A Complete Guide to Surfing Peniche in Portugal

Thinking about Surfing Peniche?

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This is our complete surf travel guide. Read for everything you need to know about surfing in Peniche.

Fans of surfing know that Europe is home to some of the best surfing destinations the world has to offer. Portugal, in particular, has emerged as one of the surfing hotspots in Europe. It is not hard to see why it would appeal as a surfing holiday destination. After all, not only does it offer big waves but you get some of the warmest weather in Europe, as well as some of the cleanest beaches in the world.

Below, we are going to reveal some of the best surfing spots in Peniche, Portugal, specifically, as well as providing you with some useful tips on how to make the most of your trip here. 

So let’s get into it!

Here’s our Complete Guide to Surfing Peniche.

The Best Time of Year for Surfing Peniche

If you are looking for the best waves, then you will want to visit Peniche between October and March. This is when the swells are at their biggest and the waves are at their best. Of course, this is also the time of year when the weather is at its worst. You can expect strong winds and high temperatures. However, if you are a keen surfer, then this is the time of year that you will want to visit.

If you are beginner or intermediate surfer, then we recommend surfing Peniche between April and September. This is when the weather is at its best, but the waves will be smaller. This is the time of year when most people visit Peniche, as it is the perfect combination of good weather and good waves.

See also: A Complete Guide to Surfing Portugal

How to get to Peniche in Portugal

Peniche is a small fishing village located on the Portuguese coast, an hour and a half north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

If you’re coming from Lisbon, the best way to get to Peniche is by car. The drive takes just over an hour and is relatively straightforward. You take the A8 freeway north from Lisbon, exit onto the N109 heading towards Peniche and follow the signs into town. 

You can also take a bus from Lisbon to Peniche, which takes about two hours. The train is another option, but it takes a bit longer, so we recommend taking the bus or driving if you can.

See also: A Complete Guide to Surfing Ericeira

Surf Camps in Peniche

Surf camps in Peniche are a great way to enjoy the waves and learn how to surf. The area is known for its strong winds and big waves, making it a perfect destination for experienced surfers. However, beginners will also find plenty of opportunities to catch some waves.

Surf camps typically include accommodation, meals, and lessons. Some also offer transportation to and from the airport. When choosing a surf camp in Peniche, it is important to consider your level of experience and what you hope to accomplish. Beginners may want to choose a camp that offers plenty of instruction, while experienced surfers may prefer a camp that focuses more on surf guiding. No matter your skill level, spending a week at a surf camp in Peniche is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Here’s our pick of some of the best surf camps in Peniche:

Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort

This relaxed eco lodge is located in a secluded spot, surrounded by pine trees, a 10-minute drive away from the surf spots of Peniche.

The rustic resort offers a combination of wooden bungalows and glamping tents. Amenities include an airy restaurant, a skate bowl and a sauna, as well as a sundeck and an outdoor saltwater pool heated by solar panels.

Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort offers a 4-day all-inclusive package. This includes daily surf lessons, shared or private accommodation, surfboard and wetsuit hire, and a daily breakfast buffet.

For more experienced surfers looking for flexibility, Bukubaki Eco Surf Resort also offers a room-only option.

The Salty Pelican Peniche

This luxury villa is located just outside of the center of Peniche, a 2-minute walk from Baleal beach.

The newly built beachfront villa sleeps up to 40 guests in a combination of private and shared rooms. Most rooms come with a private balcony and ocean views. There is a rooftop terrace with outdoor lounging & dining area, cinema room, indoor yoga shala, and an all-day cafe.

The Salty Pelican offers a 1-week all-inclusive package. This includes daily surf lessons, shared or private accommodation, surfboard and wetsuit hire, unlimited yoga, and a daily breakfast buffet.

Silver Coast

This laid-back surf house is located a short walk from the surf spots of Baleal and a 10-minute drive from the centre of Peniche.

The house offers a combination of private and shared rooms. Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen where guests can prepare meals, a communal lounge and a spacious garden with a barbecue area and picnic tables.

Guests can choose from a 5-day or 1-week all-inclusive package when staying with Silver Coast. Both packages include daily surf lessons, shared or private accommodation, surfboard and wetsuit hire, and a daily breakfast buffet.

See also: 6 of the Best Surf Camps in Peniche

Surf Hostels in Peniche

If you’re looking for a surf hostel in Peniche, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are dozens of hostels dotted along the coast, each with its own unique vibe. Whether you’re looking for a party hostel or a more chilled-out atmosphere, you’re sure to find somewhere to suit your needs.

Here’s our pick of the best surf hostels in Peniche:

Selina Peniche

Set on the main road leading out to the beaches of Baleal, this hip hostel is just a 1-hour drive from Lisbon Airport.

Airy 6-bed and 8-bed dorms feature bunk beds. All have Wi-Fi, lockers and linens, as well as shared bathrooms. Private rooms are also available. Amenities include a Mediterranean restaurant, a bar and a rooftop terrace, a screening room, and a shared kitchen.

Guests can book a room at Selina Peniche and then add-on surf lessons with surfboard and wetsuit rental after they check-in. Group surf lessons are priced at €33 per person and private surf lessons are priced at €125 per person.

Alex Surf School

Overlooking the ocean, this budget-friendly surf hostel is just a couple minutes walk from the beaches of Baleal.

The relaxed hostel offers a combination of shared twin rooms and 4-bed dorms. Amenities include a communal TV room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor terrace with barbecue.

Guests can choose from an 11-day, or 2-week all-inclusive package when staying with Alex Surf School. All packages include daily surf lessons, shared accommodation, surfboard and wetsuit hire, and a daily breakfast buffet.

Experienced surfers looking for more flexibility can also book a room-only option at Alex Surf School.

Ferrel Surf House

This newly-renovated hostel is located in in the village of Ferrel, a 10-minute drive from the beaches of Baleal.

The modern surf house offers a combination of private and shared rooms. There is a large living room, a fully-equipped kitchen and an outdoor area with a swimming pool, sun loungers and a barbecue.

Guests can book a room at Ferrel Surf House and then add-on surf lessons with surfboard and wetsuit rental after they check-in. Group surf lessons are priced at €35 per person and private surf lessons are priced at €70 per person.

See also: 16 of the Best Surf Camps in Portugal

Peniche Surf Spots

If you’re looking for some of the best surf spots in Portugal, look no further than Peniche. The town is located on a peninsula, and it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. This makes for perfect conditions for surfing, and the waves here are some of the best in the world. 

There are a number of different surf spots in and around Peniche, so there is something for every level of surfer:

Praia d’el Rei

There is only one place to begin, and this is with Praia d’el Rei. This is quite simply a swell magnet. If everywhere else is failing to deliver, this is somewhere you can always count on. After all, when the other areas start to swell, you will probably find that the waves are too big here! This is why you need to make sure you check the waves in the morning during the wave ‘low season’ in Europe summer, and hide away from the north wind that often appears. Another great thing about this surfing area is that crowds can be avoided because surfers get evenly allocated within the surf spots. 

Gamboa

This is the bay’s most westerly spot. When everything else gets too big, this is the place to be.

Mohle Lest

When it is good here, it is very, very good! However, you do need decent swell conditions in order to make the most of this. It is pretty popular because it offers excellent conditions for both body boarders and surfers.

Supertubos

This is a shorebreak that can create massive barrels. In fact, it has achieved worldwide fame because it attracts all of the world’s best surfers, who battle here during October. So, if you are planning on visiting during this time of year, do keep it in mind, as you will want to get booked up pretty early. The waves here are heavy and very fast. When there is a shorebreak, waves break in very shallow water. You can easily hurt yourself or snap your board here, plus the take off is almost vertical! This is why you need to make sure you have plenty of experience. 

Gigi’s

This is quite simply paradise for any longboarder. The waves can provide some great long rides. The waves are fun, albeit small. However, the setting is so beautiful. There is something majestic about surfing here during sunset. 

Almagreira

This is situated north of the town, in between Belgas and Lagide. It is a classic beach break with some excellent right and left peaks. You can expect impressive swells on a regular basis thanks to the steady swell that comes from both the west and the north. You will need to be on your guard if you intend to surf around low tide, as it is quite rocky here. 

Lagide

This is where a lot of the locals like to go surfing. It’s not much of a tourist spot, so be nice! 

Alma

Another great spot to go surfing is Alma. This is a place that is famous for being fast and hollow. When it is between two and three feet, it is accessible for everyone. However, it is only advisable for experts when it goes above this size. 

Cantinho

Last but not least, we have Cantinho. This is an amazing beach break, offering both lefts and rights. The waves get bigger the further you move away from the cliff, as the waves by the cliff are protected. By the cliff, the conditions are perfect for beginners. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, you should head further west.

As you can see, there are lots of great places to go surfing in Peniche, Portugal, and so it is not hard to see why this has become such a popular spot for surfers. Make sure you check out the conditions before you decide what beach to head to. 

Surf Lessons in Peniche

Peniche is a great place to learn how to surf. There are many surf schools located in and around town, so there is something for every level of surfer.

If you are a beginner, we recommend checking out GO4SURF Surf School. They offer group and private surf lessons for all levels. The group lessons start from just €25 per person. All of their instructors are certified by the Portuguese Surfing Federation and have many years of experience.

If you are looking for a more personalized experience, we recommend Surf Guiding Peniche. They offer private surf lessons for all levels as well as surf guiding for more experienced surfers. All of their instructors are certified lifeguards and have years of experience teaching surfing.

Surfboard Hire in Peniche

It makes sense to hire a surfboard rather than bringing one with you, especially if you are going to be travelling to Peniche in Portugal by plane. The good news is that there are a number of different places where you can rent a surfboard in Peniche in Portugal.

You will find a lot of shops that sell and rent wetsuits and boards at Baleal beach. The prices are roughly the same, however, you can find a better deal with a bit of bargaining and comparing.

Fatum Surfboards is a great place to go if you want to find a good local shaper. You can also get great secondhand wetsuits for a bargain at 58surf. Either way, you won’t have to look far in order to find a surfboard to hire while you are in Peniche.  

Surfing Peniche Youtube Videos

You can learn a lot from YouTube, especially when you find informative vloggers who want to share how amazing the surfing in Peniche is! Not only do they talk about their experience and the towns best surf spots, but they also share concrete advice on where to stay and what to do on your surf trip in Peniche.

Give these YouTubers a follow and jot down some of their tips as you plan your trip:

MARIA & DU

Maria & Du are a Portuguese couple who love to travel and eat thier way around the coast of Portugal. In this video they share the best restaurants in Peniche, some of the top tourist hot spots, and they give you a closer look at the famous Supertubos Beach.

Travel Insurance for Surfing Peniche

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just catching your first waves, travel insurance should be at the top of your packing list.

Surfing can be an unpredictable sport, and accidents can happen even to the most experienced surfers. Travel insurance will protect you in case of any accidents or injuries, as well as lost or stolen equipment. It can also provide valuable assistance if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

So before you start surfing Peniche, make sure you’re covered by a good travel insurance policy (we recommend checking out Nomad Travel Insurance for Surfing).

Need help planning your surf trip to Peniche? Use our FREE Surf Trip Planner to get a list of top-rated surf camps, hostels, resorts and just for you.