Last updated on January 29th, 2024 at 07:05 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Peniche, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Peniche, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surf tips, surf spots, and everything else related to surfing in Peniche, Portugal.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Peniche, Portugal
When surfers talk about surfing in Peniche, they usually refer to the famous break at Supertubos. Indeed, Supertubos is an incredible break, and it hosts the annual WSL surf competition for a good reason. However, Penich has so much more to offer than just Supertubos. This town receives year-round Atlantic swells and provides a great variety of surf spots. It is considered one of the best surf towns in Portugal, sharing the title with Ericeira.
Penich is situated about 90 KM north of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. In fact, it takes a little over 1-hour drive to get here from the International Airport. The easy access and the fantastic surf spots in Peniche make it a very popular destination for a surf trip. It might not be the prettiest town you will ever see, but Peniche has one unique advantage that sets it apart from other surf towns. It is located on a small Peninsula off the coast, which means that regardless of the wind direction on any given day, one side of the Peninsula always gets offshore wind. Therefore, when surfing in Peniche, you guarantee to score excellent surf conditions almost 365 days a year. You only need to choose which spot to surf according to swell and wind direction.
There is an impressive selection of surf spots in Peniche of all kinds and for all skill levels. Due to these excellent surf conditions, Penich also developed a fantastic surf scene. You will find surf camps, hostels, shops, and great nightlife. In short, Peniche offers everything a surfer could want, and it is definitely one of the most recommended destinations for a European surf trip.
Surf Seasons in Peniche
As mentioned, you can surf in Peniche 365 days a year, as at least one side of the Peninsula will always produce excellent conditions. However, you will find the best swells during the fall, between September and December. This time of the year produces big waves pretty much on a daily basis.
If you are a beginner, you can also enjoy surfing in Peniche during the summer, from May to August. The weather is terrific during these months, and the waves range from 1 to 3 feet. These conditions are perfect for taking surf lessons or just practicing. However, for the advanced surfers, it will probably not be enough.
The winter time, from December to March, is freezing and messy. During this time of year, the swells can get too big, and the conditions are just too wild. Therefore, unless you are a big-wave rider, it is not recommended to surf in Peniche in this season.
As for the weather in Peniche, it is warm and lovely during the surf season. The days are sunny, and the evenings are chilly, so you will need both long and short sleeves. The water temperature, on the other hand, is always cold and ranges from 15°C in winter to 20°C in summer. Therefore, while surfing in Peniche, you must bring your long wetsuit (3/2 in summer and 4/3 in winter).
The Best Surf Spots in Peniche
When surfing in Peniche, you can choose between several surf spots. Beach breaks, points, and reef breaks are all found around this town. Therefore, choose your favorite break according to your skill level and swell conditions. So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in Peniche:
Surf Spots in the Southern Part of the Peninsula:
Supertubos:
You must have heard about this spot, as this is one of the most famous waves in the world. In fact, many people come to surf in Peniche just to enjoy the privilege of riding this break. Supertobos is a pure barrel breaking over a sandy bottom. It requires high surfing skills, forcing you to drop straight into the tube. Every year in October, this beach hosts the best surfers on the planet for the WSL championship.
Bananas (Molho Leste):
On the same beach strip of Supertubos, Bananas offers a hollow break with less power. During the summer months, the conditions here are perfect, but when the swell is big, it tends to close out.
Surf Spots in the Northern Part of the Peninsula:
Papoa:
This is the big-wave surf spot of the Peniche area. During winter, on huge swells, you can get towed with a jet ski to ride some monsters. Of course, only experts are recommended to surf this break.
Cantinho da Baia:
This spot is located just south of Baleal and works with remarkable consistency. The waves break over a rocky bottom and get bigger as you get away from the wall to the middle of the bay. This spot suits any type of surfer, from beginners to advanced.
Prainha:
Great spot for beginners in the town of Baleal. As the shape of the Island protects this beach from wind and swell, the conditions are perfect for learning and practicing.
Gigi:
This beach break offers a soft and mellow break with several peaks to choose from. Surfers with any skill level can surf here, and it is a favorite mostly among longboarders.
Lagide:
Here, you can get some pretty long rides to the left side. Even though this wave breaks over a reef, it is a relatively easy one to ride, and even beginners can surf it. Just be aware of the sea urchins on the rocks.
Almagreira:
A typical beach break with multiple peaks to both right and left. This wave is exceptionally consistent and suitable for all skill levels.
Surf Spots within a driving distance from Peniche:
Foz do Arelho:
If you drive north from Peniche, you will get to this spot. Breaking next to a river, the waves here are consistent, and the lineup is relatively empty.
Praia da Areia Branca:
You will find this spot driving south from Peniche. This spot receives less swell than the other spots and is soft and easy to ride. Therefore, it is a great solution for the big swells when the other spots are too messy.
Praia de Santa Rita:
If you want to surf with no people around you, then this spot is a perfect option. The waves here are fast and hollow and break extremely close to shore.
Can Beginners Surf in Peniche?
Yes, easily!
There are several surf spots in Peniche to suit all skill levels. For instance, Prainha and Cantinho da Baia produce soft breaks, allowing beginners to learn and practice without danger.
If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, you can ride more challenging waves in the other surf spots in Peniche.
In short, any surfer can surf in Peniche and enjoy waves that suit his skills.
Surf Camps in Peniche
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Peniche’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Peniche Surf Lodge.
2. Ahoy Surf House.
3. Peniche Surf Camp.
4. G3 Store Surf Center Peniche.
5. Alex Surf School.
6. Boa Onda Guesthouse.
7. Baleal Surf Camp.
8. Ferrel Surf House.
For more details about surf camps in Peniche, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Peniche
When coming to surf in Peniche, you want to ensure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Supertubos Beach Hostel– Right across the street from Supertubos Beach, this hostel is located in one of the premier surfing spots in Portugal. Supertubos Beach Hostel provides surfing lessons, scuba diving, and tours at an extra fee and features free WiFi.
2. Filipe´s House– Situated in Baleal, a few steps from Cova da Alfarroba Beach and 1.7 km from Baleal Sul Beach, Filipe´s House offers free WiFi, a terrace, and air conditioning. The property is 3.3 km from Peniche Fortress and 18 km from Lourinhã Museum.
3. Surfness Lodge– Surfness Lodge is located in Baleal, just 15 m from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach of Lagido is just a few minutes walk away, and the property offers a great variety of surfing and relaxation activities.
For more surf hotels in Peniche, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Peniche- Travel Information
Language– Portuguese.
Population– about 16,000.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +351.
Time zone– GMT +1.
Pros– consistent waves, variety of surf spots, offshore wind.
Cons– cold water.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Peniche is the kind of surf destination that consistently produces good waves. The unique shape of the beach guarantees excellent conditions at any given time. Therefore, if you are looking for a surf trip in Europe, surfing Peniche will not let you down.
We hope you liked this surf guide to Peniche. Have a great surf trip!
