Surfing in Peniche: How to Relax in Portugal

Surfing in Peniche Surfing – an extreme sport where enthusiasts conquer the unpredictable force of ocean waves using a board, gliding skills, and mental fortitude.

Powerful waves near the coastline are the first requirement for surfing.

A relatively warm country is the second requirement.

Portugal, boasting 1,800 kilometers of ocean coastline, European-level service, and affordable prices, is perfect for surfing.

Peniche

Peniche, pronounced by locals as Pniše, is located on a tiny peninsula, similar to the British version , halfway along the west coast, just 94 kilometers from Lisbon.

Five kilometers away lies the village of Baleal (baleia – whale), which was once a whaling area and is now a hotspot for beginner surfers.

Year-round, it’s windy around Peniche, making it a consistent surfing destination. The best waves come from fall to spring, while the rest of the year is a paradise for beginners.

Beach in Peniche

The 15-kilometer coastline stretching north and south of Peniche is home to dozens of surfing schools.

Numerous sandy surf spots, no sharks, attractive prices, and well-developed infrastructure make this place ideal for surfers.

The downside, likely the only one: in winter, water temperatures range from 13–15°C, and in summer it doesn’t exceed +22°C.

What the Area Looks Like

The Surroundings of Peniche The area is full of beautiful, clean beaches: Consolação, Molho Leste, Supertubos, Praia da Baia, Beltico, Baleal.

Sea-eroded cliffs, cozy coves, proud bluffs, fields of flowers, and agricultural plantations — the local landscape is breathtakingly beautiful.

The sight of the ever-changing ocean is mesmerizing. In winter, the area is quite deserted, with only skilled surfers riding the waves.

However, in summer, beginner-friendly spots resemble seal colonies. Figures clad in water-shiny black wetsuits paddle in shallow waters, mastering the challenging art of board control.

How to Get There

Route to Peniche From Lisbon to Peniche buses depart every hour and a half from the Sete Rios station, located at the metro stop of the same name.

Bus fare – 9 euros.

To reach the metro from the airport, take the Aeroshuttle bus (3.5 euros).

Surf camps organize transfers from Lisbon; a van for 8 people costs around 100 euros, and taxis are slightly more expensive.

Where to Stay

Hotel in Peniche Beginners usually book surf houses attached to surfing schools.

A typical house generally includes two rooms accommodating 2–4 people, with a shared equipped kitchen and bathroom.

There are two campgrounds in the area.

Wealthier visitors rent comfortable apartments for 6–8 people or hotel rooms. The situation is similar to booking hostels and hotels in Ireland .

Seasoned surfers opt to stay closer to Supertubos, in hotels and hostels near the beach.

Peniche and its surroundings offer numerous hotels priced from 1,700 rubles, and hostels starting at 1,100 rubles.

Nearby is the quaint town of Consolação. Those who’ve visited Peniche recommend staying there.

Features of Surf Spots

What makes Peniche unique is the abundance of surf spots located just 1–2 kilometers apart, influenced by winds from various directions. Surfers move around in search of the best conditions.

Most popular spots: Lagide, Molho Leste (“Eastern Sauce”), Supertubos. These locations have relatively small takeoff zones, often leading to competition among surfers for the best position.

Supertubos, Peniche

World-famous Supertubos, Portugal - Northern winds blow towards Lagide, Baleal, and nearby beaches.

More westerly winds directly hit Supertubos, Molho Leste, and other southern coastlines. If you want a relatively sheltered spot, opt for a wind direction coming from inland.
The globally renowned surf spot Supertubos is known for producing the best swells in Portugal, aside from Algarve . The rapidly decreasing ocean depth causes wave formation — powerful reef breaks that turn into concave tubes and crash onto the shallow sandy bottom near the shore. This spot is for high-level surfers ! Since 2009, every October it hosts a stage of the World Cup by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).
The continuation of the long beach between Peniche and Baleal is Meío da Baia. Here, you’ll find several surf spots.
In the middle of the bay, the waves are bigger, while on the edges—like in Cantinho—they are softer and slower, with a perfect shape, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.
The advantage of Cantinho is the consistency of waves with left- and right-hand peaks during the summer season.
Lagide features perfect waves for intermediate and experienced riders—a long left-hand reef break, where it’s easy to maneuver, alternating between fast and slow sessions.
Almagreira, or Red Rocks, is a beach to the north of Lagide. The local surf spots here are active when the waves near Baleal are calm.

Almagreira, Peniche

In this area and in Belgas, there is an ideal beach break—a rhythmic surf ensuring a successful ride.
Consolação is distinguished by a right-handed point break—a spot where waves crash against the reef bottom. It is preferred by surfers of intermediate and advanced levels.

Surf Schools

Surf Schools in Peniche Small training centers with equipment rentals are available in the town and its surroundings: Helena, Silver Coast, Baia de Peniche Surf Camp & School, Alex Surf School, Peniche Kite & Surfcenter, and others.

Representatives of different nationalities—French, Portuguese, Russians—work there.

Some surf schools cater exclusively to Russians.

Classes are usually held in the morning and after lunch. Participants are provided with wetsuits and surfboards of various types .

Surf Camp in Peniche

The basic 7-day package includes training and accommodation without meals, costing from 325 euros for beginners to 590 euros for experienced athletes.

Equipment rentals are available: boards, wetsuits, bicycles.

A single day of lessons without staying at a camp costs about 50 euros.

Prices in some camps vary by season.

Surfing Seasons

Surfing Seasons in Peniche From March to October, waves do not exceed 1.5 meters, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.

It’s easy to find soft, manageable beach break waves—those breaking over sandy bottoms.

The best time for lessons is in the summer, from June to the end of September.

From October to February, it’s the season for pros, characterized by waves from 1.5 to 3 meters, with record heights reaching up to 30 meters.

First Steps

Surfing Lessons in Peniche Beginners start with theoretical lessons and warm-ups.

Surfing requires a strong body with good flexibility and balance skills.

One needs to be in top physical shape to paddle through the breaking zone with arm strength. Then, they learn how to catch waves, conquer the “turtle roll,” and maneuver on the water.

The hardest part for beginners is standing up on the board. Many only manage to do this by the end of their first week of training.

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Safety

Surfing comes with some risks.

Surfing Safety It’s important to objectively assess your skill level and choose surfing seasons, spots, and waves that match your capabilities. Check out France beaches .
Beginners are advised to surf on gentle slopes where slow waves form. During the high season, Supertubos is not suitable for beginners—it’s crucial to be extremely fast and agile here, or you risk falling off the board, potentially leading to a tough impact due to the power of the “tube” wave.
Study currents and the terrain’s characteristics. Near Consolacao on the right, beware of rocks during the high-wave season. This spot is noticeable as elderly folks often sit on the “healing rocks.”

In Lagide, the seabed is rocky, with plenty of sea urchins.

Do not surf alone, and in the early stages, surfing lessons must be under an instructor’s supervision.
It’s essential not to overdo it, avoid dehydration and overheating, and protect your skin from sunburn.
Never abandon your board—half of all injuries suffered by novice surfers are caused by collisions with their own equipment.

Things to Do Besides Surfing

In Peniche, which became a town in 1609, notable attractions include fortifications and a narrow 17th-century fortress wall, perfect for tourists to explore.

At the Church of Mercy from the 17th century, you can admire a painted ceiling depicting gospel scenes and intricate tiles.

Cape Cabo Carvoeiro, Peniche On Cabo Carvoeiro Cape, the water has carved playful shapes among the cliffs, reminiscent of a half-sunken ship.

In Peniche, you can go fishing, enjoy spearfishing, ride bicycles, or play golf.

At the local factory producing surfboards , you can learn about the history of the sport and the secrets of board manufacturing. Closer to midnight, surfers gather at parties in numerous bars, pubs, clubs, and discos catering to visitors of various ages and income levels. Sometimes, dancing lasts until the morning.

Nighttime Peniche

Water excursions to the Berlengas Islands (Berlengas), located 10 km off the coast, are particularly popular.

Berlengas, Peniche

Berlengas

The beautiful Berlenga Island, part of a nature reserve, is home to countless rare animals, birds, and plants.

Tourists glide beneath pink granite grottos on boats over turquoise waters. In the transparent water, you can spot fantastically beautiful fish, marine flora, and sunken ships.

Near a 17th-century fort along the ocean shore, there’s a camping area with tents.

In the vicinity of Peniche and within the town itself, there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

The old fishing port is renowned for its delicious fish dishes, including sardines and sea bass, as well as freshly caught seafood: lobsters, crabs, oysters, and shellfish.

Dining out costs between 10–15 euros.

The surrounding area features several supermarkets, banks, and even a bakery.

Surf shops primarily sell clothing, while equipment can be found in a couple of larger stores along the beach road. The staff speaks English.

Surfing is a world of youth and beauty, speed and thrill. It’s a way to connect with a powerful and unpredictable element, filled with challenges, dangers, and triumphs.

Regardless of the outcome, this journey transforms a person, allowing them to understand their own greatness and potential, and thus begin to dream of new achievements!

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