SURFING IN PENICHE: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Incredible waves, crystal clear waters, dreamy weather, the most top championships... Are you a surf freak? Then this will interest you. Portugal is one of the most attractive countries for surfing, from the north coast, the emblematic wave of Nazaré, Ericeira... We recently told you the secret from the wave of Nazaré, but today we want you to know the true mecca of surfing. If there is a place that welcomes many surfers every summer, it is Peniche, the temple of surfing. Peniche is a municipality in the Leiria district, 103 km from Lisbon that has always stood out for its long surfing tradition. If surfing is your thing and you're dying to discover new spots or if it's your first time on a board, Peniche is a fabulous option to jump into the waves. Its coast has countless beaches and perfect for all levels. In addition, you will fall in love with the town, its streets with a fishing air, you will eat super delicious in its fish and seafood restaurants and you will be blown away by its historical places.
THE BEST SPOTS IN PENICHE FOR SURFING
It comes as no surprise that Peniche is a surfer's paradise. In fact, the city council has changed the name of the municipality and now they call it the “Capital das Ondas”. Surfing is its hallmark and there is no surfer who has not traveled here more than once. The reality is that Peniche has the best spots in Portugal for surfing. Do you want to discover them with us? Sign up for our surf route through Peniche!
1. SUPERTUBE
A classic where there are. Located in the south of Peniche, Supertubos is the most famous beachbreak in Portugal, and one of the best waves in Europe. Very long, fast waves are born in this spot and, as its name suggests, form a spectacular tube. Surfing here is a luxury, but we only recommend it if you already have experience. It is not a very easy wave, since it breaks close to the shore and since there is so little bottom and it falls with such force, you have to surf it very quickly and it requires an advanced level. It is ideal when there is a north or northwest wind. This beach is the setting every year for one of the most demanding surfing championships in the world, the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal, one of the events on the WSL circuit. If you have the chance, travel when it is celebrated and enjoy the best surf performances.
2. CONSOLACAO
Although the Supertubos spot is the queen wave of Peniche, Consolaçao beach is the second most visited by surfers. Located to the south of Peniche, this sandy area is divided into two different areas that have nothing to do with each other: the northern area and the southern area. The northern zone is made up of several kilometers of golden sand and its conditions are perfect for surfing and windsurfing. The south zone, on the other hand, is an area of total relaxation, frequented by the elderly or families with children. Due to the richness of its waters in iodine, it is a beach that many people with bone diseases go to, since it alleviates the symptoms. But let's not deviate. Let's get back to business!
The northern part of Consolaçao is one of the top beaches if you like surfing. A very powerful right-hander with long tube walls is generated on its rocky bottom, perfect if you have a medium level. It is best surfed at low tides and, yes, be careful with the rocks when entering and leaving the water. A brutal left is also formed, shorter but also with a tube. If you want to surf, but have no experience, on the sand there is a beachbreak with multiple peaks, surfable at high and low tides.
3. LAGIDE
Another of the most famous sandy beaches in the north of Peniche, behind Supertubos, is Lagide beach. On many occasions it has been the alternative to Supertubos to celebrate WSL championships. It's a beach with a rock bottom, but it's not dangerous, so it's a great option if you already surf but don't have a lot of experience yet. The wave is a very long and maneuverable left that combines fast sections with slower ones. Any tide is good, although the best is low rising. The swell that works best is north or northwest, and south or east wind.
4. ALMAGREIRA
More to the north of Peniche, very close to Ferrel, we have Almagreira. This wild sandbank stands out for its spectacular beauty and its amazing cliffs. If you want to escape the crowds of Peniche, take the car and come to Almagreira. It is located just 2km north of the island of Baleal. It is isolated and its breaker gives right and left waves and also tubes, although its lefts are longer and better. The bottom is sandy, although it also has rocky areas. The perfect time to surf is with rising average tide, north or northwest swell and east or southeast wind. This spot is the favorite of beginners and also of the most experienced. We warn you: if you know Almagreira you will fall in love, it is one of the most beautiful beaches.
5. MOLHO LESTE
Another beach that you cannot miss is Molho Leste, located between Peniche and Supertubos. This beachbreak needs a lot of sea to have good waves, since it is protected by a breakwater. When the sea enters, some very long waves are born with several tube sections. It is a paradise for surfers and bodyboarders. It works well with both high and low tide, west or south swell and north or east wind. In times of high seas, waves of up to 3 meters are formed.
6. THE BELGIANS
Do you want to be the only one at the peak waiting for the best wave? That has a name and it's called The Belgians. In Peniche, being an enclave known worldwide for surfing, the beaches are usually somewhat crowded, but in Los Belgas you can surf practically alone. This extensive beach is north of Almagreira and has a multitude of peaks to the left and right. The bottom is sandy, so it is ideal for any level of surfing.
7. PORT BATEL
Porto Batel is the perfect beach for beginners. This reef break is located just south of Consolaçao and its break gives both left and right waves. It works best with half tide, southwest wind, and swell from the northwest and north and is a fantastic place for those days when the sea is very big.
THE BEST SEASON TO SURF IN PENICHE
Peniche attracts countless surfers from all over the world throughout the year. However, in the summer months you can enjoy the best conditions: the waters are warmer, it rains less, the temperatures are more pleasant… If you have never surfed, book a week of your summer and come to Peniche to try it. There are thousands of school options where you will learn from the best professionals. However, if what you are looking for is the size of the waves, the best season will be between October and May. In winter in times of high seas the waves reach 5 meters. But if you want to experience a world surfing championship, find out when the MEO Rip Curl Pro is held. It normally takes place in October, although this 2022 was held between March 3 and 13, 2022. It's a great plan, write it down on the calendar!
WETSUITS FOR SURFING IN PENICHE
Peniche is washed by the Atlantic. And what does that mean? That the water is freezing. In summer the temperature increases a couple of degrees, but it is still cold. If you are coming in winter, we recommend you bring or rent a suit of at least 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm that protects you from water and cold wind. If you are coming in summer, a 3/2 mm suit will suffice. As if that were not enough, in
THE PERFECT CAP FOR WHEN YOU ARE DONE SURFING
We are just as lovers of surfing as you are, as well as all sports that have to do with adrenaline and fun. So it was inevitable that one of our biggest bestsellers would be our Born to Surf cap. It is the perfect companion to protect you from the sun in style when you finish surfing the waves of Peniche. On our website you will find a wide variety of models to choose from.
Now that you know everything you need to surf in Peniche, I'm sure you'll be encouraged and visit this paradise. Don't think twice, grab your board and embark on this adventure! You will be amazed by the beauty and charm of the Portuguese coast.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- WHERE IS PENICHE?
The municipality of Peniche is in the central region of Portugal, in the district of Leiria, 103 km from Lisbon.
- WHERE TO SURF IN PORTUGAL?
The Portuguese coast offers an infinite number of beaches where you can surf, for all tastes. But if there is an area that stands out for surfing, that is Peniche, the mecca of surfing.
- WHERE TO SURF IN PENICHE?
In Peniche there are many options for surfing beaches, depending on your level. The most famous are Supertubos, Consolaçao, Lagide, Almagreira…
- WHERE IS THE MEO RIP CURL PRO HELD?
The mythical beach of Supertubos is every year the scene of the MEO Rip Curl Pro, an international competition of the WSL.
- WHEN TO SURF IN PENICHE?
In Peniche there are waves all year round. in the winter months, given the conditions, the waves are bigger and the cold will obviously be greater. If you have experience and want big waves, it may be a good time to travel, plus there won't be so many people. On the contrary, if you want to start surfing, we recommend the summer months. The climate is milder, the waves are smaller… it will be easier for you to learn.
- WHAT WETSUIT DO I NEED TO SURF IN PENICHE?
In winter it is best to take a 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm, since the water temperature is very low. In summer, a 3/2 mm suit will suffice.
