Known for its world-class waves and beautiful beaches, Peniche was the perfect patch of Lisbon coastline for a group of 20-something year old dudes and dudettes frothing for a bit of pre-exam season sun and surf. Although the sun (and the surf) did disappoint at times, two Nissan Micras and endless dirt tracks leading to local breaks did not leave Exeter University Surf Club short of adventures during our week surfing with Maximum Surf Camp in Baleal.
Located about 2 hours north of Lisbon, Baleal is a small fishing village with an island connected to mainland Peniche at low tide by a bar of sand. The long peninsula protruding into the Atlantic Ocean means it has swell coming in from all directions, making Peniche a surfing mecca with waves suited to all levels, from the gentle waves at Lagide all the way to the board-snapping breaks at Supertubos.
It’s not just the perfect waves that attract surfers from all over the world. The friendly locals and the deliciously traditional (and cheap!) food lure travellers to stay for weeks, even months at a time. However long you decide to stay and whatever you’ve come for, you must not – I repeat MUST NOT – leave without trying the famous pastel de nata of Portugal. A pastry parcel of creamy, custardy cinnamon goodness. Another culinary favourite of the surf club, though less traditional and not so local, were the sacred Filipino biscuits… I’m pretty sure we cleared out the local shop’s supply of these white chocolate rings of heaven.
When you’re not surfing (which won’t be very often), hire a bike and explore the craggy coastline of Baleal Island, or jump in a rental car and visit Peniche to marvel at the 16th century seaside fort and historic walled port. One evening before dinner, a group of us set off in one of the rental cars in search of a spot to watch the sunset. A twisting potholed dirt track lead us to Praia da Almagreira, a long stretch of beach with blissfully empty waves beneath rugged red clay cliffs. We clambered up as high as we could and gazed out to the west back towards Baleal, where the sun slipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over this wild landscape.
Just over 2 years now!
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How long have you been surfing?
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Thank you! These were taken on my canon ae-1 film camera :)
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Wow these are incredible , what camera do you use???
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Thanks!
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Great post about Peniche!
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Wow that sound awesome! I bet you’ll get some really cool prints, would love to see them if you put them online. You too thanks for reading :)
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how cool! I’ll be on the look out. I’m about to go develop some film for a trip to Mexico city. I took a toy camera for the fun of it, so let’s see if they even came out lol. Nice talking to ya :)
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Me too, it’s the best part of it! I was pleasantly surprised when I got my film back from Mykonos the other day, can’t wait to post them on here soon :)
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I know, I love the surprise of not knowing exactly how they’ll look
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Me too! 🏄🏼
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Thank you! The retro look is down to the film 😉
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Beautiful ❤️ Can’t wait for your Sri Lanka pictures 👌🏻😘
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I love your blog and your photos! ❤️ They’re so awesome and look so retro
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