A place built for people who want more than just a surf trip in Portugal.
Hidden within an off-grid ranch between the pine forest and the Atlantic Ocean, Salty Garden is a place where nature sets the rhythm and community comes naturally. More than a surf camp, it's a space to disconnect from busy routines, slow down, and reconnect—with the ocean, with nature, and with like-minded people.
Built with reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and handcrafted structures, the camp reflects a simple and sustainable way of living. Surrounded by woodland, every corner has been designed to encourage relaxation and outdoor living.
Life at Salty Garden is shared with the horses that call the ranch home, adding to the peaceful atmosphere and unique character of the place. Guests can simply enjoy their presence or choose to make their stay even more memorable by joining an optional horse riding experience.
Surfing is at the heart of what we do, but it's only one part of the experience. Your days naturally flow between surf sessions, slow mornings, shared meals, forest walks, beach bonfires, yoga and social activities. Whether you're arriving alone or with friends, you'll quickly become part of a welcoming international community.
Located in Ovar, just south of Porto, Salty Garden is only a 15-minute walk through the pine forest from a peaceful stretch of Atlantic beach. With more than 10 kilometres of uncrowded coastline nearby, we can always find the best conditions for your surf sessions while still enjoying the calm of Portugal's quieter coast.
Whether you're here to catch your first waves, improve your surfing, spend time in nature, or simply experience a slower way of living, Salty Garden offers a place where authentic connections, adventure, and simplicity come together.
Highlights
- 7 nights accommodation
- 5 surf lessons – 20 hours total with all equipment and insurance included, 4-hour sessions to help you progress quickly
- Social events, workshops and occasional excursions included such as wine and cheese tasting, ceramic or creativ workshop, Games or poker night, Sporty tournement, Family Dinner, and more surprise through the season.
- Clean, safe waves perfect for beginners and intermediates
- Intimate atmosphere with a strong community vibe, ideal for solo travellers or friends
- Free use of surf skates
- Access to equipment: boardgames, slack-line, volleyball, Mölkky, and more
- Homemade daily breakfast and access to fully equipped kitchens
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Accommodation
Nestled within an off-grid ranch surrounded by peaceful pine forests, Salty Garden is a place to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Built with reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and handcrafted structures, the camp embraces a sustainable lifestyle while offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests quickly feel at home.
Accommodation is provided in spacious bell tents, available as private, twin, or shared options. Each tent is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable real beds, quality bedding, rugs, storage furniture, and soft lighting, offering the perfect balance between outdoor living and comfort.
The ranch features a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, communal dining areas, shaded chill-out spaces, hammocks, outdoor showers, and plenty of open areas to relax between surf sessions. Surrounded by over a hectare of gardens and woodland, there is always a peaceful corner to unwind, read, or simply enjoy nature.
One of the unique features of Salty Garden is the horses that live on-site. Their peaceful presence is part of everyday life at the ranch and adds to the authentic atmosphere of the camp. Guests who wish to make their stay even more memorable can also book an optional horse riding experience.
More than just accommodation, Salty Garden offers an authentic experience where nature, community, surfing, and slow living come together.
Program
At Salty Garden, surfing is only part of the experience. The camp was created around a simple belief: people need people. Every stay is designed to encourage genuine connections, shared adventures, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you'll quickly become part of a welcoming international community.
Your days begin with breakfast before heading to the beach for your surf lesson. Guided by experienced instructors, each session includes a complete warm-up, ocean safety, surf etiquette, paddling techniques, wave positioning, pop-ups, and personalised coaching adapted to your level. Lessons last around four hours, including transport to the best surf conditions of the day.
Beyond surfing, life at Salty Garden follows the rhythm of nature. Spend your afternoons relaxing in a hammock, exploring the surrounding forests, enjoying optional activities such as horse riding, or simply sharing meals and stories with fellow travellers. Throughout the week, the camp also organises social activities, creating the perfect opportunity to meet new people, experience the local lifestyle, and make lasting memories both in and out of the water.
The goal is not only to improve your surfing but also to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected—to nature, to others, and to yourself.
Location
Salty Garden is located in Ovar, and near Furadouro beach, a charming coastal town nestled between Porto and Aveiro. Hidden among peaceful pine forests, the ranch offers the perfect balance between surfing, nature, and authentic Portuguese village life. Just a 15-minute walk through the forest leads to a beautiful, quiet beach where we surf according to the best daily conditions. On selected evenings, this same beach becomes the setting for relaxed sunset bonfires, bringing everyone together to enjoy music, conversations, and unforgettable sunsets by the ocean.
The coastline stretches for more than 10 kilometres, offering a wide variety of uncrowded surf breaks suitable for beginners through to intermediate surfers. With so many options nearby, we can always choose the beach with the best conditions for your lesson. Despite its peaceful setting, Salty Garden is only 10 minutes from Ovar train station, with direct connections to Porto and Aveiro in around 45 minutes.
It's the perfect location for guests wishing to explore Portugal while returning each evening to the calm and tranquillity of the ranch.
