The Algarve is one of our favourites for an October surf retreat! Fewer crowds, building swell, and warm, sunny days that feel a world away from home. Based in the sleepy village of Burgau, we’ll be moving with the surf conditions each day, taking you to the best waves along the coast, with expert small group coaching, and everything you need taken care of.
This is a retreat born from a friendship between two like-minded women’s surf camps, and we’re really excited to be calling the stunning coastal villa of Chicks on Waves our home for the week!
Whether you’re just finding your feet on a board or ready to commit to green waves and start surfing with more confidence; this retreat is designed to give you the ideal conditions to improve your surfing.
Back at the villa, Chicks on Waves’ own beautiful base on the western Algarve coast, everything is prepared for you. With delicious meals from our in-house chef, daily Yoga classes, plenty of space to relax, and a pool for a refreshing dip, we know you will feel fully nourished and inspired from your week here.
DATES
18th – 24th October 2026
PRICE
From £1750
LOCATION
The Algarve, Portugal
YOUR SURFING
The Algarve remains one of our favourite surf destinations in Europe. With easy access from our accommodation to both the West and South coast, we have multiple different options for finding the best conditions each day based on the wind, tide and swell! If the West coast is maxing out we can take to the South coast to find those hidden corners. With a host of beach breaks on our doorstep to explore, this is going to be a classic Portuguese surf trip!
Our Surf Sistas Coaches will be working with a licensed local surf school and their lovely team of female coaches who have a wealth of experience and local knowledge. We will be working to a maximum 1:4 coaching ratio giving you plenty of individual attention and coaching tailored to your level. Each day we will check the charts and head to the best beach for the day. We will split the group to offer you tailored coaching and wave options suited to your level where necessary.
We will be out for one daily surf session for a total of 4 hours from leaving to returning to the villa, maximising time in the water whilst still having time to relax, enjoy the villa and learn valuable tools and technique through video analysis and surf theory sessions.
What will I learn
Here’s an example of what we may cover with you during your Surf Sistas trip. We’ll be helping you to achieve your personal surfing goals during the week so we will tailor our coaching accordingly. Including the use of video analysis through the week.
- Surf safety
- Building confidence and managing fear
- Pop-up techniques and progression
- Trimming and turning technique
- How to catch and ride green waves
- Paddling technique and methods to paddle out back
- Positioning in the water to catch green waves
- Bottom turns, cutbacks, closeout turn
- Longboard technique: Cross Stepping, different take-offs to set up your wave, hanging 5 and nose-riding
Theory Sessions might include:
- Forecasting
- Etiquette
- Surfboard science
- How to read waves
- Wave formation and types of waves
WHERE WE STAY
Set above the coastline in the peaceful western Algarve, our home for the week is the beautiful Chicks on Waves ocean-view lodge built to support both your surfing and relaxation.
Inside, the villa pairs relaxed bohemian warmth with real comfort, with multiple living areas, a generous communal dining space, and enough room to enjoy quiet time on your own or hang with with your fellow Surf Sistas! The bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with private ensuite bathrooms and beautiful views.
Outside, there’s a pool with ocean views and a terrace of loungers, shaded seating, and outdoor dining. Several terraces catch the shifting light throughout the day, and the rooftop offers panoramic views that make it a natural spot for morning Yoga or watching the sunset. There’s also a sauna and quiet decking tucked away in the garden.
The villa is a short walk from a secluded beach and close to the charming fishing village of Burgau, with Lagos just a short drive away where we can head out, explore, go shopping and enjoy two of our evening meals out at local restaurants.
Choose your Space
All rooms are shared within our small group of 12 women, with options to suit how you like to travel – whether that’s a more social shared space or your own private room to recharge.
Triple Room
A relaxed, social option – perfect if you’re coming solo and happy to share with like-minded women.
- 3 single beds
- Ensuite Bathroom
- Come with 2 friends or book solo and we will match you with 2 roomies
Twin Room
Share with one other guest in a little more space. Ideal if you are booking with a friend, or want a balance of connection and comfort
- 2 single beds
- Ensuite Bathroom
- Come with a friend or book solo and we will match you with a roomie.
Solo Room
Your own private space to fully unwind between surf, Yoga and long sun filled days exploring the Algarve
- 1 double bed
- Ensuite Bathroom
- Balcony with an ocean view.
*Early Bird Booking until 31.05.26 while spaces available
YOGA
Our daily Yoga sessions are organised around our surf schedule. We practice asanas to enhance your surfing, improve your balance and flexibility and stretch out tight muscles. The classes will be suitable for all levels so don’t worry if you are new to Yoga.
Mats and props are provided you just need to wear comfortable clothing for the sessions.
GETTING HERE
Fly into Faro Airport (FAO), which is well connected with direct flights from across the UK and Europe.
We’ll take care of the rest.
We run multiple complimentary transfers on both arrival and departure days, so all you need to do is let us know your flight details once booked and we’ll organise everything for you.
From airport to villa is an approx 1 hr drive – a short smooth journey after a day of travel.
WHATS INCLUDED
Your retreat includes:
- Return airport transfers from Faro International Airport, Portugal (FAO)
- 6 Nights accommodation in the Chicks on Waves Villa in Burgau, Algarve, Portugal
- Delicious meals prepared by our in-house chef; including daily breakfasts and lunches and 4 evening meals.
- 5 days of in water surf coaching sessions including softboard and wetsuit hire if needed
- Transport to all activities
- Daily Yoga classes
- Surf theory sessions with your coaches
- Video Analysis sessions with your coaches
- Excursions to local cafe spots, hidden swim beaches and Lagos
- Videos and photos of you surfing
- Use of villa facilities including pool, sauna and garden.
- Surf Sistas exclusive tote Bag packed with goodies
- Surf Sistas Host on hand to help you make the most of your time in Portugal
Not Included
- 2 Evening Meals Out
- Hardboard Rental (from 75 Euros for 5 Days)
HOW TO BOOK
Choose your Room:
| Room type | Early Bird Rate* | Full Rate |
| Shared ensuite triple room | £1750 | £1900 |
| Shared ensuite twin room | £1900 | £2050 |
| Solo occupancy double room with seaview & balcony | £2300 | £2450 |
*Early Bird Booking until 31.05.26 while spaces available
Please use the paypal links below to book your 18-24 October 2026 Surf & Yoga retreat with us in Portugal. Payment is in 3 instalments:
– 30% Deposit to secure your space (non-refundable)
– 35% 1st Instalment due 1st July 2026
– 35% Final instalment due 1st September 2026
Monthly instalment plans are also available if you prefer to spread the cost, just ask when you book.
Rooming on this retreat consists of 12 spaces; 2 solo occupancy rooms, 2 twin occupancy rooms (set up as twin beds, can be double bed on request when booked for 2 people) and 1 triple occupancy rooms. If you are coming solo but would like to choose a shared room option, just book a solo space in a triple or twin room and we will match you with fellow solo travelling Surf Sista(s).
If the retreat is full please drop us a line to be added to the waitlist in case of cancellations or added dates.
Prices in gbp British Pounds (£). Use www.xe.com to check the exchange rate with your currency
FAQs
Is this Surf Trip For Me?
We’ve chosen this spot in Portugal for its beautiful location and warm weather making it the perfect October escape to soak up the last of European Summer. With two opposite facing coastlines this location is great for all levels as we have the option to find beginner friendly waves, mellow corners for long boarders and waves suited to progress your surfing.
We surf once daily on this retreat for a long surf session and accompany this with Video Analysis, Theory, Daily Yoga and relaxation time. If you want a trip with twice daily surfing – you can check out our Galicia Trip in September.
We have a maximum of 12 spaces on the retreat with multiple coaches two Surf Sistas coaches and two Chicks on waves Coaches, ensuring that we can tailor our coaching to your needs and progression. We are always happy to chat through any questions or concerns about choosing the right destination and retreat for you, so do drop us a line if you have any queries
Can’t make these dates?
Look out for more overseas trips in 2026/2027 and a full programme of courses, weekends and retreats in Cornwall, UK. We run courses and weekends between April and October in our beautiful home town in Cornwall, catering for all abilities. Find out more here
FAQs
I can no longer attend, what are my options?
We understand that things happen that mean you can no longer join us. You can cancel your holiday with Surf Sistas at any time provided the cancellation is communicated to us in writing. We will retain your deposit and apply cancellation charges to the maximum as follows:
- Cancellations made 49 days or more before the retreat 20% of total cost
- Cancellations made 30-49 days before the retreat 50% of total cost
- Cancellations made 21 – 30 days before the retreat 70% of total cost
- Cancellations made 20 days or fewer before the retreat – 100% of total cost
Please check our full terms and conditions before you book.
We try to be flexible and if we can sell on your space for you even at the last minute we will retain only the deposit.
Many causes of cancellation are covered by international travel insurance. For this reason we recommend that you take out your travel insurance at the same time that you book your trip to access this benefit.
How ‘good’ do I need to be?
This retreat is for all ability levels so if you are completely new to surfing or not that experienced that is no problem, Portugal is a great place to learn! Improver/intermediate surfers will benefit from two opposing coastlines offer a range of wave options.
Who can attend your retreats?
We welcome all age groups from 18 + on our Surf Sistas retreats so whatever age you are you will fit in just fine! We want to make our retreats and courses as inclusive as possible, if you have any concerns or specific needs please drop us a line
How physically fit do I need to be?
A good level of physical fitness is very beneficial for surfing. However don’t let your fitness be a barrier to learning to surf or getting back into surfing if its something you loved previously. You can take the retreat at your own pace and there is no better incentive and starting point for boosting your overall fitness level than a surf trip!
We will be surfing once daily with a long surf session and carrying boards to and from the beach car park, so expect to sleep amazingly well each night! We are not a boot camp and if you need to take a day off and explore or lie by the pool then we encourage you to do so, its your holiday and we should all listen to our bodies and minds!
If you’re new to surfing and would like to try it out before committing to a full retreat away you could try one of our 2 Day Surf and Yoga weekends in Cornwall. Warning, it could be a new addiction!
Is it ok to come on my own?
Absolutely! What we love about our retreats is the opportunity to bring women together in a shared, empowering and sociable space. You’ll be welcomed into a very supportive and fun environment. In our experience nothing is more bonding than a day enjoying the ocean together! Fun fact – the majority of our guests are solo travellers!
I don’t feel very confident in the sea, will this be a problem?
We understand the sea can be a daunting place but we don’t want this to put you off. Our Surf Sistas coaches are all qualified Surf Lifesavers and we operate in Portugal with a local licensed surf school and two local female coaches who have in depth knowledge of local conditions. You’ll be in safe hands during your time with us. If you are a little nervous, do let us know and we can talk through your concerns and ensure that we are adapting our coaching appropriately to your needs.
Whats the weather like in Portugal in October?
The algarve is a great place to be in October, with temperatures reaching 21-25 degrees Celsius. It’s usually very sunny for a large portion of the day so expect there to be t-shirt weather! However, we are on the edge of the Atlantic so bring layers and a waterproof just in case!
The water will still be warm so a 3/2mm suit (or 4/3mm if you feel the cold) is best. If you’re renting a wetsuit we’ll provide you with a suit appropriate to the conditions.
What should I bring?
- Surfboard & equipment (protective surfboard bag/sock, leash, fins, surf wax). If you don’t have one you can rent one with us, either tell us what you need or we can choose a suitable board for you.
- At least two sets of swimwear
- A changing robe or beach sarong/towel
- A reusable water bottle
- Clothes: light comfortable clothing and layers
- Lightweight Waterproof jacket
- Clothing for Yoga and activities
- Sun protection – ideally waterproof sunblock or zinc
- Sunhat (A surf hat is ideal to wear in the water)
- Sunglasses
- Any personal medication or medical items (we will take a first aid kit + dry bag with us to the beach so you can store anything you need with you at the beach eg. an inhaler)
- A travel adapter for firing up your gadgets
- Passport!
