Your Dream Surf Holiday Awaits
Explore The Area
We are lucky to be situated in the magnificent Sintra area of Portugal, home to breathtaking scenes of nature’s beauty framed by the dramatic Atlantic Ocean. To give you an idea of what our part of Portugal has to offer (when you’re not surfing) we’ve complied a list of the top spots to visit during your stay with us.
AZENHAS DO MAR
A little slice of Greece in Portugal, this quaint seaside town nestled on the cliffside will bring the photographer out in you. Azenhas do Mar has two main restaurants, a beach bar in the Summer and a natural swimming pool to cool off in. It’s just a 15 minute clifftop stroll away from the lodge.
Monserrate Palace
This hidden gem is a short bus or taxi ride away or, if you’re feeling energetic, a two hour walk (7.7km). The palace gardens have species from all corners of the world making it one of the richest botanical gardens in Portugal. Wander around the Mexican bed and breath in the air in the Rose garden before exploring the Palace itself, which boasts incredible Indian inspired architecture. Definitely a “must see” if you’re a lover of romantic landscapes.
CABO Da ROCA
A famous landmark with it’s own monument declaring it as the westernmost extent of continental Europe. Also the place that inspired the lighthouse component of our logo (who’s light beam can be seen at night from the lodge). It was known to the Romans as “The Rock of Lisbon” during the age of sail, a very apt name when you see the 100 meter high granite cliffs and rocks that surround it. (25 min bus ride or 2 hour walk)
PRAIA DA URSA
Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see. It’s quite a trek to get down there, there isn’t an official path as such but a trail worn away by all the eager beach goers that came before. Praia da Ursa is found on the road to Cabo da Roca, which you can walk to from the lodge or catch the bus.
Moorish Castle
A fortress built in the 10th century after the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Also an amazing view point with a panoramic display of the surrounding area for miles in every direction. You can tread in the steps of ancient soldiers as you walk the castle walls and earn you’re lunch at the same time (there’s quite a few steps). Catch the bus from Praia das Macas and be in Sintra in 15 mins, then make your way up the mountain.
PENA PALACE
One of the finest tourist attractions of Portugal and exemplifies the 19th century Romanticism style of architecture. Pena Palace is definitely the busiest and most popular sight to see, so you may have to fight the crowds but the view is worth it. The interior has been fully restored and of course the palace has it’s own gardens that you can explore too.
Quinta da Regaleira
The Quinta da Regaleira is a gothic style 20th century residence split over five floors. However, the real attraction is it’s enchanting gardens styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism. Stepping into this place is like walking onto the set of Game of Thrones. In our opinion Quinta Regaleira is the best place to visit in Sintra. (15 min bus ride)
SINTRA
A world heritage site, we now come to Sintra itself. The town is a pioneer work of European romanticism and when you stroll its streets you can easily see why the previous Kings of Portugal used to spend their Summers in this magical place.
historic tram
Take the scenic route to Sintra. Catch the 114 year old tram from the centre of our seaside town and go back in time, watching the green countryside as you go. €3 per adult.