Salty Garden was born from a desire to live closer to nature

Created as an eco-friendly surf stay for travelers seeking nature, simplicity, and meaningful experiences in Portugal.

Everything here has been built with intention: to give more than we take.

Reclaimed wood, low-tech design, and natural materials shaped by hand form the foundation of our place. Rainwater nourishes our gardens, our compost feeds the soil, and the surrounding forest inspires everything we do. We use dry toilets and a natural water purification system, simple, ecological solutions that help us reduce our impact while keeping the place clean, natural, and homey.

In daily life, we try to keep things simple and thoughtful : Homemade vegetarian breakfasts, repairing instead of replacing, and partnering with eco-responsible surf brands who care about the ocean as much as we do.

Our way of living isn’t perfect, but we do our best to create a place that combines sustainability with comfort, creativity, and care.

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Surf & Lessons at Salty Garden – Clear, safe & fun

At Salty Garden, our surf lessons are more than just time in the water, they’re a structured, progressive surf program designed to help you grow with confidence, joy, and a real understanding of the ocean.

All our sessions last 4 hours, giving you enough time to learn, practice, rest, and truly connect with the sea. Every lesson includes all surf equipment, as well as transport to the best surf spot of the day, usually the beautiful and uncrowded beaches of Maceda, Cortegaça, or Esmoriz, some of the quietest surf beaches on Portugal’s Green Coast.

A Teaching Method Based on Progression, Not Repetition

Our surf methodology is designed for beginners and intermediate surfers who want real improvement. Because surfing requires many different skills, each lesson focuses on one clear module based on your level, personal progression, and daily ocean conditions.

Every lesson follows a balanced structure:

  • A warm-up or playful group activity
  • A clear on-sand explanation of the technique or module of the day
  • Plenty of time in the water with your instructor
  • Natural pause moments to rest, breathe, and integrate your learning
  • A final moment of free surf time to practice, explore new skills, or simply enjoy the ocean.

Community Moments & Surf Camp Activities

At Salty Garden, the experience doesn’t stop when the surf lesson ends. Some of the best memories are made in the garden, around the table, or laughing with people who started the week as strangers and ended it as friends.

That’s why every week, we organize a variety of free activities included in your stay, designed to have fun.

What you can expect throughout the week :

  • Wine & Cheese Evenings, a cozy moment to discover local wines and regional cheeses.
  • Pizza night with music quiz and cocktails
  • Campfire Night.
  • Family Dinner.
  • Game Nights.
  • Sunset at the Beach.
  • Olympic Garden Games, playful outdoor challenges for everyone
  • Creative Workshops to discover new skills through hands-on sessions like natural Solid shampoo, ceramic, cooking workshop, and other creative surprises throughout the season.
  • Friendly Chess or Poker Tournaments, for the strategic minds.
  • And more…

You join when you want, you skip when you need rest.

maceda surf camp - concept - adventure

Extra Activities to Personalize Your Stay

Salty Garden also offers a selection of optional extras to make your stay even more special, moments of well-being, local meals, and waterfall excursion.

What you can add to your week :

  • Yoga Sessions – gentle outdoor yoga classes designed to stretch, restore, and balance your body after days of surfing.
  • Relaxing Massages – on-site massages to release tension and help you recover before your next session in the water.
  • Fish Grill Dinner – a delicious meal prepared with fresh local fish, grilled over the fire and enjoyed together under the stars.
  • Homemade Pizza Night – our outdoor pizza oven turns dinner into a fun, social, and tasty moment.
  • Day Trips & Excursions – optional half-day trips to explore nearby lagoons, waterfalls, and charming Portuguese villages.
  • More seasonal surprises, depending on the weather and season.

These extras are not required, they’re simply here to help you slow down, treat yourself, and experience North Portugal in a deeper, more meaningful way.