Explore Baleal with

When to Visit

Baleal weather is quite mild and comfortable at any time of the year with dry summers and wet winters. 

Summer temperatures range is 20°C-30°C, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures range is 8°C-16°C, making it perfect for long sightseeing trips. As throughout almost all the rest of Portugal, the most comfortable weather in Baleal is from late spring to early autumn.

Despite the mild Portuguese climate, the Atlantic Ocean remains cool. The water temperature in summer is 18-21 degrees, and in winter – about 15. However, the water temperature is still suitable for surfing if to get ready and choose a reliable wetsuit to keep heat. Winter season is the most popular among professional surfers as the quality of waves is perfect this time.

Getting Around

Getting around Baleal, Portugal, is quite easy as it's small. In most cases, the visitors walk around on foot. As for the longer distances and sightseeing, the easiest way is by taxi. To get to Peniche where it's easy to move around Portugal, is possible by bus 990.

The nearest airport to Baleal is in Lisbon. From Lisbon to Peniche it's possible to get by bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Many surf camps provide a transfer to the spot, organizing pick-up from the airport.

Those who come to Porto, located 280 km from Peniche, also can get a bus. 

The farthest airport is Faro, located 400 km from Peniche. To get to Baleal, there is a high-speed train to Lisbon, and then you can take a bus, or order a transfer

Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Baleal if you consider a few simple Baleal travel tips:

1. How do you make the first trip to Baleal unforgettable?

To make the visit to the Baleal area unforgettable, it's highly recommended to take a few surfing lessons as over the past years it has become popular. The level of surf schools here is rather high. Despite the fact that the city is rather small, it is recognized as the real Portuguese surfing capital. Moreover, it's considered to be one of the main centers in Europe. All surfing enthusiasts, from beginners to professionals, have access to perfect infrastructure and all the conditions for safe surfing. Every year in March there is WSL - World Surf League, so all the volunteers can become witnesses of it.

At the same time, it's recommended not to skip the Peniche archeological spots as this region has a rich history. According to recent finds it's proved that people have lived here since ancient times.

2. What is a list of Baleal hidden gems?

The main attraction of the region is surfing and everything connected with it as the potential of this place is amazing. Still, in the close proximity of Baleal, there are spots for cultural investigations that deserve attention.

One of such place is the Bobbin Lace Museum (Museu da Renda de Bilros de Peniche) is located next to the square where St. Peter's Church stands. It tells visitors the history of one of the main occupations of local women - bobbin lace.

There are beautiful beaches and viewpoints to be found all along the Portuguese coastline, no matter which way you go from the city. For example, 50 km from Peniche there is a small town called São Martinho do Porto, where there is a cozy and ideally shaped bay. You can easily get here from Baleal.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Baleal? 

The local cuisine in Baleal restaurants is typical of the rest of the territory of Portugal. Food in Portugal focuses mainly on fresh seafood, pork, and vegetables. The visitors of the city should definitely try cozido, a real gastronomic treasure, cooked with meat, vegetables, and fish. In the local cafes, it's possible to find variations with sausages or chicken. 

One more highlight here are sardines, cooked in a traditional way to keep the bones and head intact. While eating sardines you need to hold the head with one hand and tail with the other, biting without touching the fish bones. The number of variations of cooked sardines is enormous, but if they are cooked properly they have flavorful white meat and a smoky, crunchy skin. As for the desserts, traditional pastéis de nata is always the best option.