Discover Baleal, Portugal: The Ultimate Guide for Surf and Relaxation

Geography and History: What Makes Baleal Unique?

Baleal is located on Portugal’s west coast, about 5 kilometers north of the well-known fishing village of Peniche and around 90 kilometers from the capital, Lisbon. What makes Baleal and its landscape so unique is that it’s actually a small peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. This, combined with a distinctive landscape of high cliffs meeting sandy beaches and the sea, makes it a breathtaking experience just to take a stroll around the area.

Weather and Climate
The temperature here is usually pleasant all year around, with very little variation thanks to its unique location by the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, temperatures typically range between 20°C and 28°C during the day, providing warm and sunny days with slightly cooler nights. In the winter, temperatures rarely drop below 14°C in the shade, and there are about 6-7 hours of sunshine per day.

Historical Significance
Like many other coastal villages, Baleal has a long history rooted in fishing. The name is said to come from the Portuguese word baleia, meaning whale, as the area was once an important site for whaling.

It was in the 1980s that surfing began to take off, and today the place has grown into a significant hub for surf and the culture around it. Peniche, in particular, is renowned as one of the top surfing destinations in the world, and the annual world surf league (WSL) has one of their stops here, at the famous Supertubos wave.

Nowadays, you’ll find surf schools, hostels, and shops all inspired by the atmosphere that developed as this small fishing village transformed into a vibrant spot where people from all over the world meet, both on the streets and in the water.

The Surf Paradise

Let’s pick up where we left off – surfing. This is, without a doubt, one of the biggest reasons Baleal has become so popular, and the best part? It doesn’t matter if you’ve never stood on a surfboard before or if you have years of experience.

Thanks to its unique location as a peninsula, you can always find waves that suit your skills. Another thing to keep in mind is that we’re talking about a small village, meaning you have access to multiple surf spots in different directions, all within a 10-minute walk.

Want to surf in Baleal? 
We organize several trips throughout the year to these unique places, and you can join us no matter what level you’re at. You can read more about our place in Baleal here and learn more about our camp in Peniche here.

Things to Do in Baleal

As you’ve likely understood by now, surfing is what attracts visitors to this small village, but there’s much more to enjoy!

There are over 20 restaurants and cafes in the area, ranging from local spots where you can order a Galão (the Portuguese version of a latte) and a pastel de nata (a traditional Portuguese pastry) to more modern places where you can bring your laptop if you need to get some work or studying done.

You’ll also find yoga studios, various types of fitness classes, and shops, most of which are inspired by surf culture. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, you can take long walks along the cliffs or down on the beach, enjoying breathtaking views in every direction.

Additionally, there are several places in the surrounding area you can visit to make the most of your time in Portugal. Let’s highlight a few of them!

Ferrel
Ferrel is situated further up the road that leads out from Baleal. Here, you’ll find an authentic and more local village where international influences blend with traditional life. The village has a relaxed atmosphere and charming little streets, providing a nice contrast to the livelier areas.

In addition to its quaint setting, Ferrel is home to several of the restaurants we’ll recommend, so you won’t want to miss exploring this area. You can find our list of must-visit spots further down in this article.

Ilhas Berlengas (The Berlengas Islands)
The Berlengas Islands are located just off the coast of Baleal and are known for their stunning and untouched nature, featuring crystal-clear waters. The Berlengas are a nature reserve and home to unique flora and fauna, including the endangered species of storm-petrel. The waters surrounding the island are also protected due to their marine life, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers.

On the island, you can visit the Fort of São João Baptista, which was built in the 17th century to protect the coast from pirates and other enemies. In addition to exploring the fort, you can take walks around the island and go snorkeling if that interests you.

It’s important to note that, since it is a protected area and a nature reserve, there is a limit on the number of visitors allowed per day. This is to safeguard the ecosystem and ensure that the area is not overexploited.

Boats operate daily from Peniche to Berlengas during the high season.

Nazaré
You may have heard of Nazaré and its enormous waves and it is a perfect destination for a day trip since it is Located less than an hour from Baleal. If you haven’t heard of this place yet, let us share why it has become so well-known in recent years:

One of the main reasons Nazaré has gained worldwide fame is its powerful and massive waves, which can reach over 30 meters high. It is also here that the world record for the largest measured and surfed wave has been set (more than once). This is a paradise for international big wave surfers who come to stay during the winter, ready for when the big swells start rolling in.

Visiting Nazaré is an incredible experience whether you’re a surfer or not, as the feeling is indescribable when you stand atop the cliffs and watch the gigantic waves being ridden.

Óbidos
Óbidos is a medieval town perched on a hill that will enchant you with its narrow streets and charming shops selling local crafts. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Baleal, making it a perfect destination for a free afternoon.

The town is known for its well-preserved castle walls, picturesque views, and traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. Strolling through Óbidos feels like stepping back in time, and you can also enjoy local specialties, such as the famous cherry liqueur, ginjinha, served in chocolate cups.

Wineries
Did you know that Portugal is a true wine country? This means there are opportunities to visit smaller wineries in the area, see how the production process works, and, of course, taste various types of wines.

Lisbon
The renowned and vibrant capital is just an hour away from Baleal. It’s also where you will likely fly in and out, making it easy to add a day or two to your trip to explore the city known for its rich culture.

Lisbon is famous for its historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, where you can wander through narrow streets filled with colorful tiles and charming architecture. The city is also home to numerous museums, lively markets, and fantastic viewpoints.

Restaurants and Cafés Not to Miss in the Area

Even though the village is small, there’s plenty of delicious food and drink to discover just a short walk away. Here are some recommendations, mixing well-known spots with local favorites!

Washed Up: Located right on the main street, this café is hard to miss. It’s a meeting point for a diverse crowd looking to enjoy some of the area’s best coffee or matcha, with many of the guest also brings their laptops. This is actually one of the places we recommend if you need to get work or studying done.

Taberna do Ganhão: If we had to choose one must-visit restaurant, this would be it, located out on the peninsula. You’ll notice how popular it is when you arrive – reservations aren’t accepted, so try not to go when you’re too hungry, as there might be a wait. But don’t worry, you can order a refreshing drink and some olives while enjoying the stunning view of the ocean and sunset.

Doce Dia: This café is perfect for those seeking local pastries and an authentic experience. Located at the beginning of Ferrel, you’ll need to have cash when paying. We recommend trying a Galão (the Portuguese version of a latte) and a pastel de nata (a traditional pastry).

Funky Donkey: Craving pizza? Head to Funky Donkey and order one of their delicious pizzas. You can dine in, with both indoor and outdoor seating, or take your meal to go.

Tribo da Praia/Bar da Praia: This is the spot to check out if you’re looking for more of a beach bar vibe. It’s located on the beach at Cantinho. One of the best times to visit is around sunset when they often have a DJ playing music while you gaze at the ocean and the waves as the sun sets in front of you. If you want to keep the night going, right next door is Danau, one of the few places where you can dance as the night unfolds.

Hang Five: This small café is not just for coffee but also a place to browse local crafts and clothing while sipping your drink. In the evenings, they sometimes host outdoor concerts in the backyard or smaller gigs inside the shop, so keep an eye on their Instagram to see if anything is happening while you’re in the area!

Lagide: You might not expect this, but the local (and only) grocery store in the area also has a small café that’s actually one of the hangout spots after a long day. Here, you can order beers for just 1 euro each and enjoy one of their well-known toasts. It’s located on the main road, and once again – it’s hard to miss!

Practical Information: Planning Your Trip 

Of course, many questions arise before a trip like this, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. If you book with us, you’ll have direct contact with us so we can help you with any inquiries. You can reach out to us here.

Airport and Getting to Baleal: The nearest airport is Lisbon, located 90 kilometers south of Baleal. From there, you can choose to take a private transfer or take the bus. 

Packing: What you should pack depends on the season you are traveling in. In the summer, it’s warmer during the day, so you can bring more summery clothes, but don’t forget to include a light jacket for the evenings. In the winter, you might want to pack long pants, but also remember to include something suitable for the sunny and warm winter days.

Cash: Most places here accept card payments. However, more local cafes may only accept cash. If needed, there are several ATMs in the area.

Summary of the guide 

Baleal is a small surf village located on Portugal’s west coast, about 90 kilometers from the capital, Lisbon. With its pleasant climate and incredible nature, it is especially known for its surf culture, which flourished in the 1980s. The great thing is that you can visit regardless of your skill level in the water, as it offers waves for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to visit, check out our trips to Baleal and Peniche, which we offer year-round.

In addition to surfing, you can enjoy the restaurants and cafes in the village, attend yoga classes, or take walks with unforgettable views. For those who want to explore the surrounding area, there are many fun and interesting places nearby, such as Berlengas, Nazaré, and Óbidos, just to name a few.

A helpful piece of practical information is that Lisbon is the nearest airport, from which you can easily reach Baleal by bus or private transfer. Depending on the season, you should pack for warm days as well as cooler evenings.

Welcome to Baleal!