Surf in Peniche: The Best Beaches and Tips for your Surfing Trip

Peniche is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Europe, thanks to its beaches and wave conditions adapted to all levels. Located on the central coast of Portugal, this site not only offers quality waves, but also an excellent surfing experience. brutal surfing atmosphere, full of specialized stores, schools, and accommodations designed for surfers.. In this article, I will tell you about the best surfing beaches in Peniche and surroundings.including some recommendations of places to visit and my personal tips to make the most of your stay.

Panoramic perspective of Baleal Sul beach with the Dorn de Carlos

The Best Beaches for Surfing in Peniche

1. Supertubes

The Supertubos beach is world famous and a place of pilgrimage for experienced surfers.. It is well known for its fast and powerful tubes that break close to the shore. It offers unique conditions that attract professionals and high level surfing events, being one of the stops on the world surfing circuit.. Supertubos is perfect in autumn, when the waves are at their best, although it is recommended only for advanced surfers due to the power and speed of the waves.

Playa de los supertubos photo taken with carlos' drone showing the entrance to the beach, the people surfing and the waves in a panoramic perspective.

When I visited Supertubos, I was surprised by the tranquility of the beach, it is perfect to enjoy the spectacle of the most experienced surfers. Even though my level is beginner-intermediate, I was amazed to see how they perform in the fast and perfect waves, a real spectacle.

A surfer surfing at supertubos beach, image taken by carlos from the beach.

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2. Baleal Sul and Norte Beaches

Baleal is an island that divides the coast into two of Peniche's most versatile surfing beaches and the place where I spent most of my time. With gentle waves and ideal conditions for beginners and intermediatesis a perfect destination to improve your technique. Baleal Sul Beach extends along a peninsula, which means you can always find a section with calmer or stronger waves depending on the day and wind conditions. North Baleal is a smaller bay with calmer waves, ideal for beginners.

panoramic view of baleal beach with surfers. Photo taken with Carlos' drone

In addition to its incredible surroundings, Baleal has several surf schools and surfboard rental stores.. Staying in Ferrel, Baleal was the most comfortable and suitable choice for my level, and the surfing community in the area made every day in the water amazing.

Carlos on the beach of Baleal with a surfboard and wetsuit posing in front of the sea.

See the best accommodations and Surfcamps in Peniche click here

3. Almagreira

Almagreira is a beach located in a natural park.known for its wild atmosphere and unique natural environment, full of geological history (dinosaurs inhabited the area thousands of years ago). Almagreira beach has an almost extraterrestrial look, with golden sands and breathtaking scenery. The waves at Almagreira are less predictable, but when conditions are favorable, they offer an excellent experience for advanced surfers looking for a challenge.

surfers surfing on Almagreira beach

I visited out of curiosity, and the environment left me speechless. Almagreira is a place where you feel really disconnected, and surfing there is both an experience of connection with nature and a challenge.

Almagreira beach aerial view from Carlos' drone

4. Console

Consolação beach is another popular spot in Peniche, with strong and consistent waves all year round. It is known for its rocky bottom, which creates more intense breaks. At Consolação, the waves tend to be fast and offer a good variety of sections for advanced maneuvers. It is a place frequented by local and expert surfers, but it is worthwhile for those who are looking for a challenging and uncrowded beach.

Best time to surf in Peniche

The best time to surf in Peniche is between September and November.The waves are at their best and the beaches are less crowded than in summer. This is one of the main reasons why I decided to visit Peniche at the end of September. During these months, temperatures are still pleasant, although the water is a bit cold, so a good wetsuit is essential. Spring is also a good option to avoid crowds and enjoy consistent waves, but the weather can be a bit more unpredictable.

Girl entering Baleal beach with a surfboard.

Surfing Environment in Peniche and Surroundings

Peniche is a city with a vibrant surfing atmosphere. It is full of surf stores, schools and hostels that create a close-knit and friendly community. Both Peniche and Ferrel and Baleal are full of cafes, bars and restaurants with surfing style where you can relax and meet other surfers.

In my case, I stayed at Ferrel, a place with excellent value for money and close to Baleal, the beach I frequented the most. Ferrel is an ideal base for surfers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Peniche without sacrificing quick access to the best beaches.

Other Places to Visit in Peniche

In addition to surfing, Peniche and its surroundings offer several activities for those who want to discover the region:

  • Berlengas Islands: A natural archipelago in front of Peniche, ideal for snorkeling, hiking and enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Peniche Fortress: An ancient fortress dating back to the 16th century, full of history and with breathtaking views of the sea.
  • Óbidos: This medieval village, a few kilometers from Peniche, is an excellent excursion if you want to learn more about Portuguese culture and architecture.
  • Municipal Museum of Peniche: A place where you can learn about the local history and fishing tradition of the city.

Restaurants with Surf Vibe in Peniche

Peniche also offers a good variety of surfer-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes and meet other surfers. Here are some of my favorites:

Hostal Selina Peniche, image of the façade on the street leading to Baleal
  1. Xakra Beach Bar in Baleal: A beachfront bar with a spectacular view and fresh dishes.
  2. Poke Bowl BalealIdeal to enjoy a healthy meal after a surfing session.
  3. Ferrel's CantinaThis restaurant has an excellent quality-price ratio and a relaxed atmosphere.
  4. Bar do Bruno in Baleal: Located on a hill above the beach, it is an excellent place to watch the sunset and enjoy typical food.

See the best accommodations and Surfcamps in Peniche click here

Transportation in Peniche for Surfers

Moving between the different beaches of Peniche is essential to make the most of the surfing experience. Although you can rent a bike near the beaches and easily access Baleal from Ferrel, the best option to move around the area and have more freedom is to rent a car..

Baleal beach parking lot right at the entrance with cars parking them.

In my case, I opted to rent a bike for the first week, but for the second week I switched to a car, as it makes transporting boards and equipment much easier, as well as offering quick access to supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl. in Peniche. Also is convenient for exploring other nearby destinations such as Nazaré. If you are planning to surf several beaches or just want more comfort, renting a car is a worthwhile investment. You can easily book one through DiscoverCars which is the search engine I use, the best rental car comparator.

Practical Tips for Surfing in Peniche

  1. Choose your beach according to your level: Peniche offers beaches for all levels. Supertubos and Consolação are ideal for experts, while Baleal is perfect for beginners and intermediates.
  2. Rent equipment near the beach: There are many surf stores in Peniche and Baleal where you can rent boards and wetsuits. If you only need the equipment for a few days, this is a good option.
  3. Explore other activities: Excursions to the Berlengas Islands and Óbidos are highly recommended for those who want to vary their itinerary.
  4. Book accommodation in advance: Demand is high, especially in autumn. Ferrel and Baleal offer good lodging options near the main beaches.
Surf store in Peniche 5 minutes from the beach

Conclusion: Lifestyle and Surfing in Peniche

Peniche is a world-class surfing destination, and its beaches, surfing community and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place for both novice and experienced surfers. From the power of the waves at Supertubos to the versatility of Baleal, each beach has something unique to offer.

Portrait of a surfer on the beach of Baleal, Peniche

My stay in Ferrel and my surfing days in Baleal were an incredible experience, and with the freedom of a rented car, I was able to explore all the beaches and enjoy the region without complications. Peniche is more than a surf destination: it's a place where the energy and spirit of surfing is alive in every corner.

Frequently Asked Questions about Surfing in Peniche

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