Surfing in Peniche
The best time to surf in Peniche is October to March, when the northwest groundswells arrive and the strong summer wind (the nortada) stays away. The big advantage of Peniche: it is a peninsula, so there is almost always one side where the wind is offshore. Beginners are best off in the sheltered bays around Baleal (Prainha, Gigi, Baleal Sul), experienced surfers head to Supertubos, Molhe Leste or the reef at Consolação. Bring a 4/3 wetsuit from November to March; in summer a 3/2 is enough.
Our experience
We went there as a family in the summer of 2025. What struck us: thanks to its location, your chances of scoring good waves here are high. Even with onshore wind it was good, and both the kids and I had great sessions. Peniche is not a picturesque fishing village like Ericeira, but it feels authentically Portuguese, and for a surf holiday it is great.
Peniche at a glance
May to Sep (beginners)
3/2 from Jun to Sep
What are the best surf spots in Peniche?
Don’t think of Peniche as one spot, but as a loop around the peninsula. To the north is the bay of Baleal, to the south the long beach towards Supertubos. Wind from the south or southwest? Then the bay of Baleal is offshore and Supertubos is onshore. With the classic north wind it is the other way around. So check the wind first, and only then the wave height.
Supertubos
Portugal’s best-known wave and the venue of the yearly WSL contest. Supertubos is a fast, hollow beach break over sandbanks. The lefts are usually better than the rights. When it is on, it is crowded, with plenty of locals and pros in the water. This is not the place to catch your first green waves: the take-off is steep and the wave breaks in shallow water. On small summer swells it can look pretty tame, though.
Molhe Leste
A right that breaks along the harbour wall, a few minutes from Supertubos. Molhe Leste needs a decent northwest swell to work, but it is sheltered from the nortada. On big days it is for experienced surfers; on smaller days more levels can join in.
Baleal, Prainha and Gigi
The bay on the north side is where the surf schools are. Prainha is sheltered behind Baleal island and ideal for beginners, even with messy wind swell. Gigi offers lefts and rights, works best on a rising tide and is fun for longboarders on small days. Baleal Sul is the long beach between Baleal and Peniche: smaller and friendlier near Baleal, bigger towards Peniche. The northern part faces such that the nortada blows lightly offshore, which is handy in July and August.
Lagido and Consolação
For those looking for a reef. Lagido, on the north side, is a left over rock that works best with a northwest swell and mid to high tide. Consolação is about ten minutes’ drive south of Peniche: the point break south of the fort breaks over rock and is for experienced surfers only, while the beach on the north side suits beginners. Consolação often works when the wind ruins other spots.
When is the best time to surf in Peniche?
Peniche really has two seasons. From May to October it is a spot for all levels: the swell is smaller, the water warmer and the surf schools are in full swing. August is the busiest month. July and September have similar waves but are quieter and cheaper. The downside of June to August is the nortada, the strong north wind that picks up around midday. So surf early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | – | – | – | G | T | T | T | T | T | G | – | – |
| Advanced | T | T | T | G | – | – | – | – | G | T | T | T |
From November to April the big northwest groundswells arrive. The bays get bigger and more powerful, and Peniche is mainly fun from intermediate level up. In December Supertubos can be well overhead, and Papoa (the reef along the town) is then only for big-wave surfers. Sheltered spots such as Gigi and Lagido can get blown out in strong winds.
Surfing Peniche in October and November
October and November are the golden months. The summer crowds are gone, so is the nortada, and the first northwest groundswells roll in. There is often a light offshore wind, with swells of roughly 2 to 6 feet. According to experienced local guides, November is even more reliable than midwinter. The water is still pleasant: around 18 °C in October and around 16 °C in November, with dips to 14 °C. In October you can often get away with a 3/2; in November bring a 4/3. Expect shorter days, rain showers and cold mornings in November: a warm hoodie after your session goes a long way.
Good to know: the WSL event at Supertubos, the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, was held in October this year (16 to 25 October 2026). If you are in Peniche during the contest, Supertubos itself is off limits, but you can watch the world’s best surfers from the beach.
Comparing Portugal with other destinations in autumn? Read when to surf in Portugal and where to surf in Europe in November.
Sea water temperature
Average in °C. Oct approx. 18 °C, Nov approx. 16 °C.
Chance of waves
Chance of surfable waves in %.
Air temperature
Average daily maximum in °C.
Is Peniche good for beginners?
Yes, as long as you pick the right bay. Beginners belong at Prainha, Gigi (on small days), the northern part of Baleal Sul, or the north side of Consolação. That is also where most surf schools are. As a beginner, stay away from Supertubos, Molhe Leste and the reef at Consolação: the waves there break fast and shallow over rock or sandbanks, and the local crowd has little patience with people getting in the way.
With kids
Peniche works well with kids: ours surfed there in summer without any problems.
The best time for a first surf week is May, June or September: smaller waves, warmer water, not yet high season. You can also take lessons in winter, but then choose a school that checks every day which side of the peninsula is calmest. More options for your first surf week: surfing in Portugal for beginners.
What wetsuit do you need in Peniche?
The Atlantic on the west coast of Portugal is colder than many people expect, because of cold water upwelling. That is why you surf in a wetsuit, even in summer.
Not sure about thickness or fit? See our wetsuit guide and winter wetsuits explained.
How do you get to Peniche?
Peniche is just over an hour’s drive north of Lisbon and about 40 minutes south of Nazaré.
Our route
We flew into Porto and back home from Lisbon. That is ideal, because Peniche lies right between the two cities. You don’t have to drive back, and you pass Nazaré on the way.
Where is Peniche?
Where to stay in Peniche?
For beginners and families, Baleal is the most convenient base: you can walk to Prainha and Baleal Sul, and there are lots of surf schools and surf houses. If you mainly come for Supertubos and Molhe Leste, stay in Peniche itself. For something quieter, look in Ferrel, a village about 5 kilometres inland.
Our tip
We stayed as a family at Huttopia Lagoa de Óbidos, a campsite on the Óbidos lagoon. You sleep in furnished safari tents, and Peniche is about 30 kilometres away. A relaxed base, and Nazaré is easy to reach too (about 50 kilometres). It makes a great day trip, partly thanks to the small museum in the fort by the lighthouse (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo). It houses the Surfer Wall, with boards from big-wave surfers such as Garrett McNamara and Maya Gabeira. The campsite is open from late March to 1 November.
Want to combine Peniche with Ericeira, an hour south? Read our Ericeira surf guide.
Accommodation in Peniche
Find a holiday home, surf house or hotel in Peniche or Baleal.
Can you rent a surfboard and wetsuit in Peniche?
Yes, everywhere. In Peniche and Baleal there is a surf school or surf shop on almost every corner where you can rent boards and wetsuits by the day or week, including kids sizes. So there is no need to fly with your own boards.
I rented a shortboard from Portugal Surf Rentals. You arrange it via WhatsApp: share the board type, volume and dates, and the board is delivered to your accommodation in Peniche. You get tips on spots and conditions as a bonus. The boards were in great shape, not battered rental boards.
Peniche, Nazaré or Ericeira: which suits you?
These three are within an hour of each other and are often compared. Roughly speaking: Peniche is the most versatile, because you can always find a spot with offshore wind. Ericeira has more reefs and points and suits experienced surfers better. In Nazaré you mainly go to watch the biggest waves in the world, from October to March. On Nazaré’s north beach you only surf yourself on small days. For an overview of all regions, see surfing in Portugal.
How do you read the surf forecast for Peniche?
Look at three things: the swell direction (northwest is the classic), the period (from 10 seconds it gets interesting) and the wind. With wind from the north or northeast, head to the south side (Supertubos and Molhe Leste). With wind from the south or southwest, go to the bay of Baleal. Surfing near Lisbon in the colder months? Also read where to find shelter and consistent waves near Lisbon.
Frequently asked questions about surfing in Peniche
What is the best month to surf in Peniche?
For experienced surfers, October and November are the best months: northwest groundswell, often light offshore winds and fewer crowds. For beginners, May, June and September are best, with smaller waves and warmer water.
Can you surf in Peniche as a beginner?
Yes. Go to the sheltered bays around Baleal, such as Prainha, Gigi on small days and the northern part of Baleal Sul. Supertubos, Molhe Leste and the reef at Consolação are for experienced surfers only.
What wetsuit do you need in Peniche?
A 4/3 full suit from November to March and a 3/2 from June to September. In October and May it depends on how easily you get cold. Booties are handy on the reefs.
How far is Peniche from Lisbon?
By car it takes just over an hour from Lisbon. The Rede Expressos or FlixBus bus takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the difference between Supertubos and Baleal?
Supertubos is a fast, hollow beach break on the south side for experienced surfers. Baleal is a bay on the north side with softer waves and lots of surf schools. They work in opposite winds, so one of the two is often good.
Can you rent surf gear in Peniche?
Yes. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits everywhere in Peniche and Baleal, including kids sizes. For a quality board, you can also have it delivered to your accommodation, for example via Portugal Surf Rentals.
Is Peniche crowded?
In August and on good days at Supertubos it gets very busy. Outside summer and at lesser-known spots, such as Almagreira north of Baleal, it is much quieter.