Magikvanilla Surf Camp Review | Ericeira Surfcamps
Introduction
Magikvanilla Surf Camp is a guesthouse located in Ericeira, Portugal, that offers all-inclusive packages of surf camp and yoga. Its central location, close to both the town center and the beach, makes it easily accessible while still providing a sense of privacy. The guesthouse is designed to make you feel at home, with a spacious garden, terraces, sunny balconies, TV room, and library, all equipped with free wireless internet. Guests are also welcome to use the kitchen and barbecue facilities.
Ericeira is a beautiful seaside town that became the first World Surf Reserve in Europe in 2011, and it’s known for its 8 km of shoreline filled with world-class surf spots. People from around the world visit Ericeira every year and choose Magikvanilla Surf Camp as their surf holiday destination. The owners, Steve and Susie, left their steady jobs to follow their passion for hosting people and spreading the love for surfing. They aim to create long-lasting memories that guests will cherish for years to come. It is considered on of the best surf camps in Ericeira.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorms for up to five people, double and twin rooms in the main house, and two bungalows named Duke and Captain Jack, both with a double bed, private bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. Guests are welcome to use the main house kitchen, barbecue, and TV lounge at any time, as well as the chill-out areas, sun decks, and terraces.
The surf camp instructors are certified by the Portuguese Surf Federation and the International Surf Association, and are also experienced lifeguards and first aiders. They provide a safe and fun learning experience for guests of all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. In addition to surfing lessons, Magikvanilla Surf Camp offers other activities such as yoga and aerial yoga lessons, stand-up paddle sessions, horse riding, massages, wine tasting tours, and organized trips to nearby destinations such as Sintra, Lisbon, or Óbidos.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp has consistently achieved outstanding reviews and ratings from guests, with 92% top ratings on travel review sites. It has also been continuously awarded the Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence since its second season and received the Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in 2019. The laid-back atmosphere and welcoming environment make Magikvanilla Surf Camp a home away from home, a perfect spot to make new friends and create unforgettable memories.
Who is the Magikvanilla Surf Camp for?
The Magikvanilla Surf Camp is a perfect holiday destination that caters to a wide range of travelers, making it ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, groups, parties, beginners, and longboarders alike.
Families
For families, the camp offers a safe and enjoyable environment for both adults and children, with a range of activities suitable for all ages. Children can participate in surf lessons and other fun activities, while parents can relax and unwind, knowing their kids are in good hands.
Couples
Couples can enjoy a romantic getaway in this serene location, with stunning sunsets, walks on the beach, and plenty of opportunities for water activities together. The camp offers private double rooms, perfect for couples seeking privacy and relaxation.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers can find a welcoming and friendly environment at the Magikvanilla Surf Camp. With plenty of group activities and opportunities to socialize, it’s easy to make friends and meet like-minded people.
Groups of friends
Groups of friends can enjoy an unforgettable experience at the camp, with opportunities for team-building activities, adventure, and lots of fun. The camp can accommodate groups of up to 30 people, making it ideal for larger groups.
The camp also caters to partygoers, offering a vibrant and fun atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to dance, socialize, and have a good time.
Beginner
Beginners can take advantage of the surf lessons offered at the camp, with experienced instructors who provide a safe and supportive environment for learning.
Longboarders
Longboarders can also enjoy the surf breaks near the camp, with plenty of opportunities to catch waves and improve their skills. With a variety of surf spots nearby, there is something for every level of experience.
Overall, the Magikvanilla Surf Camp offers something for everyone, with a range of activities, accommodations, and services that cater to the diverse needs and interests of its guests.
Where is Magikvanilla Surf Camp?
Magikvanilla Surf Camp is located on R. Ribeira da Baleia 6, 2655-350 Ericeira.
What are the nearest beaches to Magikvanilla Surf Camp?
The nearest beaches to Magikvanilla Surf Camp are Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Baleia, Praia de São Sebastião.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp: Contact Information
- Address: MAGIKVANILLA SURFCAMP Rua Ribeira da Baleia, Vivenda, 2655-350 Ericeira, Portug
- Phone Numbers: + 351 927199020 | + 351 937954280
- Email: welcome@magikvanilla.com
- GPS: 38.962825, -9.412198
Magikvanilla Surf Camp: Accommodation
Magikvanilla Surf Camp offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every guest’s needs. The rooms are a mix of double, twin, and dorms for 3 to 5 people. All rooms are designed to make you feel at home, with comfortable beds and cozy decor. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen and barbecue area at any time, allowing them to cook their meals and socialize with other guests.
If you want to explore Ericeira, you can rent bikes onsite or surf equipment to practice what you learned during your surfing lessons. But if you prefer to relax, you can enjoy the garden, terraces, sunny balconies, TV room, and library, all equipped with free wireless internet access. If you need to use a computer, you can find one in the guesthouse.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp’s accommodation options cater to everyone, from solo travelers to groups of friends or families. Whether you prefer a private room or a shared dorm, you’ll find a comfortable and welcoming space to rest and recharge for another day of surfing or exploring the charming town of Ericeira.
Magikvanilla Surf Camp: Amenities & Activities
Magikvanilla Surf Camp offers a range of amenities and activities to make your stay in Ericeira unforgettable. In addition to surfing lessons, guests can relax and unwind in the garden, terraces, sunny balconies, and chill-out areas of the guest house. There is also a TV room and library with free wireless internet access. If you prefer to explore the surrounding areas, Magikvanilla offers bike rentals and organizes side trips to nearby destinations.
Cabo da Roca
One of the most popular side trips is to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point in mainland Europe. Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Cabo da Roca offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also visit the stone plaque that marks the location of this famous cape.
Sintra
Another popular destination is Sintra, a medieval town located 18 kilometers northwest of Cabo da Roca. Sintra is famous for its castles and palaces dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, as well as modern art sculptures. The town is also home to numerous restaurants, cafes, museums, gardens, and estates where visitors can immerse themselves in Portuguese culture.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is also a must-see destination. With its rich history and culture, Lisbon offers many opportunities to explore its old and new areas. Visitors can witness the city’s history by visiting sites such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife scene with places like Bairro Alto and the famous club LUX. You can shop until you drop on Avenida da Liberdade or explore the narrow streets of Rossio to reach Baixa-Chiado. Lisbon is mostly covered by the Metro, making it easy to get around and explore all the city has to offer.
Main offers available at Magikvanilla Surf Camp
The perfect combination: Sun & Earth- 8 DAYS
Improve your surfing skills while finding your inner balance with our Sun & Earth 8-day surf vacation. This package is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers who want to combine surfing with classic Vinyasa Flow yoga. Vinyasa Flow yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on breath-synchronized movements and asanas to help you find balance, strength, and agility while practicing yoga.
During the 8-day vacation, you will have five yoga sessions that can take place either at the camp or in a studio, depending on the number of participants and weather conditions. No prior experience is required to participate in the yoga sessions.
If you have never surfed before or want to refresh your skills, our experienced instructors will assess your level and group you accordingly. We keep a low ratio of five guests per instructor to ensure a safe, fun, and quality learning experience. Our aim is to teach on a beach break (sandy beach) wherever possible, even if it means driving further along the coast.
During the four surf lessons, we will focus on improving your pop-up and paddle techniques, front and backside turns, and wave timing. You will also have one video analysis session and one photo session to review your progress and areas for improvement.
In addition to surfing and yoga, you’ll have plenty of free time to relax and book some extras. You can choose from a relaxing or sports massage, horseback riding, aerial yoga, a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard, a bike ride tour, and renting surf equipment to practice what you have learned.
Your vacation package includes seven nights of accommodation with breakfast, four surf lessons with beach transfers, equipment, and insurance, one video analysis session, one photo session, and five yoga lessons. You will also have access to free tea and coffee all day and the use of the surf camp facilities, including towels and bedcloths.
The perfect combination: Sun & AIR – 8 DAYS
Sun & Air is the ultimate package for those seeking a unique and invigorating holiday experience. The combination of Surfing and Aerial Yoga will leave you feeling balanced, strong, and refreshed. The Aerial Yoga sessions take place in a local studio and are tailored to small groups of no more than six people. This new yoga approach incorporates traditional yoga poses, Pilates, and dance with a hammock to allow you to explore advanced postures more efficiently, which will help you during your Surf lessons. And the best part? No prior experience is necessary!
Speaking of Surfing, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience under your belt, our expert instructors will group you based on your level to ensure a personalized and safe learning experience. By the end of the week, we hope you’ll be standing on a surfboard for the first time and hooked for life. For more experienced surfers, we will help you catch some green waves out the back and refine your skills to make you a better surfer. And regardless of your level, we always aim to teach on a beach break (sandy beach), even if we need to drive further along the coast to find the perfect spot.
During your Surf and Yoga lessons, we will be looking to improve your pop-up and paddle techniques, front side and backside turns, and wave timing. And during the video analysis session, you’ll have the opportunity to watch and talk through the areas where you excel and the ones where you can improve.
But that’s not all. We want you to make the most of your stay with us, which is why we’ve left plenty of time for you to book some extra activities. We offer relaxing or sports massages, horse riding, Wine Tasting Tour at a local Vineyard, bike tours, rental surf equipment, and much more. This is your holiday, and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest.
Special Group Offers: GROUP DEAL – 11TH STAY IS FREE
Looking for a great deal on a group vacation? Look no further than the special group packages! Bring together your friends, family, or coworkers and receive a 10% discount on the overall price of your booking. Plus, for every 10 people in your group, the 11th stay is absolutely free.
ACCOMMODATION
Our camp has everything you need for a comfortable stay. We offer three double rooms in the main house, two additional double rooms in bungalows, one triple room, one twin room, and two dorms, accommodating up to 25 people. However, we can adjust the capacity to a maximum of 30 guests. All of their accommodations are located within walking distance of the beach and town center, ensuring easy access to all the best activities.
FOOD
All packages include a delicious breakfast, with a variety of options such as tea, coffee, juice, yogurt, muesli, fresh bread, butter and jams, sliced tomato, cucumber, cheese, ham, and eggs. If you would like to include lunch or dinner in your package, we are happy to accommodate you. The town has a variety of excellent restaurants, including many with fresh seafood dishes due to its history as a Fisherman’s village. For your convenience, there is also a takeaway service that can bring most restaurant options to your doorstep.
TEAM BUILDING AND EXTRA ACTIVITIES
When travelling in a group, it’s important to find activities that everyone can enjoy. The surf lessons are a great start, but there’s plenty of time to add a few extras to your itinerary. If you’re an energetic group, consider adding activities that work on team building, or choose an unforgettable excursion that everyone will remember. While these activities aren’t included in their standard packages, they offer a wide range of options that can be booked at an additional cost. Some of the extras that you can add to your holiday include:
- Yoga
- Aerial Yoga
- Relaxing & Sports Massages
- Cycling Tours through the World Surf Reserve
- Wine Tasting Tours
- Sight Seeing Trips to Lisbon, Obidos, or Sintra
- Horse Riding
- Lasertag
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It involves a series of postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and relaxation.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial Yoga is a type of yoga that involves performing traditional yoga poses while suspended in a hammock, allowing for deeper stretches and more advanced postures.
Relaxing & Sports Massages
Relaxing & Sports Massages are types of massage therapy that aim to relieve tension and promote relaxation. Relaxing massages typically involve slow, gentle strokes, while sports massages focus on deeper pressure and can help athletes recover from injuries or improve performance.
Cycling Tours through the World Surf Reserve
Cycling Tours through the World Surf Reserve are guided tours on bicycles through scenic routes along the coast, passing through surf spots and other points of interest.
Wine Tasting Tours
Wine Tasting Tours are guided tours through local vineyards and wineries, where participants can taste and learn about different types of wine.
Sight Seeing Trips to Lisbon, Obidos, or Sintra
Sight Seeing Trips to Lisbon, Obidos, or Sintra are guided tours to historical and cultural landmarks in these cities, such as museums, castles, and palaces.
Horse Riding
Horse Riding is an activity that involves riding a horse for sport, recreation, or transportation.
Lasertag
Lasertag is a game that involves players wearing special vests and using laser guns to tag other players and score points, typically played in indoor or outdoor arenas.
And many others! Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll find the perfect activity to suit your group’s needs.
Frequently asked questions about Magikvanilla Surf Camp
Is there a minimum age for surf lessons?
Yes, the minimum age for surf lessons is 6 years old.
Do I need previous surfing experience to attend the surf camp?
No, you don’t need previous surfing experience to attend the surf camp. Our instructors will assess your level and group you accordingly.
Are there other activities to do besides surfing and yoga?
Yes, there are many other activities to do besides surfing and yoga. You can book relaxing or sports massages, go horse riding, take a cycling tour through the World Surf Reserve, go wine tasting, visit Lisbon, Obidos or Sintra, among many other activities.
Is there a maximum number of participants per surf lesson?
Yes, we keep a ratio of 5 or fewer guests per instructor to guarantee quality, safety, and fun.
Is food included in the surf camp packages?
Yes, breakfast is included in all packages with various options, including teas, coffee, juice, yoghurt, muesli, fresh bread, butter, and jams, sliced tomato, cucumber, cheese, ham, and eggs. You can also request lunches or dinners for an extra cost.
How many people can the surf camp accommodate?
The surf camp has three double rooms in the main house, two extra rooms in the bungalows, one triple room, one twin room, and two dorms. It can host up to 25 people, but they can adjust it to 30 maximum.
Is there a discount for group bookings?
Yes, for every 10 people, the 11th stay is free, and there is a 10% discount on the overall price for group bookings.
Is there transportation available from the airport to the surf camp?
No, transportation from the airport to the surf camp is not provided. However, there are several ways to get to the surf camp, including by metro and bus from Lisbon airport, by metro, train, and bus from Porto airport, and by metro, train, and bus from Faro airport.
Is there a minimum stay at the surf camp?
Yes, the minimum stay at the surf camp is 2 nights.
Is there Wi-Fi available at the surf camp?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the surf camp.
Is there a swimming pool at the surf camp?
No, there is no swimming pool at the surf camp, but it is within walking distance of the beach.
What should I pack?
We will provide bed linens, so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. For hygiene reasons, we don’t allow sleeping bags in the guest house. Magikvanilla Guest House can provide towels for 2€ each, but you can bring your own. Don’t forget to bring bikinis/swimsuits/boardshorts, flip-flops, a beach towel, something warm (a hoodie or jumper) especially for after the lesson or at night, sun protection (even in months when you don’t expect to get sunburned), aftersun, and of course, your sunglasses. But most importantly, bring your smile 😉
At what time are the lessons?
The time of the lessons will be determined by the tide and sea conditions.
Do I need to rent a car?
You won’t need a car for your holiday. We take you to the beaches for the surf lessons, and the guest house is very close to town, so everything is within walking distance, including supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and beaches. However, if you do want to rent a car, you should do it at the airport, as there is no car rental service in town.
Should I bring money with me?
The town of Ericeira has plenty of ATMs where you can withdraw money, but you might be charged a fee, so check with your bank how much the charge for international withdrawals is. Most shops, restaurants, and supermarkets accept debit and credit cards.
How long are the surf lessons?
The surf lessons are two hours long.
Do I need to bring my own wetsuit?
We will provide you with all the equipment needed for the lesson. If you have your own wetsuit and choose to bring it, it is also okay.
What can I do after the lessons?
After your surf lesson, you will be brought back to the guest house, where you can relax and use the sunbeds, TV, games, etc. You can also explore the narrow streets, cool shops, restaurants, and cafes in town, take a bus to Lisbon or Sintra (two must-sees), or walk to one of the many nearby beaches. If you choose Sintra, they often organize trips there and take you around town, including the most westerly point in mainland Europe, called Cabo da Roca.
What about nightlife?
Ericeira has many cafes and bars that stay open late, so you can enjoy your nights. There is also a disco open until 6 am, and we know you’re going to have a great time there 😉
Do I need to have previous surf experience?
You don’t have to have any previous experience. Our surf instructors are experienced and qualified to teach complete beginners or to improve your skills no matter what level of surf you are.
Can you pick me up from the airport? How much?
We can provide airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport. If you are part of a pack that includes airport transfers, all we need from you is your flight details for both arrival and departure, and one of our staff will be there to pick you up at a time arranged. If your pack doesn’t include transfers, you can book a transfer for 20€ each way per person.
Do you have lockers?
Yes, we do. You can bring a padlock or borrow one from us.
Are there alternative transport options to get to Ericeira?
You can also get to us by taxi (average 80€) or by bus. To get here by bus, you need to take the metro from the airport to a station called Campo Grande and from there take the bus to Ericeira, which takes about an hour and costs 7€.
Additional Information
Extra lessons can be purchased on Saturdays, and equipment rentals are also available for those who want to practice after lessons.
To get to Magikvanilla Guest House from Lisbon Airport, take the underground (METRO) to CAMPO GRANDE station and exit the metro building to find the bus terminal where you can take a bus to Ericeira.
For travelers coming from Porto Airport, take the underground (METRO) to CAMPANHÃ station, where you can find a train station with trains to Lisbon. Your destination choice should be LISBOA-ORIENTE. You can check schedules and book tickets at www.cp.pt.
If you’re arriving at Faro Airport, take a bus to the city center or Faro train station, where you can find trains to Lisbon. Your destination choice should also be LISBOA-ORIENTE. You can check schedules and book tickets at www.cp.pt.
User Reviews
The guests who stayed at Magikvanilla Surf Camp highly praised the surf lessons and the atmosphere at the camp. Many reviewers mentioned that they were beginners and still caught their first waves. They appreciated the balance between pushing them to surf bigger waves while ensuring they were comfortable and having fun. The instructors were described as exceptional, welcoming, and encouraging.
The location of the surf house was another highlight, with it being within walking distance to the beach and the town center. Guests appreciated the clean and comfortable rooms and the outside space, which was perfect for relaxing. The meals prepared by Susie were highly praised for being filling, healthy, and catering to different dietary requirements. The dinners also provided a great opportunity for socializing and getting to know other guests.
The hospitality and welcoming nature of Steve, Susie, and the rest of the team were also noted by many guests. They felt quickly integrated into the Magikvanilla community and appreciated the good vibes at the camp. The guests described Steve as an amazing surf instructor, who not only provided helpful tips but also motivated them to keep trying. His energy and experience were highly appreciated by all.
Finally, the good atmosphere at Magikvanilla Surf Camp was a common theme in all the reviews. Guests felt relaxed, happy, and appreciated the effort put into making their stay memorable. Many guests noted that they would love to return to the camp and that they highly recommend it to others.
