Our Story
-THE JOURNEY BEHIND CLIFF SURF HOUSE-
THE HEARTBEAT BEHIND CLIFF
Cliff Surf House isn’t just a place – it’s our heart and soul. Every detail we shape, every wave we share, and every guest we welcome is part of a dream we’ve built with love.

STEFAN
The founder of Cliff and a true local of Santa Cruz. Stefan always been closely connected to the ocean. He knows every sandbank in the area and has spent most of his life by the sea. With a background in business management, Stefan handles the numbers and ensures that the surf school operates smoothly. When he’s not taking care of business, he’s hands-on in building and improving the surf house. Most of the furniture and structures have been crafted by Stefan and his team, giving the space a personal and authentic touch.

NINA
Originally from Hamburg, Nina moved to Portugal in 2020 to join Stefan in turning their shared dream into a reality. She is the person behind the organization, HR, marketing, and design at Cliff. Nina is passionate about creating a welcoming space for every guest and personally attends to every detail.
For Stefan and Nina, Cliff Surf House is more than a project—it’s a dream they work hard to sustain every day, sharing it with their guests.

CHARLY
Charly, our lovable dog, is a true member of the Cliff family. Ball-obsessed and full of energy, he’s always ready to greet guests with a wagging tail and a smile. His playful spirit brings warmth and joy, making Cliff feel even more like home.
10 YEARS OF CLIFF SURF HOUSE
Celebrating 10 incredible years of Cliff Surf House, we’re proud to have welcomed nearly 8,000 guests, with many returning year after year. Our return guests are a true testament to the magic of this place – they come back for the waves, the connections, and the unique vibe of Cliff.
THE BEGINNING
Cliff Surf House began in 2016 when Stefan and a close friend opened the doors of the first location. Their goal was simple: to create a place where people could come together, enjoy surfing, and experience the beauty of the ocean. For four years, countless memories were made in that very first house – a place full of laughter, saltwater, and unforgettable moments.
WHEN PATHS CROSSED
The year when Nina and Stefan met for the first time. It was the beginning of a special partnership – both in life and in business.
A NEW CHAPTER
In February 2021, after a long search, Nina and Stefan finally found their dream property. Nestled in nature and just a short walk from the ocean, it gave them the space to grow and take their vision for Cliff Surf House to the next level.
THE BIG REOPENING
After three months of full-on renovation, building furniture, and pouring love into every corner, Cliff Surf House reopened its doors in a brand-new location. The vibe stayed just as warm and relaxed – just with more space, more style, and even more room to live the surf life and connect with people from all over the world.
10 YEARS OF CLIFF
In June 2026, we’ll celebrate our 10-year anniversary. We’re proud to be one of the first surf camps in Santa Cruz, to have grown into a name known across Europe, and to look back on a journey full of adventure and unforgettable moments. And none of it would have been possible without you – our amazing guests. Your trust, energy, and love mean the world to us.
MEET THE CREW
We feel incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated, professional, and loyal team by our side. From our five passionate surf coaches to our head chef, two wonderful housekeepers, one caring receptionist, two hardworking farmers, and a rotating crew of 4–6 amazing volunteers – it’s a colorful mix of people, all here with one mission: to give you the best possible experience. Many of our team members have been with us for years. We work together like a family – and that’s exactly how it feels.




Guest reviews
Every stay tells a story. These are some of our favorites, straight from our guests.

Pascal

Andreia

Sara

Ali

Fabian

Lotti
Jobs
Looking for more than just a job? Join a team where passion meets purpose – check out our opportunities! We are always looking for energetic and happy people.
Volunteers
There are currently looking for teamer for Winter Season 2025 and all seasons of 2026. If you are an energetic and fun person who would like to join our team, please apply here:
https://forms.gle/6at2GUxNXLwEjCrF9
The minimum stay is 6 weeks (the longer the better).
Kitchen Chef
Surf Coaches with Portuguese License
Surf Coach Internship
Contact us
Cliff Surf House
Rua Barbosa de Bocage 14
2560-951 A-Dos-Cunhados
Portugal
Contact us
Cliff Surf House
Rua Barbosa de Bocage 14
2560-951 A-Dos-Cunhados
Portugal



