Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture

Students stay at a beautiful and spacious villa in the Setúbal region, about an hour from Lisbon. The property with eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a large living room gathering spots. It also has plenty of outdoor space, including a garden and pool where students can relax after daily activities.

Rooms are gender-separated and usually shared by 2–4 students, with standard furnishings suitable for teen travelers. Bathrooms have running hot water and Western-style toilets. The villa is carefully vetted by Rustic Pathways for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for high school students.

Breakfast on most days will be fresh, local Portuguese pastries, simple sandwiches (traditional Portuguese breakfast), fruit, yogurt, or cereal at the base house.

Most lunches will be eaten on the go during activities, service, or exploring different locations. These meals will include both local Portuguese dishes and international/western dishes.

Dinners will be a combination of local cuisine prepared family-style by chefs at our base villa, eating out at Portuguese restaurants and a pizza night. When exploring places like Lisbon and Sintra, there will be snack stops to try pastries, fresh local fruit, and other Portuguese snack foods.

Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please make sure to include this in your medical form so that our staff can prepare.

Flights – Our chaperoned flight departs from Newark (EWR). The arrival and departure airport in Portugal is Lisbon International Airport (LIS).

This program does not have any internal flights. The advertised dates for this program include travel time from the USA. 

Visa –There are no visa requirements in Portugal for students traveling on United States passports. Students traveling with Rustic Pathways on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for determining their own visa requirements. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy.

This program includes a moderate to active level of physical activity. Students participate in multiple surf lessons on the Atlantic coast, which involves walking on sand, carrying boards, and spending time in the ocean under the guidance of professional instructors. Wetsuits and appropriate surf gear are provided as needed.

Beyond surfing, students explore Lisbon’s neighborhoods on foot, including hilly streets, stairs, and cobblestone paths, and join day trips to destinations such as Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and the Arrábida Coast. These excursions may include short hikes, walking tours, and beach time.

No previous surfing experience is required, but participants should be comfortable swimming and spending time in the water. Before ocean-based activities, students complete a brief swim and comfort check to help ensure safety. Students should be prepared for warm summer weather, sun exposure, and active days spent outdoors.

Service on the Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture program focuses on coastal stewardship and eco-conservation. Students participate in projects that help protect the beaches and marine environments they enjoy during the week.

Depending on the session, activities may include beach cleanups, removing litter from dunes and coastal paths, and joining workshops on marine conservation and climate change impacts along the Lisbon coast. Students may also work with their group to brainstorm practical ideas for protecting ocean ecosystems and reducing waste.

Specific service tasks and locations can vary by year based on local needs and partner guidance. Rustic Pathways collaborates with community partners to ensure that projects are helpful, age-appropriate, and aligned with long-term environmental goals in the region.

Students may bring their phones on the Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture program, but they are expected to follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during group activities, lessons, or meals when it would detract from the shared experience. Students are encouraged to stay present, connect with their peers, and fully engage in cultural and outdoor activities.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations used on this program, including the base villa, although speeds and reliability can vary, especially in countryside or coastal areas. Students may also find Wi-Fi in some cafes or public spaces. Families considering an international phone plan should confirm coverage and costs with their provider before departure.

Parents will have access to Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency number and receive updates from staff while students are in country. We encourage families to discuss communication expectations before the program begins so everyone is on the same page.

Most core costs—accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities—are included in the Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture program fee. Students should plan to bring extra spending money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks or drinks, optional treats in cafes, and any personal phone or internet use outside the program’s standard communications.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately 150 United States dollars per week (or the equivalent in euros) for souvenirs and incidentals. Portugal uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Students are encouraged to exchange money into euros before departure or use bank cards at ATMs in major towns, following guidance from their families and banks.

Students can expect warm, generally sunny summer weather along Portugal’s Atlantic coast during late June and July, when this program operates. In the Lisbon and Setúbal region, average daytime highs are often in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (around 25–28 °C), with cooler evenings and an ocean breeze. Water temperatures can feel brisk compared to the air, which is why wetsuits are commonly used during surf sessions.

Short periods of higher heat or wind are possible, especially in exposed coastal areas. Because many activities take place outdoors, Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer or sweatshirt is useful for cooler evenings or windy conditions near the water.

Laundry service on this program is limited and not guaranteed. The villa may have basic facilities or options to do a small wash, but these services depend on the schedule and availability during your specific session.

Students should pack enough clothing to last the full 8-day program and prioritize lightweight, quick-drying items that can be hand-washed in a sink if needed. Program Leaders can help students find appropriate times to rinse or hang-dry essential items, but families should plan as though formal laundry service will not be available.

Students should wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm summer weather and active days. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal for walking tours, beach time, and travel days. Outfits should be modest and appropriate for both coastal activities and visits to towns, markets, and historic sites.

Because this program includes surfing and other water activities, students should bring at least one swimsuit, a rash guard or sun shirt, and footwear that can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes. Closed-toe shoes or sneakers are important for walking in Lisbon, exploring Sintra and Cabo da Roca, and any light hikes or excursions. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up or long-sleeve layer are essential for sun protection. Students may also want one slightly nicer outfit for group dinners or special evenings out.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture. Rustic works with trained Program Leaders and reputable local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows established risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to supervise students, support group dynamics, and respond to any incidents or emergencies.

Surf lessons and water-based activities are conducted with qualified instructors who follow local safety protocols and provide appropriate equipment such as wetsuits and surfboards. Before entering the water, students receive safety briefings and have a chance to demonstrate basic swimming comfort.

Families are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’s comprehensive Health & Safety measures for more details about supervision, emergency response, and safety practices while abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture program. This plan is designed to help protect families from unexpected events such as trip cancellation or interruption, certain medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and some travel delays.

Coverage details depend on the specific policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing to understand what is and is not covered. For more information, visit Rustic Pathways’ Travel Protection Plan page.