Peniche and Nazaré surf forecast

Surfing in Peniche and Nazaré

Peniche sits on a rocky peninsula on Portugal's Silver Coast, and its shape is what makes it so useful. Beaches on the north side, around Baleal, and on the south side, around Supertubos, face in nearly opposite directions within a short drive or walk of each other, so one side is often clean when the other is blown out. As a rule, north-east winds favour the south-facing beaches, while southerly winds suit the north side.

Supertubos is the famous wave: a fast, hollow beach break over sand that has hosted professional contests, at its best in solid westerly swell with an easterly wind, and strictly for advanced surfers. It can close out or turn mushy outside its preferred window. Baleal is the base for many surf schools, and its sheltered corner is good for beginners in small waves, but the exposed beaches can have rips and a hard shore break once the swell grows. Santa Cruz, a little to the south near Torres Vedras, is a sandy beach with several peaks that suits intermediates.

Nazaré, around 40 km north, is a very different place. A deep submarine canyon runs almost to the shore and focuses swell onto Praia do Norte, producing the giant waves surfed by big-wave teams with jet skis in autumn and winter. On most big days this is a place to watch rather than surf, and it suits only highly experienced surfers even in moderate conditions.

September and October are often the best balance of swell, water temperature and crowds. November to February brings the most size and the coldest water, while June to August is the flattest and busiest period. Hazards include rips, shore break, rocks around the peninsula and crowded line-ups at the best known spots.