Packing List

9-Day Portugal Trip

What to Pack for Your
Surf Adventure

You're heading to Portugal's wild southwest coast for nine days of surf, sun, and coastal exploration. Based in Sagres, you'll be catching waves daily, discovering dramatic cliffs and secret rock pools, watching dolphins, and experiencing the laid-back soul of the Algarve. This is a surf-focused trip with plenty of beach time and coastal adventures.

Trip dates: May to September

Climate: Warm and sunny (22–30°C), ocean breezes keep it comfortable

Activities: 5 surf lessons, dolphin tour, beach time, rock pools, coastal towns, clifftop sunsets

Accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses in Sagres (shared rooms)

Surf gear: Wetsuits and boards are provided - you just need swimwear

The golden rule: Pack light and keep it beachy. This is a surf trip - think swimsuits, board shorts, and flip-flops. A 40-litre backpack or duffel bag is perfect. Most of your time will be spent in the water or on the beach, so you don't need much.

Mobile Sticky Bar - Jump Links - daTerra Travels

Women's

Men's

Trip Specific

A woman with long, wavy red hair dressed in white standing on rocks near the ocean, facing cliffs in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Women's Packing List

DOCUMENTS & MONEY

☐ Passport (plus photo or printed copy stored separately)
☐ Travel insurance documents (printed or saved on phone)
☐ Flight details and booking confirmations
☐ Required visas (check if you need one)
☐ Credit/debit cards (bring at least 2 different cards)
☐ Cash in euros (for small purchases and tips)

BAGS

☐ 40-50-litre backpack or duffel bag (your main luggage)
☐ Beach bag or 20-litre backpack (for beach trips)
☐ Small crossbody bag or tote (for evenings)
☐ Padlock (for hostel lockers)

TECH & ESSENTIALS

☐ Phone and charging cable
☐ Power bank (essential for long days out)
☐ Universal adapter (Portugal uses Type F plugs - two round pins)
☐ Headphones
☐ Camera (optional - your phone works great)
☐ E-reader or laptop (optional)

CLOTHES

This is a beach trip - pack accordingly. Swimwear is basically your daily uniform.

Swimwear:
☐ 3–4 swimsuits or bikinis (you'll be in the water daily - having extras means they can dry)
☐ 1 rash guard or surf top (prevents chafing from the wetsuit)
☐ 1 one-piece swimsuit (optional - good for active surf days)

Tops:
☐ 4-5 t-shirts or tank tops (everyday wear)
☐ 1–2 nicer tops (for dinners out)
☐ 1 long-sleeve linen or cotton shirt (cooler evenings in mountains)
☐ 1 button-down shirt (sun protection or layering)

Layers:
☐ 1-2 cardigan, jumper or hoodie (breeze can be cool in the evenings)

Bottoms:
☐ 1-2 pairs of light trousers or flowy pants
☐ 3-4 pairs of shorts (essential for summer)
☐ 1 beach skirt or sarong
☐ 1 beach skirt or sarong
☐ 1–2 dresses or skirts (optional but nice for dinners)

Other:
☐ Pyjamas
☐ Underwear for 6-7 days
☐ 2–3 bras (including 1 sports bra)
☐ 1 sun hat or cap (Portuguese sun is strong)
☐ 3-4 pairs of socks

SHOES

You'll be doing a lot of walking, hiking, and beach time, so comfortable shoes are essential.

☐ 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals (for everyday)
☐ 1 pair of trainers (for cooler evenings)
☐ 1 pair of nicer sandals (for nicer dinners out)

TOILETRIES & HEALTH

☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+ 
☐ Lip Balm with SPF
☐ After-sun lotion or aloe vera
☐ Mosquito repellent
☐ Shampoo and conditioner (travel size or bring your own bottle)
☐ Body wash or soap
☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
☐ Deodorant
☐ Hairbrush and hair ties
☐ Makeup and skincare (keep it minimal)
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Basic medicines (ibuprofen, antihistamines, plasters)
☐ Contact lenses/solution and glasses (if you wear them)
☐ Tampons/pads or menstrual cup
☐ Razor (if you use one)

SLEEP & COMFORT

☐ Sleeping mask (hostels can be bright in the mornings)
☐ Earplugs (for light sleepers in shared rooms)
☐ Small first-aid kit (plasters, pain relief, antiseptic)

BEACH & ACTIVITIES

☐ Quick-dry travel towel (microfibre works best)
☐ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated and reduce plastic)
☐ Sunglasses (essential for bright Portuguese days)
☐ Waterproof phone case (optional but useful for beach days)

A man in a white tank top, navy shorts, and a gray baseball cap sitting on a wooden railing near a beach with turquoise water, cliffs, and boats in the distance.

Men's Packing List

DOCUMENTS & MONEY

☐ Passport (plus photo or printed copy stored separately)
☐ Travel insurance documents (printed or saved on phone)
☐ Flight details and booking confirmations
☐ Required visas (check if you need one)
☐ Credit/debit cards (bring at least 2 different cards)
☐ Cash in euros (for small purchases and tips)

BAGS

☐ 40-50-litre backpack or duffel bag (your main luggage)
☐ 20-litre daypack (for beach days)
☐ Padlock (for hostel lockers)

TECH & ESSENTIALS

☐ Phone and charging cable
☐ Power bank (essential for long days out)
☐ Universal adapter (Portugal uses Type F plugs - two round pins)
☐ Headphones
☐ Camera (optional - your phone works great)
☐ E-reader or laptop (optional)

CLOTHES

Remember: you'll have access to laundry, so pack for about a week and plan to wash clothes halfway through.

Swimwear:
☐ 3–4 pairs of board shorts or swim trunks (you'll be in these daily)
☐ 1 rash guard or surf shirt (prevents wetsuit chafing)

Tops:
☐ 5-6 t-shirts
☐ 1-2 long-sleeve shirts (sun protection)
☐ 1 button-down shirt or polo (for dinners out)

Layers:
☐ 1-2 hoodies or light jumpers

Bottoms:
☐ 3-4 pairs of shorts
☐ 1 pair of lightweight trousers or chinos
☐ 1 pair of athletic shorts (for yoga and activities)

Other:
☐ Pyjamas or sleep shorts
☐ Underwear for 7–8 days
☐ 1 sun hat or cap
☐ 3-4 pairs of socks

SHOES

☐ 1 pair of flip-flops or beach sandals (essential)
☐ 1 pair of trainers or casual shoes (for towns)

TOILETRIES & HEALTH

☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+ 
☐ After-sun lotion or aloe vera
☐ Mosquito repellent
☐ Shampoo and conditioner (travel size or bring your own bottle)
☐ Body wash or soap
☐ Toothbrush and toothpaste
☐ Deodorant
☐ Hairbrush and hair ties
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Basic medicines (ibuprofen, antihistamines, plasters)
☐ Contact lenses/solution and glasses (if you wear them)
☐ Razor (if you use one)

SLEEP & COMFORT

☐ Sleeping mask (hostels can be bright in the mornings)
☐ Earplugs (for light sleepers in shared rooms)
☐ Small first-aid kit (plasters, pain relief, antiseptic)

BEACH & ACTIVITIES

☐ Quick-dry travel towel (microfibre works best)
☐ Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated and reduce plastic)
☐ Sunglasses (essential for bright Portuguese days)
☐ Waterproof phone case (optional but useful for beach days)

Trip-Specific Packing Tips

For the surf sessions in Sagres

☐ Wetsuits and boards are provided - just bring your swimsuit and a towel
☐ Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean
☐ A rash guard can help prevent chafing if you don't normally surf

For the beaches and rock pools

☐ The sun reflects off the water - you'll burn faster than you think
☐ Bring a hat and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
☐ Quick-dry towels are essential - they pack small and dry fast
☐ Waterproof phone case lets you take photos without worry
☐ The Atlantic can be cool even in summer, but it's refreshing

General surf trip tips

☐ Less is more - you'll spend most of your time in swimwear
☐ Bring multiple swimsuits - salt and sand wear them out
☐ Hair ties are essential if you have long hair - bring extras
☐ Your hair will get trashed by salt water - bring conditioner
☐ Flip-flops are your main shoe - bring comfortable ones

For Porto and Lisbon

☐ Sagres is casual - shorts and a clean t-shirt is fine
☐  Maybe one slightly nicer outfit for dinner in another town
☐  A light hoodie for cooler evenings by the ocean

General Portugal tips

☐ The sun is stronger than you think - reapply sunscreen regularly
☐ You can do laundry at hostels mid-trip 
☐ Bring a reusable water bottle - tap water is safe to drink everywhere
☐ Power banks are essential - you'll be using your phone for photos all day

Weather Guide: May to September

May: 20–24°C, water ~17°C, good waves, fewer crowds
June: 22–26°C, water ~18°C, consistent surf, perfect weather
July–August: 25–30°C, water ~19–20°C, peak season, smaller summer swells
September: 24–28°C, water ~19–20°C, best surf conditions, warm water

Ocean temperature: The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean but wetsuits keep you warm. By August/September the water is quite comfortable.

Surf conditions: Sagres has consistent year-round waves. Summer swells are smaller and perfect for beginners. The instructors will take you to the best spots based on conditions and your level.

Sun intensity: The Portuguese sun is strong, especially reflecting off water and sand. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Need help?

Questions about what to pack for surf? Get in touch via Email or WhatsApp and we'll help you sort it out.

Ready to book? Check out the full 1 4-Day Coast to Mountains itinerary →

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