My parents chose Vila Nova de Milfontes to start their family. They used to come here on holiday, and they moved after deciding to have children. I was born an Alentejo local and grew up here. I discovered surf at Praia do Malhão and never stopped.

SurfMilfontes opened for business 17 years ago, a project by Filipe Queimado and Pedro Piteira, two local surf pros who would become my teachers later. Initially, it started as a sort of surf club for local kids. Over the years, and as tourism in the region grew, people from all over the world began coming to us.

Winter here is a special time of year for this sport. It’s when we catch the best waves, so we’re open all year long. We still work all year long with the kids, but summer is the busiest time of year when we have more activities and more customers.

We have our small wooden shack in the sand, steps away from the ocean. We are all professionals and experienced teachers, and we’re the only surf school in Odemira certified by the Federação Portuguesa de Surf (Portuguese Surf Federation).

We’re fortunate for this unique location. We’re part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and the scenery around us could not have been more inspiring for surfing. When it comes to waves, the ocean here is the most consistent in the area. We always try to adjust the classes to each client’s needs and safety. We never have more than eight people per teacher, which allows us to give each student the attention they need and offer a personalised service.

In addition to the surf lessons and gear rental, we have a shop and a hostel that’s ready to welcome you with all the comfort you need, the Hike & Surf Lodge in the centre of Vila Nova de Milfontes.