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

Narrow cobbled streets overlooking the Atlantic, 8 km of protected coastline, and some of the best food and sunsets you'll find anywhere in Portugal. It's the kind of place that's easy to fall for.

We're based in Portugal, so prices are set in Euros (EUR).

A taxi runs roughly €65–€75, or take the metro to Campo Grande station and then a bus (about 90 minutes total, under €10). An Uber typically costs under €50 during the day.

Plenty — cafés, restaurants, shops, and a bar scene that runs late into the night in summer, alongside the beaches and surf.

No experience needed for beginner lessons — just comfort swimming in the ocean and a good attitude. For intermediate or advanced sessions, we ask that you already have some surfing under your belt.

All your gear (wetsuit, board, leash, 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 can also include video analysis and a photo session.

Up to two hours in the water. With pick-up, theory, warm-up, safety brief and drop-off, plan for about three hours start to finish. Session times shift daily to match the best conditions, so they can run anywhere from early morning to sunset.

Swimwear, flip-flops, sunglasses, sunscreen, and something warm for afterwards. We handle the wetsuit and board.

Yes — all are certified by the International Surf Association (Level 1 & 2) and the Portuguese Surf Federation/ IPDJ, trained lifesavers and first responders, and in the water with you every session.

Maximum 5 learners per instructor, so everyone gets real coaching and feedback, not just a board and a wave.

Right here, if you ask us. Ericeira's sandy beach breaks are among the most beginner-friendly in Portugal — gentle, consistent waves that work in every season. Your first lesson includes theory, a warm-up and a safety briefing before you're in the water, with your instructor beside you the whole time, helping with paddling, timing and your first pop-ups.

Yes. The minimum age for our standard group lessons is 12; children aged 7 and up can join our dedicated kids' surf weeks or upon enquiry. We also offer private coaching for younger surfers, with a parent or guardian present throughout.

Unlikely, but you're covered either way. All instructors are first-aid qualified, there's a full first-aid kit on the beach at all times, and a 24-hour clinic in town.

Choose your dates, your level, and how many days you'd like, then book online in a few clicks with a 50% deposit (pay the rest later). Multi-day courses are the fastest way to progress, since each session builds on the last, and week-long packages include video analysis so you can see yourself improving day by day.

We think so. Kids from around age 7 join lessons tailored to their size and confidence; our coaches are qualified lifeguards and first responders, and every session opens with a fun warm-up and safety brief. Parents usually say the best part was watching their kid stand up for the first time. (We'd call it a tie with their own first wave.)

Yes — for friends, stag and hen parties, company retreats or clubs. Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll split levels sensibly (so nobody's held back or left behind) and build a package around you, always at a maximum of 5 surfers per coach.

Book online with a 50% deposit and pay the rest later, or reach us by email (welcome@magikvanilla.com) or WhatsApp (+351 927 199 020).

We'll do what we can, subject to availability. If your group size changes, email us at least 3 weeks (21 days) before your start date — after that, you're responsible for the original booking value.

Yes. Send us the new person's name and date of birth, along with an email from the original participant confirming the change.

Full details are in our Terms & Conditions — the short version is that refund eligibility depends on how far ahead of your start date you cancel.

For bookings paid in full 30+ days ahead:50% refund if you cancel more than 21 days before your start date; 

No refund inside 21 days. Deposits and bookings made within 21 days of the start date are non-refundable. 

This applies to direct bookings only — if you booked through a tour operator, their policy applies.

We check forecasts daily and schedule sessions for the safest, best conditions available, which is why lesson times vary. If we judge conditions genuinely unsafe, we'll cancel and reschedule where we can — and if that's not possible, we'll issue a credit voucher or a full refund.

Yes — included in weekly packs and available as an optional extra if you book 4 or more single sessions.

Yes — can be included in weekly course packs (genuinely worth it) and available as a paid optional extra for smaller bookings.