Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

Students stay in comfortable, gender separated accommodations throughout the Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions program. In Portugal, the group is typically based near the Atlantic coast at a surf lodge or guesthouse within easy reach of the beach and local town. In Spain, students stay in hotel style accommodations in or near Barcelona, with convenient access to cultural sites, neighborhoods, and the waterfront.

Rooms usually accommodate two to four students and include standard furnishings suitable for teen travelers. Most accommodations provide private bathrooms with hot water and Western style toilets. Wi Fi and air conditioning are available at the majority of locations, though connection speeds and coverage may vary.

All accommodations used by Rustic Pathways are vetted for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for high school students. Specific properties may vary by session and are subject to change based on availability and group size.

Meals on this program highlight Portuguese and Spanish cuisine while keeping student preferences and dietary needs in mind. In Portugal, breakfasts are often served at the accommodation and may include bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal, and juice. Lunches and dinners feature a mix of local dishes such as grilled fish, soups, rice dishes, and simple home style meals that fuel active days at the beach and in town.

In Spain, students enjoy a variety of meals that may include tapas style dishes, paella, grilled meats or vegetables, salads, and other Mediterranean favorites. Some meals are eaten at local restaurants or cafes, while others may be group style meals arranged by Rustic Pathways. Students will have chances to explore local markets and try regional specialties in both countries.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas of Portugal and Spain, and students will have regular access to safe drinking water. In some locations, bottled or filtered water may also be provided. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Dietary requirements and food allergies – We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please be sure to include this information on your medical form so that staff can prepare, and consider bringing a few favorite snacks if you have very specific preferences.

Most students travel on a chaperoned group flight arranged by Rustic Pathways from a designated United States gateway airport to Lisbon, Portugal. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the departure airport, assists with check in and security, and travels with the group to Europe. Upon arrival in Portugal, Program Leaders greet the group and accompany students to their accommodation near the coast or in the Lisbon area.

During the program, the group travels overland from Portugal to Spain. Depending on the session, this may involve a combination of private bus, train, or regional flight to reach Barcelona. At the end of the program, students depart from Barcelona on a chaperoned return flight to the United States or meet families according to pre-arranged plans.

The advertised dates for the Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions program include international travel time. Families who are not using the chaperoned flight should coordinate arrival and departure details with Rustic Pathways so students can meet the group during the arrival window at the destination airport.

This program includes a moderate to active level of physical activity. In Portugal, students participate in multiple surf lessons and spend extended time on the beach, which involves walking on sand, carrying boards, and being in the ocean under the guidance of professional instructors. Students also explore coastal towns and Lisbon on foot, which includes walking up and down hills and stairs.

In Spain, the group takes part in walking tours around Barcelona, visits markets and cultural sites, and may join light coastal walks or beach based activities. On some days, students are on their feet for several hours at a time while sightseeing or participating in group activities.

No previous surfing experience is required, but participants should be comfortable swimming and spending time in the water. Before joining surf sessions or other 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.

Students may bring their phones on the Portugal and Spain 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, though speeds and reliability can vary, especially in coastal or older urban buildings. Students may also encounter Wi Fi in some cafes or public spaces. International phone plans often work in Portugal and Spain, but families should confirm coverage and costs with their provider before departure. Parents receive regular updates from Rustic staff and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line in case of urgent concerns.

Most core costs such as accommodations, meals, in country transportation, and scheduled activities are included in the Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions program fee. Students should plan to bring extra spending money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, optional treats in cafes, and any additional phone or internet use during free time.

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

Students can expect warm, generally sunny summer weather along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and in Barcelona during the program months of June, July, and early August. In the Lisbon and surf coast region, average daytime highs are often in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (around 25 to 28 °C), with cooler evenings and a refreshing ocean breeze. Water temperatures can feel brisk, so wetsuits are commonly used during surf sessions.

In Barcelona, typical summer daytime highs range from the low to mid 80s °F (around 28 to 30 °C), with warm evenings and relatively low rainfall. Short periods of higher heat or humidity are possible, especially in the city.

Because many activities are outdoors, Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. A light layer or sweatshirt is useful for cooler evenings, air conditioned spaces, or windy conditions near the ocean.

Laundry service on this program is limited. Some accommodations in Portugal or Spain may offer laundry service for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed every session and may not fit neatly into the schedule.

Students should pack enough clothing to last at least 8 days and bring lightweight, quick drying items that can be hand washed if needed. There will be opportunity to do laundry between travel from Portugal and Spain.

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. Outfits should be appropriate for walking tours, beach days, surf lessons, and travel between locations.

Because this program includes surfing and time in the water, students should bring at least one swimsuit, a rash guard or sun shirt, and sandals or water shoes that can get wet. Closed toe shoes are important for walking in cities and on any light hikes or excursions. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover up are essential for sun protection. Students should also pack at least one slightly nicer outfit for group dinners or special evenings in town.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions. Rustic uses 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 leashes. Before entering the water, students receive safety briefings and have the chance to demonstrate basic swimming comfort.

Parents are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’ comprehensive Health & Safety measures for detailed information about supervision, emergency response, and safety practices while abroad.

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