The best beaches in Peniche

Baleal

If you only have time for one beach area, Baleal is the easiest all-round choice.

A sandy causeway connects the mainland to the small Baleal peninsula, with beaches and surf on both sides. The geography gives you more chance of finding a side that is relatively sheltered from the wind.

It works for swimming, sunbathing, walking and beginner surf lessons, while cafés and restaurants are close enough that you do not need to pack for an expedition.

In summer it gets busy. Arrive earlier if you want easier parking.

Praia do Baleal Norte and Lagide

North of the causeway, the beach stretches towards Lagide.

This side feels more surf-focused and can be more exposed, depending on conditions. Lagide itself is known for its surf break, so swimmers should pay attention to surfers, currents and the state of the sea.

If surfing is your priority rather than beach lounging, see our best surf spots in Peniche.

Supertubos

Praia do Medão, universally known as Supertubos, is Peniche’s famous surf beach.

On the right day, watching the waves is reason enough to come. The beach is wide and impressive, but it is more exposed than Baleal and can have powerful surf and currents.

We would not make it the default swimming beach for families or weak swimmers simply because it is famous.

Come for a walk, to watch surfers or for a beach day when the sea is calm enough for your ability.

Molhe Leste

At the northern end of the Supertubos stretch, Molhe Leste sits beside the harbour wall.

It is popular with surfers and has a more contained feel than the middle of the long open beach. Xakra Beach Bar is nearby, which makes this an easy stop for combining beach time with lunch or drinks.

Praia da Gamboa

If you are staying in Peniche town and do not want to drive to Baleal, Gamboa is extremely convenient.

It lies on the northern side of the peninsula and connects into a long sandy stretch. This is a good beach for a walk and a practical option when you want sand without reorganising your whole day around transport.

Its proximity to town is the main advantage.

Consolação

South of Peniche, Consolação is worth the short trip if you want a different feel from Baleal.

The beach area has both sandy and rocky sections and tends to attract a mix of local beachgoers and surfers. It is also a useful stop if you are exploring the coast south of Supertubos.

For a quieter stay outside the main Peniche/Baleal axis, Consolação itself can also work as a base.

Carreiro do Mosteiro, Berlenga Grande

This one is not on the mainland.

Carreiro do Mosteiro is the small beach beside the arrival area on Berlenga Grande. When the sea is calm, the water can be remarkably clear and it is one of the most distinctive places to swim around Peniche.

The catch is that you need a boat, an official access title and suitable maritime conditions.

Read our guide to visiting the Berlengas before building your day around it.

Which Peniche beach is best for you?

Choose Baleal for the easiest all-round beach day.

Choose Supertubos if you want to see serious surf.

Choose Gamboa if you are staying in town and want convenience.

Choose Consolação if you want to explore south of Peniche.

Choose Berlenga Grande if the beach is part of a full island day rather than the only objective.

Official tourism information for local beaches is available through Visit Portugal.

Stay for the last light

West-facing stretches around Baleal and the peninsula can be memorable at the end of the day, but access, cloud and wind all change the experience. Use our guide to sunset spots around Peniche to choose a viewpoint as well as a beach.