Baleal Beach — Attraction in Peniche

The beach is split in two by a walkway which leads to an islet. This islet is a nice spot to take a walk and enjoy some nice sea views. The beach is quite large and on one side it is even possible to walk along the beach to Peniche. When in low tide one can also go to the rocks near the islet to watch some sea wildlife, namely anemone, crabs, shrimps, hermit crabs and small fishes. On the beach side linked to Peniche it is possible to enjoy different wave conditions at the same time. Closer to the islet the sea is calmer with small waves as the rocks create a small bay and going further away from it the waves get bigger and allow the practice of surf and other wave related sports. In fact it seems there are several surf schools and other surf relates businesses around if one wants to learn the sport. There are some restaurants, a public WC and a paid parking lot right beside the beach. Overall the beach has really good quality and is without a doubt an...

Baleal is a small island located 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) north of Peniche, in the western region of Portugal, separated from the mainland by a tombolo. ( sand-bar joining an island to the mainland) Baleal has a past related to whaling. Baleal has become a major vacation spot with a potential for water sports almost unmatched in Europe. The coastal shape, namely the bay and northern strip of coast associated with Baleal create unique conditions in Europe for the practice of surfing and...

There's nothing not to love about Baleal (other than perhaps the dearth of surf hotels that have been built over the last 15 years) it has beaches facing in almost every direction so you can always find a wave or a completely sheltered spot, even a quiet spot! Get there early to make parking less stressful, particularly on weekends, or go in the evening for the sunset and a drink at one of the great cafes and bars (we love the Tribo do Praia for it's...