My Pick of The 5 Best Surf Camps in Peniche, Portugal for 2022

July 7, 2022

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On Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast, Peniche’s peninsula position means it boasts some of the best surf in Europe, including the famous Supertubos one of the best beach breaks in the world, and the title of Portugal’s surf capital. Europe’s most westernmost city is an otherwise unassuming and authentic fishing town, with beautiful beaches, consistent swell and no shortage of beach breaks meaning it’s one of the best places in Portugal to learn how to surf. With so many stunning, sandy ‘praias’, and internationally acclaimed surf spots it’s no surprise that the surf camps in Peniche are some of the best in Portugal.

Portugal is one of the world’s best surf destination and you can surf all year round. The best time to surf in Peniche for beginners is between April and September when the waves are friendlier and smaller and the weather is warmer. Advanced and intermediate surfers will enjoy the biggest and most consistent waves from October to March. The MEO Rip Curl Portugal is held annually in October at Supertubos. As it’s the Atlantic you’ll need a wetsuit but most surf camps provide these.

If you like to explore a bit of history and culture with your surf holiday Peniche is a great choice. Fly into Lisbon, only 90 minutes drive away, and explore the charming Portuguese capital for a few days. Make a day trip to Obidos, one of the most beautiful, historic small towns of Portugal only 30 mins away and explore the imposing old fortress in Peniche town itself. The legendary massive waves of Nazare can be marvelled at only 50 mins drive up the coast. Nearby Ericeira is also a popular surf town and home to Europe’s only World Surf Reserve.

Portugal’s surf capital has so many surf lodges, schools, camps and cafes with options to suit everyone from beginners wanting to learn how to surf and catch their first wave in a fun and safe environment, to intermediate surfers wanting to work on their technique and advanced surfers looking for tips and surf tours to tackle some of the best breaks in the world.

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Surfing is alot of fun but it’s harder than it looks. If you’re serious about learning to surf then I highly recommend joining a surf camp in Peniche if you want to learn and progress quickly in a safe and fun way.

Experienced instructors will teach you how to catch a wave safely and they also use their expert local knowledge to take you to the best surf spots for your level depending on the forecast that day so you get to have the best experience possible.

Surf camps also have a fun, sociable atmosphere so you’ll get to meet other like minded people. It’s also great value for money as most surf camps include accommodation, meals, lessons, board hire, and some also include yoga classes, transfers and local excursions.

Whether you’re looking for a fun and sociable surf hostel vibe, a surf and yoga retreat or a luxurious natural wellness experience – these Peniche surf camps ensure you will have an amazing time surfing in Portugal. To help you decide, here’s my pick of the five best surf camps in Peniche.

If you’re considering a Peniche surf camp, I recommend checking out www.booksurfcamps.com to read the testimonials and reviews from previous students. No two surf camps are the same and can have very varied facilities so it’s really worth checking out this site first – it’s like the TripAdvisor or Booking.com for surf camps!

COVID-19 Update: Portugal has reopened for tourism, but be aware that pandemic-related travel permissions can change at any moment and be dependent on your nationality. Check out the Portugal travel and tourism website for the most up-to-date information and remember to check the re-entry rules for your home country. Also make sure you have travel insurance which covers Covid-related cancellations. Mine is with Safety Wing.

Here is my pick of the 5 Best Surf Camps in Peniche

Beginners Surf & Yoga Holiday at Boa Onda Guesthouse

Whether you’re new to yoga or surfing, or both, you’ll receive a warm welcome to Boa Onda Guesthouse. Your days will start with a buffet-style breakfast (all dietary requirements catered to) before a morning on the waves. The nearby ‘Supertubos’ wave is globally recognised in the surf world, and your instructors will ensure that you’re safe and comfortable at all times.

Ease any sore muscles with an afternoon Hatha yoga class, designed to align and soothe body and mind. In your free time, explore the stunning surroundings, including nearby Berlenga island. A stone’s throw from the beautiful beach, you’ll find the newly-built guest house, with bright, comfortable rooms available on a shared or private basis.

This 4 day Peniche surf camp is perfect for beginners wanting a fun short break to get started learning how to surf. If you are looking for a more immersive experience check out Boa Onda’s 8-day surf and yoga experience.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

Surf & Yoga Retreat at The Salty Pelican

The Salty Pelican is undoubtedly one of the best surf camps in Portugal – a purpose-built retreat centre with modern rooms, a chic roof terrace, incredible views across the ocean and a sociable, friendly vibe.

The retreat is ideally located to easily get to some of the nearby golden sandy beaches and the famous Baleal waves – perfect for beginner surfers. Your days will start with a Hatha flow yoga session and meditation to set you up for the day.

The surf van will take you to the best waves of the day, before heading back for a delicious, freshly-prepared lunch. A Yin Yoga class will lead you into the evening, before time to explore the nearby restaurants and take in the sun set over the Atlantic. You can also join a guided meditation hikes on a national park island and a visit to the Unesco heritage medieval town of Obidos nearby.

This is one of the best surf camps for both beginner and intermediate surfers and yogis as you’ll get unlimited yoga classes and surfboard hire. Salty Pelican are also one of my favourite retreats in Sri Lanka

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

Surf Experience in Baleal at Danau Surf Center

The Danau Surf Center team pride themselves on offering highly personalised surf tuition – guiding students of all levels to get the most out of the week-long camp. Your accommodation for the week is the beautiful Martin’s Villa, which is 3km from the camp, with regular shuttles between the two properties (or use one of the hire bikes!).

As well as daily surf sessions, you’re invited to try out the snorkel and SUP gear to explore the beautiful area from the water. Breakfast is provided daily and dietary requirements can be catered for. The centre’s resident massage therapist is also on hand to release any tight muscles from a day on the board.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

Country House Retreat at Buddha Retreats, nr Obidos

At a beautifully restored, traditional Portuguese Quinta (country house) in an authentic village – your hosts welcome you for five days of reconnection with nature and your inner self.

Buddha Retreats is set in the Portuguese countryside in the village of Columbeira just 20 mins from the sea and only 15 mins from the beautiful medieval town of Obidos so you can immerse yourself in nature and history as well as surfing and yoga.

Morning surf lessons start on the sand, where you’ll learn theory and skills, before trying them out on the waves. The daily yoga classes take place each afternoon and are designed to develop core strength and balance to complement your surf practice.

The Buddha Retreats team know that you’ll need nourishing, fresh meals to fuel your surf and yoga efforts, and will prepare locally-sourced dishes accordingly accompanied by Portuguese wines. Round your days off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, before retiring to your comfortable room.

This surf and yoga retreat is perfect for those wanting a more peaceful and authentic Portuguese experience.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews and book here!

Surf Camp on Baleal Island at Alex Surf School

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer, Alex Surf School will help you take your surf game to the next level. This surf camp experience includes two lessons each day and , so regardless of your starting level you’re bound to see improvements in your technique over the eleven-day stay.

Your expert instructors will take you to one of seven nearby surf spots, depending on the conditions of the day. Meanwhile, group sizes are kept to a maximum of five students, so each guest has the opportunity to receive tailored tuition.

The shared accommodation at Alex Surf School has fully equipped kitchens and barbecue area to use and a supermarket only three minutes walk from the camp. So you can save money by cooking your own meals and enjoy social evenings with your campmates on the outdoor terrace.

In case you fancy a break from the surf, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, from cultural attractions to buzzing nightlife. All surf kit is included, so all you need to do is turn up and take to the waves. This is a great option for those serious about improving their surf skills while wanting to stick to a budget.