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Portugal Student Travel Programs for Teens

Rustic Pathways offers three summer programs in Portugal for high school students ages 14-18, centered on Atlantic surf culture, coastal exploration, and cultural immersion in Lisbon and the Setúbal region. Students learn to surf at Costa da Caparica, explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, and visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Each Portugal program is full of hands-on adventure and not classroom-based learning. Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has guided 40,000+ teens through safe, meaningful summer experiences. See all Portugal programs.

✔︎ Since 1983✔︎155,829+ Alumni✔︎6:1 Staff Ratio✔︎4.9/5.0 Rating

Portugal • Italy • Spain • Greece
European Adventure: Teen Tour Through Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece
Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece — the ultimate summer journey
Duration
30 days
Price
$13,680 + airfare
View Dates
Portugal • Spain
Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions
Surf Portugal’s coasts and taste Spain’s culture
Duration
15 days
Price
$6,790 + airfare
View Dates
Portugal
Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture
Explore the best of Portugal's colorful cities while visiting famous beaches and learning to surf...
Duration
8 days
Price
$3,395 + airfare
View Dates

Explore Summer Programs in Portugal

Spend part of your summer in Portugal with a small group of high school students ages 14–18. Based near Lisbon, programs blend surfing, cultural immersion, and shared experiences in warm 70–85°F (21–29°C) weather. Choose from three options that balance ocean adventure with personal growth, connection, and a slower rhythm of life.

Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture

Stay in a supervised Setúbal villa and spend the week surfing Costa da Caparica and exploring Lisbon’s key neighborhoods. A fun mix of surf and cultural immersion for new travelers.

Best for: First-time ocean-loving travelers.

Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture →

Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

Begin in Portugal for Atlantic surf and Lisbon exploration, then continue to Barcelona for community service and hands-on Spanish culinary experiences. A fast-paced two-country journey that blends surf, culture, and meaningful service hours.

Experience two European cultures and earn 11 hours of verified community service. See our Spain programs for Barcelona-only options.

Best for: Students who want Atlantic surf plus Mediterranean city life across multiple countries.

Portugal & Spain →

Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

Travel across four European countries on a month-long teen summer global adventure program that blends surf in Portugal, cultural exploration in iconic cities, and hands-on conservation work in Greece. Students earn 36 service hours while experiencing a wide range of European landscapes and traditions.

Best for: Experienced travelers seeking a comprehensive multi-country summer journey.

Europe Odyssey →

Compare Portugal Teen Travel Programs

Program Countries Duration Ages Max Students Cost Service Hours
Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture Portugal 8 Days 14–18 16 $3,395 + Airfare 3
Portugal & Spain Portugal, Spain 15 Days 14–18 16 $6,790 + Airfare 11
Europe Odyssey Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece 30 Days 14–18 16 $13,680 + Airfare 36

Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture

Duration8 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours3
Cost$3,395 + Airfare

View Program

Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

Duration15 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours11
Cost$6,790+ Airfare

View Program

Europe Odyssey

Duration30 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours36
Cost$13,680+ Airfare

View Program

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Why High School Students Choose Portugal for Summer Programs

Portugal’s Atlantic beaches provide consistent, beginner-friendly surf with certified instructors guiding students at Costa da Caparica and other beginner-friendly beaches. Programs include supervised surf sessions and simple coastal activities that build confidence in the water.

Accommodations and Daily Life

Students stay in a supervised Setúbal villa with shared rooms and community spaces that serve as a safe home base between activities. Meals feature simple Portuguese staples, including fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Daily life follows a relaxed coastal rhythm, giving students a supportive environment to recharge and connect with peers.

Explore Programs

Safety, Impact, and Transformation: The SIT Process

Safety

Students arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport and travel with trained staff throughout the program. Villa accommodations, transportation, and emergency plans are prepared in advance.

Portugal is one of Europe’s safest countries for supervised student travel. Learn more about our safety framework.

Impact

Each activity connects to a defined learning objective. Whether learning surf fundamentals, exploring Lisbon’s neighborhoods, or contributing to coastal conservation, students understand the purpose behind their experiences.

Transformation

Teens traveling to Portugal return with new skills, greater independence, and up to 36 verified service hours. Programs build water confidence, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

What Your Teen Will Gain in Portugal

Ocean Confidence

Daily surf instruction builds comfort in the water as students learn to read waves, recover safely, and push past discomfort.

Cultural Curiosity

Exploring local communities and sharing meals offers new perspectives and insight into daily Portuguese life.

Independent Thinking

Navigating unfamiliar streets, solving small problems, and making everyday choices strengthens judgment and adaptability.

Service with Perspective

Students complete 3 to 36 verified service hours and learn what it means to support a community with care and intention.

Many return home steadier, braver, and more awake to themselves and the world.

Rustic helped me step outside my comfort zone and discover confidence I didn’t know I had.

Quote by: Elizabeth G, Denver, CO. Program Alumni

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Travel to Portugal

Is Portugal safe for teen travel programs?

Yes. Portugal is safe for teen travel programs when managed by reputable providers. It ranks among the world’s safest countries, with low violent crime and a welcoming culture. Programs add safety through trained staff, structured activities, and vetted lodging. Teens should still stay alert for petty theft, beach flags, and drug offers in nightlife areas.

Does my teen need surf experience for a summer program?

No. Teens do not need surf experience for summer programs. Most camps welcome beginners, provide all equipment, and offer instruction at beginner-friendly beaches like Costa da Caparica. Teens learn ocean safety, paddling, and basic surfing in a supportive setting with experienced instructors.

What service work do students complete?

Students complete service work focused on coastal conservation and camp operations. In Portugal, this includes beach cleanups, trash sorting, awareness campaigns, and helping with kitchen, cleaning, and reception duties.

Longer programs in Spain and Greece add more hours. Students typically work 3–5 hours daily in exchange for surf lessons and meals.

How many service hours will my teen earn?

Programs include between 3 and 36 verified community service hours depending on volunteer program selected.

What is included in the program fee to Portugal summer programs?

The program fee includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, surf instruction with equipment, airport pickup, staff support and activities. Airfare is not included.

What are accommodations like on programs?

Accommodations on the program include a villa in Portugal’s Setúbal region with pool access, gender-separated shared rooms, and common spaces. The villa offers a community-focused atmosphere and serves as a home base, providing our teens a more social and immersive experience than typical hotel stays.

Does my teen need a visa to travel to Portugal?

Most nationalities do not need a visa for short-term travel to Portugal or the Schengen Area. However, entry requirements vary by passport. Families should check their teen’s passport validity, allowed length of stay, and whether travel authorization is required before departure.

How does Atlantic surf differ from Mediterranean beaches?

The main difference between Atlantic surf and Mediterranean beaches is wave consistency. Atlantic surf offers stronger, more reliable waves ideal for surf lessons, while Mediterranean beaches are warmer and calmer—better for swimming and relaxing. Wetsuits are provided for cooler Atlantic water.

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