Summer Camp in Portugal for Teens: Coastal Camp in Santa Cruz
PortugalVillage Camps
- Latest published dates
- Jul 4 – 17, 2026
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Ages
- 13–17
$2,045
Course price for 1 week
Adventure Summer Camp for Teens 13-17
We'll let you know when this camp adds new dates.
The summer camp is located in Santa Cruz on the west coast of Portugal, a seaside resort known for its golden beaches, coastal cliffs, and vibrant promenade. The atmosphere is active and international, set in a sunny coastal environment ideal for surfing and outdoor adventure. The camp is designed for teenagers, offering specialized morning programmes in Adventure or Surf for ages 13-17. The goal is to provide skill development and fun through structured activities. The general format includes 3-hour morning specialty sessions, with afternoons and evenings dedicated to shared camp-wide activities and cultural exchange.
Language
English
Program type
Adventure Camps, Sport Camps
Accommodation
Campus
About
About the Course
The camp offers specialized programmes in Adventure and Surf. The approach is practical and skills-based, with morning sessions lasting 3 hours each weekday. Instruction is provided by qualified local specialists (e.g., surf coaches) and focuses on hands-on learning and safety in the respective activity, whether surfing or a range of outdoor adventure sports.
What’s Included
The base package includes accommodation in 4-6 bed apartments, full board (three meals daily), the chosen morning specialty programme (Adventure or Surf), afternoon 'sign-up' activities, all evening events, and scheduled excursions (e.g., Lisbon, Óbidos, dolphin-watching). Extras include transfers from/to Lisbon Airport (one-way and return options available) and arrival or departure outside the designated dates. All campers are recommended to have some pocket money for snacks and souvenirs. Basic accident / illness insurance can be provided for an additional fee.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a recently constructed residence ("Pousada da Juventude") exclusively contracted for the camp. Campers stay in modern, spacious 4-6 bed apartments with en-suite facilities. The residence features a private swimming pool, games court, fenced gardens, and activity rooms, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment with dedicated camp areas.
Meal Plan
Campers are provided with three nutritious meals per day, including a salad bar at lunch and dinner. Breakfast offers a variety of choices. Special dietary needs can be accommodated upon prior request and confirmation with the head office. Some excursions include a packed lunch.
Activities & Excursions
Activities include specialized morning programmes (surfing, rock-climbing, hiking, mountain-biking, water sports). Excursions feature trips to Lisbon, the medieval village of Óbidos, dolphin-watching, and the Óbidos Lagoon. Evening activities include Carnival Night, International Night, Movie Night, beach campfires, and sand creation competitions.
Facilities
On-site facilities at the residence include a swimming pool, games court, dining rooms, grassed gardens, common rooms, and games equipment. Off-site, campers utilize the Santa Cruz beach, local shops and cafes, nearby hiking and mountain-biking trails, adventure trails, unspoilt forest areas, a watersport centre, and various activity centres.
Camp Experience
The camp operates under the Village Camps philosophy. Activities are led by trained counsellors (average ratio 1:6) and supported by fully qualified local specialist staff for technical sports like surfing. The atmosphere is international, with counsellors from around the world, focusing on safety, skill development, and creating a supportive community environment.
Language Camp prices
Adventure Summer Camp for Teens 13-17
15 Lessons · 13–17 yrs · B1–C22026 price
This challenging outdoor programme is designed for campers aged 13-17 who enjoy the great outdoors. The goal is to acquire vital skills needed to safely enjoy a thrilling range of outdoor activities and water sports in the coastal and forest environment around Santa Cruz. The format includes about 3 hours of organized, skill-based morning activities on weekdays, alternating between beach and inland locations.
The methodology is practical and safety-focused, with instruction provided by qualified local specialist staff who have first-hand knowledge of the terrain. The focus is on hands-on skill acquisition in activities like rock-climbing, hiking, mountain-biking, orienteering, and water sports. The format is entirely activity-based, with groups formed based on the programme and age/skill level. Campers use provided high-quality, activity-specific equipment. The focus is on participation, safety, and skill development in a natural environment.
A practical, skill-based outdoor adventure programme focusing on inland sports and water activities in the coastal and forest environment of Portugal.
Daily Schedule
Breakfast
08:00–09:00
Classes
09:00–12:15
Lunch
12:15–13:30
Activities or excursions
14:00–17:15
Dinner
18:15–19:30
Evening activities
19:30–21:30
Lights out
22:00–23:00
Included items
Optional Extras
Recommended for most families
Smooth arrival and fewer surprises.
Airport Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport, one-way
Arrival or departure outside designated dates/hours, per night
Photos
School
Village Camps
Village Camps has been organizing international summer camps since 1972, offering a variety of programs across Austria, Portugal, and Switzerland. Their mission is to provide a safe, supervised, and enriching summer experience, fostering genuine friendships and personal growth among campers from over 50 countries. With a focus on education through recreation, Village Camps emphasizes learning while having fun, ensuring that every camper feels included and valued. Winter programmes have run in Switzerland since 1977 (Anzère, Leysin, Saas Fee — accommodation at the Swiss Alpine Centre in Leysin, ages 7–18); NOTE: as of July 2026 Village Camps accepts GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY for Switzerland Winter (individual enrolment unavailable — contact sales). An official Agent application form exists via the How To Enrol pack.