We are in Ericeira, a coastal village about 35 km from Lisbon on the south-west edge of Europe. Ericeira was named the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe in 2011, with 8 km of beaches offering surf for all levels.

Everything, really. From the narrow cobbled streets overlooking the Atlantic to the 8km of protected coast on the south-west edge of Europe. This ancient village was made the first World Surf Reserve in Europe in 2011, second in the world. Here you have the most incredible blend of tradition and excitement; the most delicious food and stunning ocean sunsets every day. 

We're in Portugal, so we work in Euros (EUR).

Ericeira is full of life, especially during the sunny seasons. People on the street, lovely shops, an excellent variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and even a Club open until 6 am in the Summer. 

Yes. On average, you can arrive by taxi for 65€/ 75€ or by bus for less than 10€ per person. You’ll need to get on the tube to Campo Grande station and then take the bus to Ericeira. That will take around 90 minutes and cost less than 10€. You can also take a UBER for under 50,00€ (daytime).

Ericeira has many cafes, esplanades and bars open until late. We traditionally have late dinners and long nights when it comes to partying. So, if you're not surfing in the morning after, you can go clubbing up to 6 am in the Summer.

Ericeira, just 45 minutes from Lisbon, is one of the best places in Portugal to learn to surf as a complete beginner. As Europe's World Surf Reserve, it offers reliable waves all year round and beginner-friendly beach breaks with sandy bottoms. At Magikvanilla Surf School, your first lesson includes a theory session, warm-up and safety briefing before you hit the water — then your instructor stays right beside you in the waves, helping with paddling, timing and your first pop-ups. With a maximum of 5 students per coach, most beginners ride their first waves in their very first lesson. No experience needed; we provide the board, wetsuit and all the cheering you can handle.

Portugal has many great learner beaches, but Ericeira's sandy beach breaks are among the most beginner-friendly in the country — gentle, consistent waves, sandy bottoms, and conditions that work in every season. That's exactly where Magikvanilla Surf School teaches: a licensed beach break. Whether it's your very first wave or you're working on your pop-up, this stretch of coast gives you the best possible start.

Ericeira, Portugal — Europe's only World Surf Reserve — is hard to beat for a group surf trip: consistent swell, 8 km of world-class surf spots, sunshine, and a charming fishing village full of great food and good vibes. At Magikvanilla Surf School we organise tailored group surf experiences for friends, stag and hen parties, company retreats and clubs. We assess everyone's level, split the group so nobody is held back (or left behind), and keep the ratio at a maximum of 5 surfers per coach so every person gets real coaching, not just a board rental. Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll build a package around you.

No experience is needed for beginner lessons. You just need to be able to swim comfortably in the ocean and bring a positive attitude. We have a lot of experience teaching first-timers. For intermediate or advanced sessions, some prior surfing is expected.

Every lesson includes all your gear (wetsuit, board, leash and wax), beach transfers to and from the meeting point, and personal and public liability insurance. Week-long courses and bookings of four or more lessons also include video analysis and a photo session.

Each lesson includes up to two hours of in-water practice. With pick-up, theory, warm-up, safety brief and drop-off, allow around three hours end to end. Session times change daily based on the best surf conditions, so they can run from early morning to sunset.

Bring swimwear, flip-flops, sunglasses, sunscreen, and something warm for after the session. We provide all the surf gear you need, so there is no need to pack a wetsuit or board.

Yes. All instructors are fully qualified and certified by the International Surf Association (Level 2) and the Portuguese Surf Federation, and are trained lifesavers and first responders. They are always in the water with you, keeping you safe and pushing you further.

We keep a maximum ratio of five learners per instructor so everyone gets real attention and feedback, whatever their level.

Yes. You can add individual coaching sessions or book a Green Waves package, which includes one-on-one coaching, surf theory, technique work and video analysis for intermediate and advanced surfers.

The chances are pretty narrow, but you have nothing to worry about if it happens. All our instructors are first aid qualified; there is a complete first aid kit on the beach at all times, and plenty of pharmacies and a 24-hour Clinic less than 10 minutes away to assist you, regardless of nationality or insurance.

Booking a multi-day surf course is simple: choose your dates, your level, and how many days you'd like to surf. At Magikvanilla Surf School in Ericeira, you can book a week-long surf course online in just a few clicks — secure your spot with a 50% deposit and pay the rest later. Multi-day courses are the fastest way to progress, because each session builds on the last. Our week-long packages also include video analysis, so you can actually see your technique improving day by day. All lessons take place at a licensed beach break, suitable for beginners and intermediates year-round. If 5 lessons aren't your number, talk to us, and we can tailor-make your package.

We do. The minimum age is 7; we do not permit anyone under this age to participate in a group lesson.

- We can offer private coaching to children aged 17 or under, provided that a parent or guardian is with the child throughout the lesson.

- The parent or guardian may choose to participate in the experience if they wish or wait at the beach.

- We reserve the right to refuse tuition if no visible arrangements are made.

We'll try to accommodate any changes you ask for after confirming your booking. However, these changes are subject to course dates and instructors' availability.

We understand if you or anyone in your group unexpectedly cannot participate in a lesson or whole course experience. You may transfer the booking to another person. However, please let us know the new person's name and ensure a completed booking form is signed and returned to us before the lesson or course start date.

If your group size has decreased, we must be notified by e-mail to welcome@makikvanilla.com up to 3 weeks (21 days) in advance (before the starting date). If you don't let us know within this time frame, you will be responsible for paying the value of the original booking.

These measures are particularly important for bookings made with anticipation. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies.

You may transfer the booking to another person. However, please let us know the new person's name and birth date. We will also need an email from the original participant consenting to this change.  The new participant must ensure a completed booking form is signed and returned to us before the lesson or course start date.

Please see our Terms & Conditions for full cancellation details.

For fully paid bookings made at least 30 days in advance:

- More than 21 days before the experience start date = 50% refund

- Less than 21 days before the experience start date = no refund.

For bookings made 30 days in advance, with a 50% deposit payment:

- No refunds.

For bookings made less 21 days before the experience (full payment required)

- No refunds.

This refund policy applies only to direct bookings. If you've booked through a tour operator, please be aware that their refund policies will apply to you.

You can book online and secure your spot with a 50% deposit, then pay the rest later. Alternatively, contact us through email - welcome@magikvanilla.com - or WhatsApp (+351 927 199 020).

We check the forecast every day and choose the session times that give you the best, safest conditions, which is why lesson times vary from early morning to sunset.

If we consider sea or weather conditions dangerous for surf instruction, we will cancel the lessons and do everything we can to reschedule your lesson. If this is not possible, we will issue you a credit voucher that you can redeem until the end of the following season or issue a full refund.

Yes, we do! If you book a weekly pack, we’ll have a videographer on-site and a feedback session afterward. Video analysis is not included in single sessions unless you book 4+ lessons. Then, you can include it as an optional extra.

Yes, we do! If you book a weekly course pack, a photo session is included, and believe us, it is worth it;)  A pro photographer will be on-site to capture your best moments (and some others, too:). Photos are not included in single sessions unless you book 4+ lessons. Then, you can include it as an optional extra (extra fee)

"Best" depends on what you're looking for — but if it's small groups, certified instructors and genuine attention in the water, that's exactly what we built Magikvanilla around. We cap every lesson at 5 learners per coach, our instructors are qualified surf lifeguards and first responders, and they're in the water with you the whole session, giving instant feedback wave after wave. Magikvanilla has welcomed surfers from around the world since 2013, earning consistently outstanding reviews and Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice recognition along the way. The best way to judge? Read what our students say on TripAdvisor — then come catch a wave with us.

If you're planning a family surf holiday in Portugal, look for small groups, patient instructors and a real focus on safety — those three things make all the difference with kids. At Magikvanilla Surf School in Ericeira, families regularly surf together, with children from around age 7 joining lessons tailored to their size, confidence, and attention span. Our coaches are qualified surf lifeguards and first responders, groups are capped at 5 learners per instructor, and every session starts with a fun warm-up and safety brief. Parents often tell us the best part wasn't the surfing — it was watching their kids stand up for the first time. (We respectfully disagree: it's both.)

Magikvanilla Surf School offers private surf lessons in Ericeira for anyone who wants one-on-one coaching — ideal if you're short on time, working on a specific skill, or simply prefer your instructor's full attention. Your private lesson is fully tailored to your level, from first-ever waves to refining your turns and wave selection, and includes theory, warm-up, safety brief and equipment. Lessons take place at our licensed beach break in Ericeira, with conditions checked daily by our team. Private sessions can be booked through enquiry for any day of the week, year-round — just pick your date and we'll handle the rest. (Subject to availability and ocean conditions).