The coast of Portugal is widely subject to the consistent W-NW storms that hit Europe from October to April. The climate is one of the best on the European Atlantic coast, although temperatures are quite low throughout the year. Peniche is located on a small right angled peninsula in the center of the Portuguese coast, connected by sand dunes, characteristic of the most northern part, with the small peninsula of Baleal. The 5km of coastline separating these 2 peninsulas is home to numerous N and SW-facing beachbreaks. Moving a little further north there are, on the other hand, beachbreaks exposed to NW that usually start working during the summer season in which the swells from north prevail (the spots to check at this time of year are: Praia del Rei, Praia de Bom Successo and Praia aos Belgas). In Baleal you will find a reef covered with sand that gives life to one of the most beautiful spots in the area: Lagide. Lagide is a top quality left that works mainly when S or SW winds blow very hard and ruin conditions in all other spots; it offers a very long ride but you have to avoid it at low tide as the seafloor is full of sea urchins. This spot is very crowded but around it there are numerous other breaks that are exploited daily by the numerous local surf schools. The beachbreaks between Baleal and Peniche are characterized by medium quality waves where the central peaks are generally more powerful than those on the sides. Just behind the port of Peniche there is the spot of Molho Leste, which, in rough sea conditions, creates a very fast and tubing right wave crowded by the local crew of bodyboarders. Continuing for about 300m on the beach heading south, you will find the most famous beachbreak in Portugal: Supertubos. When the prevailing N wind is offshore, the only thing to do is to wait for a large NW (or SW) swell, high tide and jump into the water to try and catch the tubes offered by this spot (home of a of the stages of the world circuit). Consolacao lefts are quite rare to surf, but the lefts that unwind to the opposite side of the castle are more than enough for a memorable session. Protected from the N wind, Consolacao needs a more consistent swell than Supertubos and it is better at low tide. Peniche and its many spots are waiting for you for the best surf in Portugal!
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | MH Atlantico Golfe | MH Peniche | Soleil Peniche |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 210 | € 231 | € 231 |
Notes
Portugal offers consistent waves most of the year which average around 6-7 ft in winter (with peaks around 12-15 ft) and 3-5 ft in summer. The Beachbreaks north of Baleal are generally the most consistent spots during the summer season but they tend to get ruined when the “Nortada” wind blows in. This is the prevailing wind, blowing N-NW from April to September. For this reason autumn and winter are the best seasons to have offshore winds blowing from E-NE. The range of the tides varies between 4-12 ft and greatly affects the quality of the spots.
How to get there: Australians need a visa. Peniche is about 1 and a half hours drive from Lisbon. TAP, the local airline, is “Surfboard Friendly” and it offers a free ride for surfboards.
Getting around: The main roads are usually well maintained, but being very busy, driving could be quite dangerous. The buses are inexpensive and allow the transport of surfboards at no extra charge. Renting a car for a week costs on average € 160 (Auto Jardim). Since most of the spots are close to large sandy beaches, be careful not to get stuck with your car.
Accommodation and food: Unless it is high season (June-September), finding accommodation between Baleal and Peniche is very easy (ask at “Tourismo” or “Pensaos” in the old town of Rua Jose Estevao). Particularly recommended are the Residencial Maciel and Residencial Marisqueira accommodations, which offer double rooms for around € 25. An average meal costs around € 7.
Climate: The climate in Portugal is extremely pleasant all year round. The wet season runs from November to April. The best time to visit this area is in spring or autumn, although it is rare to have torrid and too hot summers. The N wind with the cold current coming from the Canaries, makes the water always cool enough, preventing the use of only the swimsuit for surfing. In fact, a 2 / 2mm wetsuit in summer and a 4 / 3mm one in winter will be necessary.
Nature and culture: Don’t miss Obidos, the fortified city to the west. Treat yourself to a trip to the Berlenga Islands National Park, characterized by numerous birds and seafloors perfect for snorkeling.
Dangers and nuisances: Apart from the rocks and a little localism in Molho Leste and Lagide, the climate in the water is friendly. Pay attention to the left of Supertubos, recommended only for more experienced surfers.
Tips: There are 2 well-stocked surf shops in Peniche. Bodyboarding is a very common reality in this area, in fact most of the spots are crowded with Bodyboarders. There are no Big Wave Riding spots, so you don’t need to carry a gun with you. Ericeira is about an hour’s drive from the south.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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Premio Turismo responsabile Italiano 2011
