Surfing in Peniche: the best beaches for every level
From your first lesson to the barrels of Supertubos: where to surf in Peniche, when to go and what to bring.
Peniche is a peninsula, with beaches facing north, west and south. That means there is almost always somewhere with good conditions, whatever the wind. It is one of Europe’s best surf destinations for every level.
Getting started
- Baleal (south side): a crescent bay next to Baleal village, home to many surf schools. Even with the summer north wind, it usually has clean waves.
- Prainha: a sheltered beach with small, easy waves most days, ideal for learning.
For experienced surfers
- Supertubos: one of the world’s most famous beach breaks, fast, hollow and barrelling. It hosts the Portuguese stop of the world tour. Experienced surfers only.
- Consolação: a right-hander over rock that works best on bigger swells. For advanced surfers.
- Molhe Leste: next to the harbour, known for barrelling rights on winter swells.
- Papoa: a big-wave spot, for experts only.
When to go
- May to October: smaller waves, a good time to learn. In summer the north wind (the “nortada”) tends to pick up in the afternoon, so go early in the morning or late in the day.
- November to April: bigger, more consistent swells for experienced surfers. November often combines good waves with fewer people in the water.
What to bring
The Atlantic is cool all year round: a 3/2 mm wetsuit is enough in summer; in winter, use a 4/3 mm. If you are a beginner, book a lesson with a certified school and always respect the right-of-way rules and the lifeguards’ flags.
We have homes a few minutes from these beaches, in Peniche and Consolação. See available homes.
*Photo: Hugo Teles / Unsplash*