Peniche Surf Guide | Explore The Best Surf Spots Without a Car

An Introduction To Peniche Surf

Peniche surf is one of Europe’s top destinations, located around 90 kilometers north of Lisbon. Known for its consistent waves & stunning coastal scenery, this vibrant town is an ideal base for surfers of all levels. Peniche is compact & easily accessible, with great public transport & walkable access to many of the region’s top surf spots.

Praia do Baleal is a fantastic spot for beginners, featuring sandy beach breaks that make it perfect for honing your skills. Just a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride from the town center, it’s easy to reach & offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

For more advanced surfers, Supertubos stands out as one of Europe’s most famous surf breaks. A mere 15-minute bike ride away, Supertubos delivers powerful, hollow barrels that challenge even the most skilled surfers. This world-renowned beach is a must-visit for those seeking adrenaline-pumping waves.

Peniche’s compact layout & well-connected bike paths make exploring its top surf spots convenient. Reliable public transport ensures easy access to further afield locations, making Peniche an excellent base for surfers looking to experience some of Portugal’s finest waves without needing a car.

Best Time For Peniche Surf

Seasons:

Autumn (September-November): Consistent swells & favourable offshore winds.
- Attire Needed: 3/2mm wetsuit.
Winter (December-February): Large, powerful swells with occasional stormy weather.
- Attire Needed: 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit.
Spring (March-May): Milder swells, ideal for intermediates.
- Attire Needed: 3/2mm wetsuit.
Summer (June-August): Smaller, more beginner-friendly waves.
- Attire Needed: 2mm shorty or boardshorts/bikini.

Surf Conditions:

Wave Size & Swell Direction: Waves range from 2 to 10 foot, best with west to northwest swells.
Break Type: Mixture of beach & reef breaks, with some of the world’s best barrels.
Tide & Wind: Best surf is at mid to low tide, with east or northeast winds ensuring clean conditions.
Skill Required: Suitable for all levels, though Supertubos is for advanced surfers only due to its fast, hollow waves.

Peniche Surf Spots Within a 5km Radius

Best Surf Spots	Distance from Peniche	Wave Size	Wave Quality	Skill Level
Praia da Cova da Alfarroba	Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) northeast	1-3 foot	Mellow beach break	Beginner
Praia do Baleal	Approx. 4km (2.5mi) northeast	2-5 foot	Mellow beach break	Beginner to intermediate
Praia do Molhe Leste	Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south	3-8 foot	Hollow, fast waves	Intermediate to advanced
Supertubos	Approx. 5km (3.1mi) south	4-10 foot	Powerful, barrelling waves	Intermediate to advanced

Access To Peniche Surf Spots

Best Surf Spots	Walking Time	Biking Time	Public Transport
Praia da Cova da Alfarroba	Approx. 35 min.	10 min.	5 min. (Local bus or Taxi)
Praia do Baleal	Approx. 60 min.	15-20 min.	5-10 min. (Local bus or Taxi)
Praia do Molhe Leste	Approx. 60 min.	15-20 min.	10-15 min. (Local bus or Taxi)
Supertubos	Approx. 60 min.	Approx. 20 min.	10-15 min. (Local bus or Taxi)

Accommodation in Peniche

Accommodation Type	Description	Price Range per night (EUR)	Price Range per night (USD)
Hostels	Dormitory-style accommodation	€20 to €40	$22 to $45
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments	Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units	€50 to €120	$55 to $130
Luxury Stays	Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments	€150 to €300	$160 to $320

How To Get To Peniche

How to get to Peniche from Humberto Delgado Airport Lisbon Airport (LIS)
To reach Peniche, the most convenient route is to fly into Humberto Delgado Airport informally known as Lisbon Airport (LIS) & then take a local bus to your destination.

Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Peniche based on your preferences & budget.

Distance: 100km (62mi)

Taxi or Ride-share:
- Time: 1 hr 15 min.
- Cost: Approx. €80-€100 ($85-$107 USD)
Public Transport (Bus) (Best Option):
- Time: 2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. €10-€15 per person ($11-$17 USD)
Shuttle Service:
- Time: 1.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. €20-€35 per person ($25-$40 USD)

Discover Peniche: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat

When the surf isn’t on in Peniche there are plenty of other exciting activities to explore. Here are 3 recommended activities to make the most of your time.

Explore the Berlenga Islands
Take a boat trip to the Berlenga Islands, a natural reserve known for stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, & diverse marine life. You can hike around the island, visit the São João Baptista Fortress, & enjoy birdwatching.

Visit the Peniche Fortress (Forte de Peniche)
This historic fortress played an important role in Portugal’s history. It was used as a political prison during the Estado Novo regime. Today, it serves as a museum, offering insight into Portugal’s past & the local culture.

Discover Cabo Carvoeiro
Head to Cabo Carvoeiro for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean & the nearby Berlenga Islands. This scenic cape is known for its dramatic cliffs, lighthouse, & unique rock formations, making it a great spot for photography & relaxing walks.

Exploring Óbidos: The Best Sights & Landmarks To Visit

If there’s no surf for a couple of days, consider heading to Óbidos, a charming medieval town just 30 minutes from Peniche by bus, with its picturesque streets, historic castle, & local artisanal shops.

Explore the Óbidos Castle:
Walk along the castle walls for panoramic views of the town & surrounding countryside.

Visit the Livraria de Santiago:
A beautiful old church converted into a bookstore, perfect for book lovers.

Sample Ginjinha de Óbidos:
Try this local cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups, a sweet treat unique to the region.

Stroll Through the Village:
Wander the narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with flowers.

Attend a Festival:
If visiting in July, don’t miss the Óbidos Medieval Fair, where the town transforms with medieval costumes, markets, & entertainment.