Surf Guide
A couple of miles north of Peniche is the sandy little island village of Baleal, a big destination for traveling surfers for more than 20 years -- especially when the reefs around Ericeira are blown out with N or S winds. Baleal is an island, so there's almost always a protected beach. It's no surprise that most of the learn-to-surf camps in Portugal are located here. With the mellow left reefbreak of Lagide just north of town, followed by miles of open beachbreak, you can have a pretty high surfer population density without too many problems. There's even a protected bay south of town with mediocre beachbreak that's sheltered from N winds (and huge swells). You won't find perfection in Baleal -- Supertubos is a couple miles south -- but if you keep one eye out on the shifting sandbanks and the other on the flagpoles, you might be able to score some fine beachbreaks with mellow crowds.
Ability Level
Beginner
Depends on the size but you can typically find a smaller and more protected wave for the newer surfers on either side of the peninsula depending on swell and wind.
Local Vibe
Doable
There's no shortage of barking at Lagide. It's generally not worth the hassle anyways, but if you do paddle out, be respectful and don't drop in on any bodyboarders.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
As long as you avoid the surf schools and Lagide, crowds shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Spot Rating
Fun
Pretty average.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on the size and which zone you surf.
Water Quality
Clean
Not bad.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
WNW
Wind
Northeast for Baleal and southeast or even south for Lagide and Ferrel.
Surf Height
Head-high.
Tide
Mid to lower tide typically best.