Surf camp or surf school: which to book

Both teach you to surf. The difference is everything around the lesson.

A surf school

You book a lesson, usually two hours with board and wetsuit included, and turn up. Drop-in or a few days, flexible, and you arrange your own bed and travel. Best if you already have accommodation, you are on a short trip, you are travelling with non-surfing company, or you just want a session or two rather than a programme. Expect roughly 30 to 45 euros a lesson, less for a block of five.

A surf camp

A week-long package: accommodation, daily lessons grouped by level, transport to whichever beach is working, usually board rental, often yoga and meals, and a built-in social group. Best if you are travelling solo, you want to improve fast with no logistics to think about, or you like the shared-house atmosphere. Expect roughly 400 to 700 euros a week depending on the room and the season, and book well ahead for July and August.

A middle path

Some schools run "surf and stay" without the full camp structure, and some guesthouses partner with a school. If you want the lessons and the bed sorted but not the group programme, ask for that.

For a first trip

A camp removes almost every decision, which is worth a lot when you are also learning to read the ocean. For a second or third trip, once you know what you are doing, a school and your own place gives you more freedom.