Tiny Whale Surf Lodge
Lagos, Portugal
Upscale boutique surf camp tucked away in the countryside on Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast.
Surrounded by greenery and peaceful vibes, Tiny Whale Surf Lodge is a gem of a surf retreat. The retreat has been operating for years, but they recently made some major upgrades and moved into a beautiful new location with everything you would ever want on a surf getaway.
Tiny Whale specializes in week-long packages that include seven nights of accommodation, most meals (by their very talented in-house chef), excellent small-group surf lessons, all surf equipment, transportation to the beaches, and other goodies.
Located in the small village of Colinas Verdes, about five minutes from Lagos on Portugal’s southern coast, Tiny Whale is surrounded by quiet countryside yet in close proximity to the nearby town and beaches.
White stuccoed walls and terracotta tiled roofing give a nod to the traditional Portuguese farmhouse, and the interiors have been updated in a cozy minimalist style with neutral hues, woven natural rugs and light wood furniture.
A generous veranda and terrace stretch the span of the lodge with plenty of space to enjoy the sunny days and starry nights. After a day of surfing the stunning coast of the Algarve, get your relaxation on at a lounge chair around the pool before enjoying an alfresco dinner with your new surf friends. Then cap the evening off with a soak in the jacuzzi and a glass or two of local Arinto wine around the fire pit.
The Lowdown
VIBE: Cozy modern farmhouse
LOCALE: Peaceful coastal countryside
ROOMS: 7 Rooms, 3 Cabins, and 2 Luxury Safari Tents
FAMILY FRIENDLY: No. The retreats are open to ages 18+
CLOSEST AIRPORT: Faro Int’l Airport (FAO), AKA Algarve Airport
Features
Inside
In the lodge, there is a breakfast area, lounge, and reception where you can request anything you need during your stay. Common spaces are open and light-filled with a giant built-in couch and communal dining table. Rooms are tasteful and comfortable, with touches like cozy blankets for a homey feel. Choose from a variety of private rooms and shared rooms.
Outside
The beautiful outdoor space is perfect for taking advantage of Portugal’s plentiful sunshine. The property is surrounded by trees and the large terrace has plenty of options for lounging and soaking up the sun. There’s an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, dining area with pizza oven, bar, lounge area with fire pit, yoga space, ping pong table, and a surfboard/wetsuit area to store your gear.
Eat & Drink
The professional in-house chef makes fresh meals with locally-sourced produce. The stay includes almost all meals, including healthy breakfasts, beach picnics for surf days, and two-course dinners with dishes like tuna steak with salsa verde or Moroccan chicken tagine. The only meals that aren’t included are two evenings when the hosts take the group out for dinner in Lagos.
The Surf
The Algarve’s position on the corner of the Iberian Peninsula blesses it with the widest swell window in Portugal and frequent offshores on the south coast. There’s a wide range of reef and beach breaks, and the vast unspoiled coast give you the potential for uncrowded waves. Waves can be found year round in the region, but the summer can bring some flat spells. While May to July is typically the least favorable time for more advanced surfers, if you’re just learning to surf, summer is a great time to visit, as the waves are small, and the weather and water are warmest.
WATER TEMP: 58 – 72 °F (14 – 22 °C)
PEAK SURF SEASON: October – December
SHOULDER SURF SEASON: January – April, August, Sept
SURF EXPERIENCE: Beginner to advanced
Rooms
The spacious ensuite rooms have private ensuite bathrooms and views of the garden or pool. Single, double, twin, triple, or quad set-ups are available to suit every need.
Max Guests: 2 – 4 (depending on the room)
The private rooms overlook the garden and share a full bathroom with only one other room. Single, double, and triple occupancy options are available.
Max Guests: 2 – 3 (depending on the room)
There are 2 private glamping safari tents set up in the spacious garden. Each bell tent has a king-size bed, available electricity, and access to a fully functioning outdoor bathroom which is shared with the other tent.
Max Guests: 2
This brand-new A-frame cabin has a standard setup for 2, but can sleep up to 4 guests. A mezzanine level (accessed by a ladder) has a double bed and offers panoramic views from the top window all the way to the coast. On the lower level, there is a sofa seating area, which changes into a double bed or 2 singles on request. Just a few steps from the cabin there is a private outdoor bathroom.
Max Guests: 4
Shared rooms are a popular option for groups of friends or single travelers. There is one female-only room (max 2 guests) and one mixed shared room (max 3 guests). Shared rooms have access to a shared bathroom (which is used by a maximum of 5 guests).
Max Guests: 2 – 3
The modern and cozy Bird Hide Cabins are private cabins with a double bed, located in a quiet corner of the garden. The cabins share an outdoor bathroom (only shared with a maximum of 2 other guests).
Max Guests: 2
Location
Lagos, Portugal
Tiny Whale Surf Lodge is located in the small village of Colinas Verdes in the Algarve region in southwest Portugal, about a five-minute drive from the nearest town of Lagos. The Algarve is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque countryside, and beautiful beaches. The area is also known for having good consistent surf, as this region has one of the widest swell windows in Europe.