distance. More restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacy and other shopping facilities are available in Lourinhã, 5 minutes away by car.
4) WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR?
There are parking facilities directly in front of the house.
5) MAY I ALSO “HANG OUT” IN THE CAMPHOUSES?
Our beach apartments run independently and are not linked to the camp houses. It’s totally ok if you go skating in the beach lodge, for example, once a round in the skate bowl, but to spend the whole day there and only go to sleep in the apartment, of course, is not possible. This way we want to avoid that the quality in the camp houses suffers due to too many people.
Arrival
1) IS THE JOURNEY FLEXIBLE?
Yes, arrival and departure is possible on any day.
2) WHICH AIRPORT DO I HAVE TO FLY TO?
The nearest airport is in Lisbon, about 70 km south of us.
3) WHICH AIRLINES FLY CHEAP TO LISBON?
Lisbon is served by almost all major European airlines and also some low-cost carriers. Skyscanner is a good search engine to find cheap flights: www.skyscanner.de
4) DO YOU OFFER A SHUTTLE SERVICE TO/FROM THE AIRPORT?
No. For the Beachapartments we do not offer transfer.
5) IS THERE A PUBLIC BUS FROM THE AIRPORT TO LOURINHA?
Yes. There are buses for about 9€ from Lisbon directly to Lourinha, but not directly from the airport, but from the bus station ‘Sete Rios’. You can reach it either by metro (about 3€), by cab (about 12€) or by Aero shuttle bus (about 5€) from the airport.
6) DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR CHEAP RENTAL CARS?
Generally, it is advisable to book your rental car online in advance as you will get the best prices. The best way is to look on the popular car rental platforms and compare the prices, e.g. www.billiger-mietwagen.de.
7) FROM WHAT TIME CAN I MOVE INTO MY APARTMENT ON THE DAY OF ARRIVAL?
From 2 pm the apartment can be occupied.
Accommodation
1) CAN I ALSO BOOK ONLY SINGLE NIGHTS?
Apartments must be rented for a minimum of 3 nights.
2) ARE BED LINEN AND TOWELS PROVIDED?
Yes, bed linen and shower towels are provided. You have to bring your own beach towels.
3) IS THERE A MICROWAVE/OVEN?
Kitchens are equipped with stove and oven. A microwave oven is not available.
4) IS THERE A HAIR DRYER?
Yes.
5) IS THERE INTERNET/W-LAN?
Yes, free wifi is available.
6) CAN I DO LAUNDRY IN THE HOUSE?
No, but there are several laundromats in the village.
7) IS IT POSSIBLE TO BOOK BREAKFAST?
No, the apartments are self-catering.
8) CAN I BOOK A HIGH CHAIR/COT?
Yes, if you need a crib and/or high chair, please include it in your booking or just send us an email before your arrival.
Crib: 20 € (flat rate)
Baby chair: free of charge
9) ARE DOGS/PETS ALLOWED?
No, dogs and other pets are not allowed.
Surfing
1) ON WHICH BEACHES ARE THE SURF LESSONS HELD?
The surf lessons take place at our house beach “Praia do Areal”. Daily course times are based on criteria of swell, weather and tidal conditions.
2) DO THE SURF LESSONS ALSO TAKE PLACE ON WEEKENDS?
Yes. Our surf lessons take place every day.
3) FROM HOW MANY YEARS OLD CAN MY CHILD JOIN THE SURF COURSE?
We offer surf lessons for children from 8 years.
4) WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN THE SURF COURSES?
Our team of surf instructors is international, so the courses are partly held in English. If you have any concerns about this, just let us know when you book and we will put you in a course with a German speaking surf coach.
5) CAN I JUST RENT EQUIPMENT AND GO SURFING ON MY OWN?
Yes of course! You can rent surf equipment (surfboard & wetsuit) from us for a fee, provided you have already taken a surf course or are already an experienced surfer.
6) WHAT TIME OF YEAR ARE THE BEST WAVES IN PORTUGAL?
Due to the many different surf spots in our area, you will always find the right spot for your “skill level”. This means that whether you are a beginner or a professional, the variety of different spots allows for good surfing conditions all year round.
7) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE?
Here we’ve put together a page with info on how to best prepare for surfing!
Booking / Payment
1) HOW DO I BOOK MY TRIP?
You can easily book your trip on our website. In the online booking form you choose accommodation, travel period, additional services, etc. and enter your data. You will receive a confirmation of receipt and if everything fits, within 3 days your booking confirmation.
2) I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A BOOKING CONFIRMATION, WHAT NOW?
After you have booked online via our website, you will receive a confirmation of receipt directly. If everything fits, you will receive your booking confirmation within 3 days. If you have not received a booking confirmation or email from us 3 days after your booking, check your spam folder. If you don’t find anything there either, please contact us immediately.
3) WHEN IS MY BOOKING BINDING?
You make a binding booking the moment you submit the online booking form on our website.
ATTENTION: Please book flights only after you have received the booking confirmation from us. This should be no later than 3 days after your booking.
4) WHEN AND HOW DO I PAY FOR MY TRIP?
If you book very early and it will be a while before your vacation starts, a deposit of about 25% is due first. The remaining amount is then to be transferred at the latest 4 weeks before arrival. In case of short-term booking, the full amount is to be transferred within 30 days.
5) WILL I BE INFORMED WHEN MY PAYMENT IS RECEIVED?
No, there is no extra notification when we receive your money. We will only contact you if we have not received any money.
6) CAN I PAY WITH CARD?
No, card payment is not possible with us. Please remember to have enough cash with you.
7) DO YOU OFFER INSURANCE?
We offer in cooperation with the HanseMerkur a complete insurance, as well as a travel cancellation insurance incl. Vacation guarantee (trip interruption insurance). In addition, it is possible to take out Corona travel protection as supplementary insurance. You can find all the information here.