Summary
Peniche is a popular surf town in Portugal known for its strong surf culture and perfect beaches. The region is home to some of the best surf spots in Europe, with waves suitable for surfers of all levels.
The surf in Peniche can be quite varied, depending on the location and the time of year. During the winter months, the waves tend to be larger and more powerful, making it a popular destination for experienced surfers looking for a challenge. In summer, waves are usually smaller and more manageable, making it a good surfing destination for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Find a Surf Camp in Peniche, starting at US$199
Peniche is home to a number of famous surf spots, including Supertubos, Lagide and Consolação. Supertubos is a powerful beach break known for its hollow barrels and is considered one of the best surf spots in Europe. Baleal is a more laid-back surf town with a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks, while Consolação is a long, sandy beach with consistent, reliable waves.
Overall, surfing in Peniche is an exciting and rewarding experience, with a variety of waves and surf spots to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there’s something for everyone in this surf-rich region of Portugal.
When to go
The best time to surf in Peniche, Portugal is from September to November when early winter swells start rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean and water is still warm from the summer months. In winter, surfing conditions can be very big and powerful which mostly suits very experienced surfers.
For beginners, the summer months, from May to August will offer small and gentle waves allowing your first steps to be a bit easier.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | 11°C 52°F | 14°C 57°F | 18°C 64°F | 22°C 72°F | 20°C 68°F | 13°C 55°F |
| Water temperature | 15°C 59°F | 15°C 59°F | 17°C 63°F | 19°C 66°F | 19°C 66°F | 16°C 61°F |
| Crowd | Few people | Few people | Fairly crowded | Very crowded | Fairly crowded | Fairly crowded |
| Swell Consistency | 95% | 95% | 75% | 60% | 85% | 95% |
| Swell height | 10 ft | 9 ft | 7 ft | 5 ft | 7 ft | 10 ft |
Where to stay in Peniche
When surfing Peniche, you can stay either within Peniche or in Baleal which is 10 minutes up the coast. Peniche is closer to Supertubos while Baleal is closer to beginner-friendly surf spots like Cantinho and Gigi.
MH Peniche is the best hotel in Peniche and that is where a lot of Championship Tour surfers stay during the contest.
Selina Peniche is a nice hotel/hostel located in Baleal which has good access to Almagreira, Cantinho and Lagide.
Surf camps in Peniche
Find a surf camp in Peniche, starting at US$261
8-Day Surf Camp in Baleal Beach, Peniche
US$545, including:
- 5 days of surf lessons
- 2 video sessions with analysis
- Highly experienced surf teacher
- Guided visit to the Peniche coastal area
- Surfboard and wetsuit rental
- 7 nights’ accommodation
8-Day Surfing and Yoga Holiday in Peniche
US$782, including:
- 6 surf classes
- 7 yoga classes
- 1 surf photo coach training
- Pick up from Peniche bus station
- Daily healthy vegetarian breakfast
- Transport to and from the surf spot
- Fruit, tea and coffee all day
- 7 nights’ accommodation
Surf spots in Peniche
Supertubos
Sometimes referred to as the European Pipeline, Supertubos is an A-frame beach break offering hollow and powerful lefts and rights. Works mostly through the winter months on a decent westerly swell.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : N
Praia do Baleal
Baleal is a great spot for beginners and intermediate surfers being sheltered on each ends of the bay by the headpoints of Peniche and Baleal.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : SE
Almagreira
Almagreira is a short drive away from Baleal and is a great beach break which is usually less crowded than Baleal.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E
Cantinho Da Baia
Cantinho Da Baia is just at the beginning of the bay of Baleal, in front of the popular beachside bars Tribo and Danau. During summer, when the north winds are frequent, Cantinho is often the cleanest surf spots in Peniche due to cross shore winds.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E