Soak up summer with every breath
Press stay: We were invited to spend two nights at Noah Surf House.
The Noah Surf House is much more than just a stylish surf retreat in Portugal for families. It’s a place that captures a feeling of freedom and togetherness for those who love going barefoot, with salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and a desire to create lasting memories. The entire house radiates a vibe you’ll want to soak up.
Location
Just an hour from Lisbon, this is where summer can be enjoyed far from the crowds, surfboard under your arm. Nestled between rolling waves and wide horizons, the Noah Surf House sits on the Atlantic coast near Santa Cruz. The ocean is only a few steps away. Warm wooden walkways lead you barefoot to the beach, where kids can splash in the water under the watchful eye of a lifeguard.
If you’re up for a little adventure, head to Peniche with its turquoise coves or visit Nazaré, home to the biggest wave in the world.
Favourite spot with a sea view
You’ll sleep in bright, airy bungalows with plenty of space to breathe. Some even come with a kitchen. The terrace becomes a second living room, and the outdoor shower quickly turns into everyone’s favourite place to be. The bungalows are perfect for families, while those who prefer a more communal vibe can stay in the main house. There, the rooms with their stacked beds feel like cabins on a ship.
Sustainability is part of everyday life here. Guests receive reusable water bottles, towels and ponchos upon arrival. They’re perfect to take along to the beach, yoga session or surf class and are simply returned at check-out.
The Noah Surf House is spread across several levels. At the lowest level, you’ll find a small shop with everything you need for a day by the sea. Next to it is the yoga room and a compact gym that’s popular before morning surf lessons. One floor up is the common room, which during the day becomes a hangout for kids and teens. There’s table football, ping-pong, or just time to chill. In the mornings, this is where surf briefings take place to decide where the waves are best that day.
Another floor up, the restaurant with a large terrace opens up to views of the pool, dunes and ocean. Mornings start here with a fresh breakfast, and evenings wind down with warm light and good food. At the very top, the rooftop terrace features a hot tub and bar. It’s the perfect place to meet in the evening, watch the sunset and dip your feet in the water one last time.
Kids
At Noah Surf House, kids aren’t just part of the plan – they’re a core part of the experience. You can feel it in the way everyone interacts, in the thoughtfully curated activities and in the trust placed in children to explore and be independent.
Whether they’re skating on the ramp, testing their balance on a surfboard or playing a spontaneous ping-pong match with new friends – it’s not about constant supervision, but about the freedom to try things out. Two activities per day are included and can be booked flexibly in advance. Only the surf lessons cost extra – but they’re the kind of family highlight you won’t forget.
Families can also book a private session together and share a coach with the kids. The surf instructors are not only pros in the water, but also know how to keep the mood light and fun. With plenty of patience and good vibes, they bring exactly the kind of ease that makes surfing in Portugal with kids such a memorable experience.
Food
The day begins with warm Pastéis de Nata straight from the oven, coffee, eggs just the way you like them, and fruit that tastes like it’s ripened on the tree. You can enjoy it all in the colourful restaurant or head straight out to the terrace to eat with a view of the ocean.
At lunchtime, there are beach bars nearby, but the Noah Surf House also serves food on-site – so no one has to go hungry before or after surfing with kids in Portugal.
In the evening, there’s often a shared BBQ with everything you could wish for – fish, meat, veggies and salads. It’s fresh, healthy and full of flavour, with many of the ingredients coming straight from the house’s own garden.
Made for all ages
Kids from around the age of eight will fully enjoy everything the Noah Surf House has to offer. They move freely, try new things, and dive into all the adventures this place brings. But families with younger children will feel just as comfortable here. We met many parents who came with toddlers and had just as relaxed and beautiful a time. Maybe it’s because the Noah Surf House doesn’t try to be just one thing. It grows with you, adapts, and gives families exactly what they need: carefree moments together that everyone can enjoy.
Make sure to check out the sister hotel Areias do Seixo, just over 2 km away. It offers more privacy, stunning family villas and breakfast served right inside a greenhouse.
