Aljezur is one of the best places in Portugal to introduce kids to surfing. The sandy beaches are safe, the waves are varied enough to match any age and confidence level, and the area has plenty to do when the kids (or parents) need a break from the ocean.
Here's how to make a family surf holiday work.
Best beaches for kids
Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to children. Here's where to take them:
Monte Clérigo — the top choice for young kids
Wide, sandy, and gentle. Monte Clérigo's reform waves (waves that have already broken and roll towards shore as foam) are ideal for kids aged 5 and up. At low tide, the beach stretches out enormously and the water stays shallow for a long way out.
The rock pools at the north end are a bonus — kids love exploring them at low tide. The village has a few restaurants for lunch, and parking is right above the beach.
Arrifana — centre section for lessons
The middle of Arrifana beach is where the surf school operates, and it's excellent for kids aged 8 and up who are ready for a proper lesson. The waves are consistent and forgiving, the sandy bottom is safe, and there's always a lifeguard in summer.
The restaurants on the cliff above make it easy to take turns — one parent surfs while the other has coffee with a view.
Amoreira — older kids and confident swimmers
The river estuary at Amoreira can be fun for older kids (10+) who are strong swimmers. The lagoon area on the river side is calm and shallow when the tide is right. The ocean side is more powerful and better suited to teenagers with some experience.
Age guide
Every child is different, but here's a rough guide based on what we see:
Ages 4-6: Bodyboarding in the whitewash or playing in the shallows. A soft bodyboard and a gentle beach (Monte Clérigo) is the perfect introduction. Kids this age will have a blast without ever needing to stand up on a surfboard.
Ages 7-9: Ready for their first surf lesson on a soft-top board. Book a kids' group lesson at one of the local surf schools — the instructors are experienced with this age group and make it fun. After the lesson, they can practice in the foam on the rental board for the rest of the week.
Ages 10-13: Most kids this age pick surfing up quickly. A lesson or two gets them started, then they'll want to practise independently. At this age, they can share the lineup with parents (on age-appropriate boards, of course).
Ages 14+: Treat them like adult beginners. They'll progress faster than adults and probably be better than their parents by day three.
Safety for families
Sun protection
The Portuguese sun is stronger than it feels, especially near the water. The ocean breeze cools you down, but UV exposure is high. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before putting on wetsuits, and reapply every 2 hours if kids are in and out of the water.
Wetsuits actually provide excellent sun protection — the more skin covered, the better.
Supervision
Even in the whitewash, keep kids within arm's reach until they're confident swimmers. Waves can knock small children over, and the shore break (where waves hit the sand) is where most minor incidents happen.
Never let children surf unsupervised. Even at gentle beaches, conditions can change with the tide.
Rip currents
Teach older kids the basics: if you feel yourself being pulled out, don't panic, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until the pulling stops, then swim in. At the beginner-friendly beaches around Aljezur, rip currents are rarely strong, but awareness matters.
The right gear
Kids need age-appropriate boards — adult boards are too heavy and too big to control. Our kids' soft-tops are sized for smaller surfers: lighter, narrower, and easier to carry. A well-fitting kids' wetsuit is essential too — children get cold faster than adults.
When you book a family rental, tell us the ages and sizes and we'll bring the right gear for everyone.
Combining lessons with rental
Here's the approach we recommend for families:
Day 1: Book a 90-minute group lesson for the kids (and parents, if you like) at one of our partner surf schools. This teaches the fundamentals in a structured, safe environment.
Days 2-7: Rent boards and practice independently. After a lesson, kids know the basics — they just need water time. Having boards at your accommodation means you can go when the conditions are right and the kids are keen, rather than being locked into a schedule.
This combination gives kids the best of both worlds: professional instruction to get started, then freedom to practice at their own pace. And it's significantly cheaper than booking a week of daily lessons.
Non-surf activities for families
Kids (and parents) need variety. Here's what to do on rest days:
Rock pooling at Monte Clérigo or Arrifana. Low tide reveals pools full of crabs, anemones, small fish, and sea snails. Bring a bucket and a sense of curiosity.
Aljezur Castle. A free, open-air Moorish castle ruin on a hilltop above town. Kids love scrambling on the walls and the 360-degree views are spectacular. Best at sunset.
SUP on the Aljezur river. The estuary is flat, calm, and safe for kids. Several operators rent SUP boards by the hour. It's a completely different way to experience the water.
Hiking. Short sections of the Fisherman's Trail are family-friendly. The walk from Arrifana south along the clifftop is stunning — keep kids away from edges, obviously, but the path is well-defined.
Beach days without surfing. Sometimes kids just want to build sandcastles, swim, and eat ice cream. Monte Clérigo and Arrifana both have restaurants right at the beach for easy, long days.
The Saturday market in Aljezur. Local produce, crafts, honey, and bread. Kids enjoy the atmosphere and there's usually fresh fruit and pastries to sample.
Accommodation tips for families
Vale da Telha is the best base for families. The villas and apartments here have gardens, pools, and space for kids to run around. It's 5-10 minutes from Arrifana beach by car and has a relaxed, safe atmosphere.
A self-catering villa with a kitchen also means you can keep costs down — Portuguese supermarkets are excellent and much cheaper than eating out for every meal.
What we deliver for families
When a family books with us, here's what typically shows up at your door:
- Kids' soft-top boards — sized for smaller surfers
- Adult boards — whatever matches each parent's level
- Wetsuits for everyone — carefully sized, because fit matters even more for kids
- Leashes and wax — all included
- Local tips — which beach for the kids today, best tide times, where to get lunch
We also recommend surf schools, explain the conditions, and make sure everyone has what they need. It's the local knowledge that makes the difference.
Planning a family surf holiday? Tell us about your crew — ages, levels, dates — and we'll have everything waiting at your accommodation. Easy for parents, exciting for kids.