The quiet fishing village of Peniche lies approximately one hour of drive north/east of lisbon and is build on the end of a sand peninsula. It is the 2nd most western point of mainland europe and widely recognized as the best and most flexible surf location in Europe.
These uniqueness in its geographical set-up that there are beaches facing almost every direction and a really exposed location into the Atlantic Ocean within a very short area are making this place so special.
The result is a year-round surf destination that can provide the goods in almost any conditions. Peniche is the centre of the portuguese surf scene („Always offshore in Peniche“) and not for nothing Peniche have been since 2009 the venue for one yearly tour stop of the ASP World Tour of Men and Woman. At the Rip Curl Pro Portugal the beaches around are crowded and Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Dane Reynolds or Marlon Lipke try to pull out all their tricks.
„I have been here since five days and the waves are doing great every day.“ Joel Parkinson, Australian pro surfer
„Definitely a good spot for an event or a surf trip.“ Adrian Buchan, Australian pro surfer
Which is the best time to surf in Peniche?
During the year the surf conditions are changing from small and mellow to massive and powerful.
Just a short overview:
While summer (June to August) Peniche is an amazing place to be, warm and dry days, hot sun, cool sea breezes and constantly small to midsize swell. Beaches and cafés are alive with portuguese locals and surfers from all over the world. In the bars nightlife is pumping almost every day into the early morning. Perfect for beginner, intermediate and social butterfly surfers. And if you decide to step away from the „Lemming affect“ you will still find an uncrowded place to surf.
If you really want to learn or develop your surfing skills, the best time to head for Peniche is from September to November. The summer crowds are gone, the water temperature peaks in september and the sandbars are well formed during small summer swells. Powerful midsize swells usually peel along the Peniche coastline.
The winter months from December to February when the big swells arrive are a good time to go on a Peniche surfari. In this period of time with almost nobody in the water a 4/3 wetsuit and booties are essential to keep out the cold and a warm café com leite with a bolo de belem or a Pastéis de Nata are always welcome after a surf session.
The spring brings chilly winds to Peniche and the water temperature gets more comfortable day by day. From March to May you can combine both, having party and surfing during the easter holidays or do surfing in a serious way with strong big to midsize swell and less crowds in the line up before and after the easter period.
