Vagabond Surf in Milfontes
Where River
meets Ocean
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a charming and picturesque old fishing town on the Alentejo coast, popular with locals, travellers and holidaymakers alike, and retains much of Portugal’s traditional culture. It has a daily market with farmers selling locally grown produce, freshly caught fish direct from harbour, a number of excellent restaurants and shops and all the services you would expect in a thriving communal centre.
Our little town is located at the point where the sheltered waters of the Rio Mira estuary meet the wild Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the river mouth and across the dunes are ideal surfing spots, with pristine and deserted beaches heading both up and down the coast.
Despite its attractions, the area remains quite untouched as it falls within the designated Nature Park, which stretches for about 150 km along the Atlantic coast of the Alentejo and Algarve regions. The landscape here is defined by high, rugged cliffs which some centuries ago were popular hiding spots for pirates, and boasts incredible geological variation.
Surf Instructors
Meet the Team
Ivo Carmo
Head Coach, Founder
After many years experience as a surfer and coach I founded Club Vagabond, to offer a more exclusive service in Vila Nova de MIlfontes.
I know this town by heart. As a small child I used to spend all my time here with my grandpa. He showed me the Mira river and the ocean and told me many stories
I began to surf as a kid in 1993 at Malhão beach.
I studied and lived in Lisbon and Berlin. I graduated in Philosophy from the University of Lisbon, and I wrote some books.
I became a coach level 2 certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation, and the President of the local surf association Associação Foz do Mira (2018/24), which promotes the surf in the local community and the ecology awereness.
Filipe „Calhi“
Advanced Surf Coach
I founded the first surf school in Milfontes in 2001 and for 18 years I taught and trained students and athletes. In 2018 I made a switch in my life in regards to the surf: I moved to a little house in Azores Islands where I spend part of the year surfing in uncrowded waves and fishing. I am a professional surf trainer level 2 certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation, certified in jet-ski rescuing, professional sailor and fisherman. Ivo worked before for my company for many years and now he challenged me to bring my experience to Club Vagabond.
Pedro Bonacho
Surf & Skate Coach
Local and experienced surfer, Pedro is a certified coach level 1. He is also our surf-skate and functional trainning coach. With him the surfers can improve technique and strengh through other complementary activities.
Finn Rasquin
Surf Coach & Guide
Finn was born in Germany and raised in Portugal. She is a surfer, a certified coach and a nature tour guide. As an outdoor explorer and a local she can provide one of the most complete experiences. Her energy and passion are unforgettable!
Tiago Coelho
Surf Coach
Tiago is a certified coach level 1. He’s approach is relaxed, funny and passionated, reflecting he’s surf style: twin fins, single fins, long boards. He is also a musician and he’s creative side is in everything he does!
Guest Coach
Role
We are open to work with coaches from all over the world, to share experience and methodes. Therefore, you might find sometimes a guest coach among the team.
find us
Our Shop
Our cozy shop, nestled in the dunes between river and ocean, is more than a retail spot—it’s a gathering and coworking place. Along with surf essentials like boards, wetsuits, and wax, we also offer unique local items, from books and paintings to t-shirts and caps. Stop by to grab gear, meet fellow surf enthusiasts, or simply take in the view.
waves for every Level
Surf Spots in Alentejo
The Alentejo coastline boasts some of the most stunning and uncrowded surf spots in Portugal. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, there’s a wave for you.
Here are some great spots to explore and enjoy: Malhão Beach, Furnas Beach, Aivados Beach, and São Torpes Beach.
Malhão Beach
– A Surfer’s Playground
Level: Beginner to Advanced Surfers
Wave Type: Beach break with lefts and rights
Ideal Conditions: low-mid tide; 0,3m-2m
Malhão Beach is known for its consistent beach break, producing a mix of hollow and playful waves, offering variety throughout the year. The waves here can get powerful since the beach is directly exposed to the main swell. Therefore, don’t underestimate the wave size, even when it might seem flat or small.
What to Expect:
- Multiple peaks along the stretch of beach
- Plenty of space for surfers to spread out
- Great waves for shortboards, bodyboards, and longboards
- A protected nature park with no restaurants or bars nearby
After your session, explore the rugged dunes and cliffs surrounding the beach, adding to its wild and untamed vibe.
Furnas Beach
– A Gentle Surf Haven
Level: Beginner to Advanced Surfers
Wave Type: River mouth break with mellow waves
Ideal Conditions: low-mid tide; any size
Furnas Beach is a small bay where the Mira River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a sheltered beach, indirectly exposed to the swell, which causes the waves to reform inside the bay with less power and size. This makes it a very safe and easy spot for all levels, even when the waves are big elsewhere. Furnas Beach is a great alternative on days with big swells or stormy conditions.
What to Expect:
- Long, mellow rides ideal for beginners and intermediates
- Stunning views of Vila Nova de Milfontes across the river
- Significant changes between low and high tide
Furnas Beach is also perfect for families and friends, offering calm sections for swimming and relaxing between surf sessions.
AIVADOS BEACH
– Waves from A to Z
Level: Beginner to Advanced Surfers
Wave Type: Beach break and reef break with lefts and rights
Ideal Conditions: all tides; 0,3m-2m
Aivados Beach is both a beach break and a reef break, offering multiple peaks. You can find small, mellow waves right next to incredible barrels, making it a great spot for all levels. The beach is directly exposed to the main swell, providing consistent waves throughout the year.
What to Expect:
- Multiple peaks along the stretch of beach
- Plenty of space for surfers to spread out
- Great waves for shortboards, bodyboards, and longboards
- A stunning dune landscape
Aivados Beach is a favorite among passionate surfers who love to combine nature and surfing.
SÃO TORPES BEACH
– Ocean Drive Vibe
Level: Beginner to Advanced Surfers
Wave Type: Beach break and reef break with lefts and rights
Ideal Conditions: all tides; 0,3m-2m
São Torpes Beach is a long stretch of coastline between Aivados Beach and Sines, featuring bays, coves, cliffs, and beaches with a wide variety of waves. This area faces south, making it more sheltered from the main swell. As a result, it requires a big swell to truly come to life and showcase its full potential.
What to Expect:
- Multiple peaks with beach, reef, and point breaks
- Plenty of space for surfers to spread out
- Great waves for shortboards, bodyboards, and longboards
- Easy access from the road
You can enjoy a scenic drive along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the region, revealing surf peaks and stunning spots for parking, surfing, and swimming.