Almagreira (Peniche)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Almagreira (Peniche) is a sandy beach-break with both left and right peaks, known for consistent surf and a dramatic cliff backdrop. Reports commonly describe lefts as the longer/better option, with typical ride lengths around 50 to 150 meters depending on the sandbar setup and tide. The spot is described as having good overall wave quality and moderate power, but it can become more challenging in larger swell conditions. Multiple sources flag rip currents as a key hazard, especially when swell is bigger, and also note that odd/scattered rocks can appear at lower tide or near the water line. Wind for surfing is most consistently favorable from the south to south/east sector, and the beach is also described as reasonably reliable across the year (it can work at any time of the year). For the “best” seasonal window, autumn (September through November) is described as providing a strong combination of swell and offshore-style wind conditions. Access is via a dirt road from Ferrel and then a steep, cliffside path down to the beach; the path can be slippery after rain. There are no lifeguards/rescue services reported at the spot level, so surfers should plan carefully for the combination of remote access, strong currents, and variable rock exposure. If you need emergency help, the universal number is 112 and the nearest hospital is in Peniche.
- Scenic, consistent sandy beach-break with left and right peaks
- Normal ride length often 50 to 150 meters
- Rip currents and low-tide rock exposure are the main safety concerns
- Highly consistent sandy beach-break with both left and right peaks and normal ride lengths around 50 to 150 meters.
- Works in most of the year; best combination for reliability is described in autumn, with optimal winds generally from the south/southeast.
- Cool water and often exposed conditions; bigger swells bring stronger currents and more rock exposure at low tide.
- Lineup can get busy on weekends and during summer holidays.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, E
- Wind Range
- 5–20 kts
- Reliability
- Moderate for wind sports; high for surfing offshore winds.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady; also noted mixed wind directions (South/Southeast/East).
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs provide significant shelter from North and Northwest winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Medium waves; starts working around 1.5-2 m and can hold up to 2.5 m and beyond.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach below tall cliffs.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends; summer holidays and weekends can get busy.
November to March (Atlantic storms and heavy rainfall).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Scenic, consistent beach-break surf north of Peniche with left and right peaks; lefts are often the longer/better option. Can be more powerful than nearby sheltered bays when swell holds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Cliff-backed beach break; access is from below tall cliffs, and wind exposure can be significant (frequently described as exposed).
- Wind Effect
- Works with southern and south/east wind; offshore winds from the south are described as favoring surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant swell, starting around 1.5-2 m and building to 2.5 m and beyond; hazards increase with bigger conditions due to currents and rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal ride lengths are commonly 50 to 150 meters, depending on sandbar/tide configuration; some days can produce longer/tubular waves.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Almagreira (Peniche) in the full forecast view.
Almagreira (Peniche) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- N1°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–3.1 m11s period
- Temperature
- 12–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Almagreira (Peniche) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.9–3.1 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rip currents (especially with larger swells)
- Rocks (including scattered rocks at beach ends and submerged/odd rocks at low tide)
- Unstable cliffs (slippery path after rain; remote cliffside access)
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number is 112; nearest hospital is in Peniche.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Wind sports are discouraged when the lineup is busy.
- No motor vehicles on the beach
- Park at the top and walk down to avoid getting stuck on the dirt track.
- The path down the cliff can be slippery after rain.
- Access is via a dirt road from Ferrel followed by a steep walk down a cliff path; a car/4x4 is mentioned as practical access.
- The spot can work when nearby Baleal is smaller.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Peniche
- Nearest Town
- Ferrel
- Parking
- Unpaved parking area on the cliff top is mentioned.
- Access
- Access is via a dirt road from Ferrel, followed by a steep walk down a cliff path to the beach. A long walk and/or car/4x4 access is mentioned.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous surf camps, hostels, and guesthouses in Ferrel and Baleal.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities are on the beach; restaurants and cafes are a short drive away in Ferrel.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available from multiple surf shops in Ferrel and Baleal.
- Gear Storage
- Secure storage lockers vary by operator (generally available via surf camps/schools).
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repair services are available in Peniche and Ferrel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Almagreira (Peniche)?
The best overall months at Almagreira (Peniche) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Almagreira (Peniche)?
Almagreira (Peniche) works with S, SE, E winds.
What skill level is Almagreira (Peniche) suitable for?
Almagreira (Peniche) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.