7 days on the coast of Portugal, 20 minutes from Lisbon. This trip blends yoga, local culture, and real connection: think a Portuguese cooking class, a day in Lisbon, a coastal cliff walk, and a morning with local fishermen. Meals are shared together the whole week, from a welcome brunch to a farewell dinner. You'll arrive as strangers and leave feeling like part of something.
Hey, I'm Jenna, and I'm hosting this trip for readers and writers to make friends, relax, and enjoy the Portuguese culture and beaches!
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US$ 1,874
An organized shuttle transfer directly to the accommodation for a smooth, stress-free arrival.
Upon arrival at the villa, check in, settle into your room, and unpack at your own pace.
A relaxed welcome brunch by the swimming pool, designed to break the ice and build immediate connections over fresh food in a laid-back setting.
A guided walk through Caparica to get oriented- the beach, the village, and the rhythm of the place.
A family-style dinner with live music sets a warm, social tone from the very first night.
Start the day with a shared breakfast at camp.
A grounding session to start the rhythm of the week.
A shared meal at camp before the afternoon's cultural activity.
A hands-on cooking session with local ingredients- one of the most memorable cultural moments of the week.
An evening of Portuguese wine and conversation that builds connection across the group.
Shared breakfast before heading out for the day.
A light session to prepare the body for a full day out.
A shared meal before the day's main excursion.
The host leads the group through Lisbon's cultural landmarks- the social and cultural highlight of the week.
Open evening in Bairro Alto or Alfama, on the group's own terms. Dinner is not included tonight, giving travelers the freedom to explore and try local restaurants of their choice.
Shared breakfast at camp.
A quiet, grounding start to the day by the water.
A shared meal before the afternoon's creative session.
A hands-on creative session that flows naturally from the morning's stillness- also a flexible indoor option on days when the weather isn't ideal.
A relaxed dinner together to close out the day.
Shared breakfast before the day's main excursion.
A calm, intentional start to one of the week's anchor days.
A shared meal before the day's coastal walk.
A host-led walk along the project's own dramatic coastline- striking in any season.
A picnic dinner at the end of the walk gives the day a natural, memorable close, and an early, calm finish to the evening.
An early shared breakfast ahead of the fishermen's early start.
A rare, authentic morning with the local fishing community, led by the people who live it.
A shared meal before the afternoon surf session.
A beginner-friendly surf session in the afternoon, after your morning with the fishermen.
The group's last full dinner together, celebrating the week.
A final shared meal before guests head out.
Hop on your transfer and leave with memories, new friends, and salty hair.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
A hands-on workshop learning to cook authentic regional recipes.
Catch your first waves with safe, expert guidance for absolute beginners.
Start your days with grounding sessions to find your focus and mindfulness.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Learn about labels & enjoy wines and snacks by the beach at the project!
Wander through iconic streets, see epic views, and dive into the city’s history, vibes, and culture.
An authentic encounter with Caparica’s local fishing community and traditional maritime roots.
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
For ultimate relaxation, you can book massage sessions at the reception!
€50
Always wanted to try tennis? Enjoy 2 lessons, 2 hours each.
€160
There's a gym available at the surf camp! Hit it anytime and crush those workouts!
Free
Learn the basics with 3 fun, 2-hour local language lessons.
€270
United States
The host made us feel so welcome. All of the staff was so kind and so nice and so welcoming. Definitely as a first time traveler it made me feel like a home away from home and made me feel like there was a place for you there. I would definitely recommend this hostel and this surf camp for anyone traveling to Portugal.
27 days ago
United States
I had an AMAZING time at Dr. Bernard. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I would recommend to everyone! I hope to come back one day!
27 days ago
Canada
Carol and the whole team were absolutely amazing. I had an amazing week learning how to surf, immersing myself in local culture, and meeting so many beautiful amazing people. 10/10 would recommend this trip to anyone- i am already looking forward to going back!
27 days ago
United States
I had the best experience! Would recommend and would love to visit again!
about 1 month ago
United States
The host was so involved and genuinely cared about making sure everyone had what they needed and felt comfortable. I ended up getting the flu during my stay, and they went above and beyond to make sure I could stay in a separate room so I wouldn’t get anyone else sick, even though it was something I wouldn’t have been able to afford on my own. They even brought me medicine and made sure I still felt included despite being sick. I’m so grateful for how kind and thoughtful they were. It really made a difficult situation so much easier :)
about 1 month ago
United States
My experience at Dr Bernard’s was the best week of my life. The entire week was preplanned for us, which made solo traveling incredibly easy. The hostel was nice, we had 3 meals a day, the activities were great, and the surf lessons/surf instructors were so thorough. I would 1000% do that again, and am so sad I had to leave. Thank you so much!
about 1 month ago
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A cozy room with 2 single beds, great for extra privacy. Perfect if you're coming with a friend, or traveling solo (we'll pair you with a roomie, most of our guests come solo!). You'll have free Wi-Fi, 24/7 hot showers, a pool, lounge areas, workspace, laundry, and surfboards, all just a short walk from the beach.
A whole room to yourself, with a double bed and private bathroom for extra comfort. You'll have free Wi-Fi, 24/7 hot showers, a pool, lounge areas, workspace, laundry, and surfboards, all just a short walk from the beach.
Bunk beds that fit several people, perfect if you want that classic hostel vibe. You'll have free Wi-Fi, 24/7 hot showers, a pool, lounge areas, workspace, laundry, and surfboards, all just a short walk from the beach.s!
Throughout the trip, you'll enjoy healthy meals designed to fuel you. Breakfasts include fresh fruits, eggs, and warm pastéis de nata straight from the oven. Lunches are varied and balanced, featuring fresh salads and proteins like fish or tofu. Dinners are served facing the sea, offering everything from artisan pizzas and burgers to traditional Portuguese dishes. Plus, you’ll wind down with local wines and petiscos at your leisure.
Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon and connect with your driver between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM, who will take the group directly to the coast at Costa da Caparica. Check-in is fully coordinated upon arrival on day one so you can settle into your accommodation and kick off this epic week, and a direct return shuttle to the airport is included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
This project is a year-round surf and wellness hub in Costa da Caparica, designed to bring people together through surf lessons, yoga, fitness, live music, and community events. More than just a surf school or restaurant, it’s a space built on inclusion, diversity, and well-being, where travelers and locals connect, share experiences, and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. With a welcoming hostel and a strong community vibe, this is the perfect place to surf, relax, and grow.
Just 20 minutes from Lisbon, Costa da Caparica is a vibrant beach town known for its golden sands, world-class waves, and relaxed surf culture. A year-round destination, it offers amazing surf conditions, fresh seafood, lively beach bars, and stunning coastal views. Beyond the waves, visitors can explore local markets, nature trails, and a thriving arts scene, making it the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
The project creates a positive impact by promoting well-being, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth. Travelers help foster a healthy, active community through surf and wellness programs, support inclusive spaces for all genders, and contribute to local economic development by driving tourism and year-round job opportunities. Together, they make a real difference!
Promoting an active, healthy lifestyle through surf, yoga, and outdoor activities, travelers help create a positive environment that supports both physical and mental well-being. By organizing wellness programs for locals and travelers, they encourage healthier habits and build a stronger, more active community.
Travelers foster an inclusive and respectful space, ensuring equal opportunities for all. By organizing workshops, empowerment activities, and discussions, they help promote gender equality within the project and the local community, creating a culture of respect and collaboration.
Through community engagement, event planning, and tourism initiatives, travelers support sustainable economic growth. Their efforts help keep the project open year-round, creating stable job opportunities—especially in the off-season—while boosting the local economy.
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