Peniche & Baleal Surf Camp

Where you’ll be: our Peniche and Baleal surf camp sits right in Baleal, a relaxed beachside surf town about ten minutes from Peniche on Portugal’s west coast, between Ericeira and Nazaré. The hostel is a short walk from Baleal Beach, and the beach, bars and local restaurants are all within easy reach. Peniche sits on a peninsula, so its beaches face different directions, and when the wind or swell is wrong for one side there is usually a more sheltered option on another.

Here are the waves around Peniche and Baleal by level.

Beginners: Cantinho da Baía, the main learning peak at Baleal, over sand and best from mid to high tide, and Prainha, a small beach at Baleal with a rip current near the cliffs. Praia da Baía, the long sweep of beach between Baleal and Peniche, suits all levels.

Beginner to intermediate: Gigi, along the bay, which works on a rising tide.

Intermediate: Lagide, a left on the north side of Baleal, and Almagreira, a beach break north of Baleal that is usually less crowded. Molhe Leste, a right-hander beside the harbour wall, suits intermediate to advanced surfers.

Advanced: Supertubos, about ten minutes south of Peniche, with fast, powerful, hollow waves over sand, and Consolação, a right-hand reef point south of Supertubos.

Your lessons are matched to your level, and the instructors choose the best spot for the day’s conditions. For tides, wind and sea temperatures, read our Peniche and Baleal surf guide and the best time to surf Portugal.

Getting here from Lisbon: Peniche is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Lisbon by car. Rede Expressos buses leave from Sete Rios bus station, next to Jardim Zoológico metro (blue line), and take about an hour and a half. The hostel in Baleal is a short taxi ride from Peniche bus station. Check Rede Expressos for current times and fares.

You stay in a social surf hostel with a mix of dorms and private rooms. There is an on-site restaurant, a cinema room, a gym and a co-working space with fast Wi-Fi and proper desks. The surf school is based inside the hostel, so you simply head downstairs to get started, and the beach is a five-minute walk away.

See which beach in Peniche and Baleal suits your level, what the water is like each month and how Peniche compares with Ericeira.

Peniche and Baleal surf guide: which beach suits your level, temperatures for every month and how to get here from Lisbon.

Ericeira vs Peniche: an honest comparison of Portugal’s two best-known surf towns.

Ericeira surf camp: our camp in the World Surfing Reserve, with a pool, skate ramp and yoga.

All surf camps in Portugal

Travelling from overseas: visa notes, the best time to go and the most popular trips for guests from your country.