Peniche

Day 1: Baleal bay and the Peniche peninsula

Ease into Peniche with a day that adapts to the Atlantic’s moods. You’ll sample beginner-friendly waves, get your bearings around the peninsula, and cap it with a classic cliff-top sunset.

• Morning: Surf lesson at Cantinho da Baía (Baleal) or independent session if you’re confident; arrive by 08:00 to beat crowds and parking pinch points; watch the break for 20 minutes and greet locals with a simple “bom dia”; summer suits 3/2mm, winter 5/4mm with booties.
• Midday: Post-surf coffee and a pastel de nata in Baleal, then lunch at a tasca in Peniche town; walk the passadiços behind the beaches and avoid trampling dunes.
• Afternoon: Conditions call: beginners stick with Baleal/Prainha; intermediates try Lagido at mid tide; experts may watch or tackle Supertubos if it’s lining up with easterly winds—mind the heavy shorebreak; alternatively book coasteering between Papôa and Cabo Carvoeiro on calm, clear days.
• Evening: Golden-hour stroll at Cabo Carvoeiro and Nau dos Corvos; seafood dinner near the harbour (grilled sardines in season); early night if you’re chasing dawn patrol tomorrow.

Day 2: Berlengas reserve and high‑performance tune‑up

Today mixes pristine nature with skill building. The Berlengas archipelago delivers crystalline water and wildlife, and you’ll round off with technique work that pays dividends in the surf.

• Morning: Boat to the Berlengas (pre-book; calmer seas Jun–Oct); choose snorkelling or guided diving—follow reserve rules, no touching fauna; bring a windbreaker for the crossing.
• Midday: Explore the fort and coves; simple lunch on the island or a packed picnic; summer visibility is best, but water can still feel brisk—7mm suits are standard for long snorkel sessions.
• Afternoon: Return to the mainland for a surf-skate or video-analysis coaching session at a high‑performance centre; target pop‑up efficiency, trim, and reading Peniche’s shifting sandbanks.
• Evening: Peniche old town wander and a relaxed petiscos dinner; if visiting Feb–Mar, check if the WSL is on—sunset spectating at Supertubos is thrilling even on lay days.

Day 3: North coast exploration and lagoon winds

Split the day between wild beaches and wind sports. You’ll chase cleaner morning waves up the coast, then harness the Nortada on the lagoon.

• Morning: Drive north to Almagreira for a quieter beach break (watch rips and shifting banks); longboarders/intermediates can opt for Consolação point when it’s lining up; offer priority at peaks and avoid snaking—patience goes far.
• Midday: Lunch in Ferrel or Consolação; quick espresso reset and forecast check to plan the wind window.
• Afternoon: Kitesurf or windsurf lesson on Óbidos Lagoon (best Jun–Sep with the Nortada; beginners thrive here even when ocean is choppy); on calm days swap for a relaxed SUP around Peniche harbour among the fishing fleet.
• Evening: Casual farewell feast back in Baleal or Peniche; pack dry gear for travel and rinse kit with fresh water; a final shoreline walk—listen for a shouted “força!” and you’ll know you’ve blended in.

Notes for any season:

• Park early at Baleal/Supertubos; carry cash for small cafés and harbour kiosks.
• Lifeguards are on major beaches in bathing season (roughly Jun–Sep); outside these months, be conservative with conditions.
• Winter brings powerful surf and colder water—choose sheltered corners and thicker rubber; summer brings smaller swells and afternoon wind—surf early, sail late.

By Air

• Lisbon (LIS, Humberto Delgado) – closest major airport; ~95 km/1h15 by car via A8 (tolls). Easiest public link: metro or bus to Sete Rios or Campo Grande for direct coaches to Peniche.
• Porto (OPO) – ~260 km/2h40–3h by car via A1/A8 (tolls). Public options typically involve coach or train to Lisbon, then coach to Peniche.
• Faro (FAO) – ~350 km/3.5–4h by car via A2/A12/A8 (tolls). Best for those already in the Algarve.

By Bus

• From Lisbon: frequent direct coaches (Rede Expressos/Rodoviária do Oeste) from Sete Rios (Jardim Zoológico metro) and some from Campo Grande; 1h30–1h45. Tickets online or at station.
• From Caldas da Rainha/Óbidos: regular regional buses to Peniche; 40–60 min.
• From Porto and other cities (e.g., Coimbra, Leiria): services usually require a change (often Lisbon or Leiria); 3.5–5.5h depending on route.
• Arrival: Terminal Rodoviário de Peniche (central bus station), walking distance to town centre and harbour.

By Train

• No railway station in Peniche. Nearest stops on the West Line: Caldas da Rainha (~30 km), Óbidos (~25 km), Bombarral (~35 km).
• Typical route: train from Lisbon (Oriente/Entrecampos/Sete Rios) to Caldas da Rainha (about 1h45–2h15), then bus to Peniche (40–60 min).
• Note: the direct Lisbon–Peniche coach is usually faster and simpler than train+bus.

By Car

• From Lisbon: A8 north to IP6/Peniche exit; ~1h15 (tolls).
• From Porto: A1 south then A8; 2h45–3h (tolls).
• From Nazaré/Leiria: A8 south then IP6.
• Parking is limited near Baleal and Supertubos in summer and during events; use signed car parks where possible.

By Taxi/Private Transfer

• Pre-booked transfers from Lisbon airport take ~1h15–1h30 and are convenient with surf gear. Ride‑hailing (Uber/Bolt/Free Now) operates in Lisbon; long-distance availability back from Peniche can vary—pre‑book if timing is critical.