When to surf · Silver Coast
Peniche in December
Winter sets in. Big, cold and serious on the west coast, with the Nazaré big-wave window open and called on the right forecast. Short days, low crowds. Beginners should stick to sheltered spots and small days or head south.
Peniche
The peninsula's shape means something is usually rideable in Peniche whatever the month. Autumn, September to November, is the pick: consistent swell, water still holding summer warmth, and the WSL contest. Winter is big and largely for Supertubos specialists. Summer fills the learner bays at Baleal and books the camps out weeks ahead.
Winter
Spots here
Peniche
Cantinho da Baia
The most sheltered corner of the Baleal bay, tucked against the Peniche side. Small, soft and forgiving, and the spot most Peniche schools use for a first lesson. Rarely flat.
BeginnersYear-round; small and gentle May to August
Molhe Leste
The beach break next to the eastern breakwater at Peniche, just along from Supertubos. A more forgiving wave than its famous neighbour, and the spot the crowd moves to when Supertubos is out of control or blown out by the north wind.
IntermediatesAutumn to spring
Peniche & Baleal
The whole peninsula in one guide: why Peniche works almost year-round, where Supertubos and Baleal fit, and how locals pick a spot by the day's wind and tide.
All levelsAutumn to spring for the biggest, most consistent swell; summer smaller and better for learning
Prainha
A small, sheltered cove on the Peniche peninsula that stays surfable when the exposed breaks are out of hand. A calm, forgiving wave used by schools on bigger days.
BeginnersYear-round; a reliable option when the exposed breaks are too big
Supertubos
The beach break that made Peniche famous: fast, hollow barrels over a sandbar, both ways with better lefts. Europe's answer to Pipeline and a long-time WSL Championship Tour venue.
Advanced surfersOctober to March, February often the pick