Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions (Rustic Pathways)
Rustic Pathways
Applications for this cycle have closed
This programme usually runs again each year — keep an eye out for the next round, or explore what's live now.
Fancy riding Atlantic waves and cooking with local chefs this summer? Join Rustic Pathways’ 15‑day Portugal & Spain trip to learn surf techniques, explore Lisbon and Barcelona, gain culinary and marine conservation experience, boost your CV and travel with expert staff.
Rustic Pathways' Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions is a 15-day summer travel program for high-school students ages 14-18. The itinerary combines surf lessons on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, cultural exploration in Lisbon, and a multi-day stay in Barcelona that includes hands-on culinary activities and local community service focused on marine conservation.
Students travel with experienced Rustic Pathways staff who provide 24/7 supervision and support. The program includes shared, gender-separated accommodations in the Setúbal region (Portugal) and a countryside base near Barcelona (Spain), all in-country ground transportation, scheduled activities and excursions, meals, surf instruction with local professionals, and emergency coverage.
International airfare, optional travel protection, souvenirs, and personal expenses are not included. Sessions are open to students worldwide (instruction in English), and participants should be comfortable swimming; no prior surfing experience is required.
2026 sessions run in June-August (see program dates). Enrollment is handled online via Rustic Pathways' booking system; deposit/refund policies and travel arrangements (including optional chaperoned group flights from selected US gateways) are coordinated by Rustic Pathways.
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
Summer 2026
Location
- High-school students ages 14-18
- Open to students worldwide (instruction in English)
- Participants should be comfortable swimming and spending time in the water (a brief swim/comfort check is completed before ocean activities)
- No previous surfing experience required
$6,790
Total cost USD $6,790 (plus international airfare). Price includes lodging, ground transport, meals, scheduled activities (including surf lessons), community service projects, and 24/7 in-country support. International flights, souvenirs, and personal snacks are not included.
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