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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 any number of pristine and deserted beaches heading both up and down the coast.

Despite its attractions, all this 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


Filipe "Calhi"
Pedro Bonacho
Martim
Ivo Carmo
Finn Rasquin
Tiago Coelho
Miguel Pereira
Guest Coach

Filipe „Calhi“

Advanced Surf Coach

Founder of SurfMilfontes in 2001. Experienced surfer, coach level II by the Portuguese Surf Federation. Coach and Technical Director of the Gaciosa Surf Club (Azorean Islands). Certified in jet-ski rescuing, professional sailor and fisherman. A mentor and probably one of the best coaches in Portugal.

Pedro Bonacho

Surf & Skate Coach

Local and experienced surfer. Certified coach level I, surf-skate and functional training coach. He has a sporty approach to surf.

Martim

Surf Coach

Ivo Carmo

Head Coach, Founder

Founder of Club Vagabond. Experienced surfer, coach level II by the Portuguese Surf Federation, coach and president of the local club (AFM), former head coach of SurfMilfontes and Technical Director of Milfontes Surf School. Also graduated in philosophy by the University of Lisbon.

Finn Rasquin

Surf Coach & Guide

Born in Germany and raised in Portugal, Finn is a certified surf coach and a passionate nature tour guide. As an outdoor explorer and a local surfer, she can provide one of the most complete experiences.

Finn’s energy and enthusiasm for both the ocean and the surrounding landscape are unforgettable.

Tiago Coelho

Surf Coach

Certified coach level I, public relation, musician, excellent communicator, free soul surf rider. His surf aprroach benefits from all this variety of skills.

Miguel Pereira

Surf Coach

Very experienced coach, waterman, implementing an holistic aproach to the surf, transforming the surf lessons into a journey of self-discovery, an experience of freedom, joy and connection.

Guest Coach

Surf Coach

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.

Gentle Waves – Beginner & Intermediate

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.