This summer Sergio has left the heights of Zermatt to volunteer in the Aveiro region in Portugal. Aveiro is on the central west coast of Portugal just south of Porto, facing out into the Atlantic for some big winds.
There he has been helping out with kitesurfing lessons, wakeboarding, boat charters, and maintenance on the hotel. Of course this means he has lots of fantastic photos to share with you!
Kitesurfing Around Aveiro
Aveiro in Portugal is well known as a summer and winter kitesurfing destination and there are a few areas that are especially suited, with steady winds. The Aveiro lagoon is a protected area with flat water inside the lagoon, great for beginners, freestyle and freeride. It is protected from the waves and offers great flatwater conditions. The Praia da Barra and Costa Nova are also well known kitesurfing beaches in the area.
The lagoon area is big enough that it is also known for kayaking and birdwatching, with lots of local wildlife sharing the space.
Peak season for kitesurfing is now, from May to September, and after that Sergio will be heading back to Zermatt, where he will be happy to ski with you this winter!
When not on the water, Sergio has been cycling, roller skating, hiking around the local area, and perfecting his minigolf swing.
Aveiro Town and Surroundings
Aveiro in summer is itself is also worth exploring, with canals running through the city. You can take a trip along these in one of the “moliceiros”, traditional boats once used for seaweed harvesting. The canals are bordered by Art Nouveau buildings, making Aveiro a charming destination, even if you are not a kitesurfer.
Sergio made sure to visit the local festival “festival do canais” (festival of canals) in Aveiro town, with lots of concerts, music and dancing.
Traditional Industry, Salt Production
The main industry in the area used to be salt production, and you can visit the salt pans. Salt production in Aveira is an over 1000 year old industry. The seawater is fed into evaporation ponds. Sun and wind cause evaporation, and the salt is left when the water has dried off. Then the salt is harvested for use, and originally this was done using wooden tools.
But what for? Traditionally, this salt was used for preserving cod and meat in the age before freezers.
Nature and the Mountains
One of the highlights of Sergio’s summer was a full moon bivouac, sleeping outdoors under the stars in just a sleeping bag in the mild summer conditions.
He also visited the National Park Serra da Estrela (Mountains of the Stars) and Berlengas Natural Reserve, with lots of rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.
Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal with it’s highest peak (Torre) is at 1993 meters. If you are in Zermatt, that is just a few metres above Furi. For Verbier locals, it is around the height of the Au Mayen restaurant, just under the Mayentzet chairlift.
The rivers and glacial valleys at Serra da Estrela support local wildlife, with everything from vultures and storks to tiny flycatcher birds. There are many butterflies, and you might even see the rare Iberian wolf, which is returning to the area.
Festival in Galicia
Originally from Spain, Sergio also made time to visit the O Marisquinho festival in Vigo, Galicia. This is a culture and extreme sports festival, with lots of demos of BMX and skate, held over 3 days in August. As well as sports, you can see breakdance, graffiti, live concerts and DJ sets.
In the Winters
Sergio and has been involved in skiing his whole life all around the world. Adapting his experience to every place and person he meets makes every day a new story. That is what motivates him to give his best energy and attitude, building the confidence to improve technically and have fun at the same time.
Sergio’s clients say;
“After my second season skiing with Sergio, he’s become more than just a great instructor—he’s a great friend. His passion, skill, and energy make every lesson an incredible experience. We can’t wait for 2026 to hit the slopes with him again and make it another unforgettable season!“
“Sergio was a great guide. My son and I ski all over the world and know a good guide. Sergio took us all over Zermatt. 9 to 330. We got to test our skills on piste and off piste. A perfect day. I would highly recommend Sergio.“
Contact us to book ski lessons with Sergio in Zermatt.