• Lagido is a classic reefbreak right on the doorstep of the Surfcastle
  • Middle of the bay, classic
  • View of Baleal from the hill
  • Baleal lineup
  • Surf lesson on our front yard
  • Quiet days on the Surfcastle terraces
  • Moonlight Baleal beach
  • Spectacular panoramic views from every room
  • Sunrise surfer
  • Head surf coach Ginjas in his front yard
  • Surfcastle's back yard
  • Just another classic moment

The Surfcastle

The Surfcastle is a boutique hotel and surf school which stands proud on the cliffs of the Peniche peninsula overlooking one of Europe's most beautiful and consistent surf spots.

We are so close to the waves that when the World Surf Tour comes to town each year, much of the action is seen from our terraces.

But it is not just its location which makes the Surfcastle different. Our house was built in 1920 as a traditional Portuguese family retreat and remains the most architecturally spectacular and comfortable property in the area.

It's grand rooms and grounds not only offer stunning panoramic views of the Silver Coast but the perfect place to kick-back and relax with family and friends and enjoy a fully rounded surf holiday.

The aesthetic, say our guests, is "shabby chic"; the vibe "informal, relaxed and fun loving... the ideal place to enjoy a surfing holiday in Portugal.".

In short, we are an old-style surf camp with added comfort, style and sophistication. A place you can enjoy even on those rare days the surf is down. A place where you can bring a non-surfing partner or kids without fear that they get stir-crazy or bored.

The Surfcastle Photos

Our Facilities

  • Breakfast

    Famous rustic breakfast every morning

  • WiFi

    Free wireless internet connection in the main house

  • Boards

    Full range of surf boards for you to use, from beginner to advanced

  • Wetsuits

    We have comfortable, warm wetsuits to fit everybody

  • Transport

    We’ll take you to the best spots for your surf sessions

  • Terraces

    Catch sunshine and watch the surf all year round

  • BBQ

    BBQ area available on our terrace

  • Picnic Area

    Eat and drink in the sunshine on our terrace

  • Bikes

    Explore the area on our bikes

  • Kitchen

    Fully equipped kitchen

  • Coffee

    Brewed fresh to prepare you for your surf

  • Teas

    Help yourself to a cup of tea from our wide selection

  • Showers

    Hot showers in the changing rooms to warm up after your surf

  • Surf storage

    Safe, locked storage for your surf equipment

  • Surf Video

    We’ll film you while you surf to help you improve

  • WCs

    Shared bathrooms in the main and small house

  • Parking

    Free, on-site parking

  • Washing Machine

    Free use of our washing room

  • Wii

    Challenge your friends to a game of Mario Kart or Tennis

  • Movies

    Snuggle down and watch movies in our lounge

  • TV

    Watch movies, sport or music on our satellite TV in our lounge

  • Games

    Challenge your friends to a friendly board game

  • Music

    Listen to tunes while you relax and watch the sea

  • PS2

    Play surf games on our Playstation 2

  • No Smoking

    All indoor areas are no smoking

See more facilities

    Latest News

  • 17/01/2012

    SurfCastle scoring in Green Bush

    As many of our guests already know Ginjas went again to Indonesia last winter. This is a glimpse of the barrels that he scored over there. The ... read more >

    As many of our guests already know Ginjas went again to Indonesia last winter. This is a glimpse of the barrels that he scored over there. The foto pictured here is one of a sequence of 24 fotos inside a Green Bush Barrel. Ginjas says this boat trip was the best of his life!

  • 17/01/2012

    Fighting Fear movie presentation at the SurfCastle

    The SurfCastle had the privilege of hosting Mark Mathews and Richie 'Vas' Vaculik as well as the director of Fighting Fear Macário de Sousa during ... read more >

    The SurfCastle had the privilege of hosting Mark Mathews and Richie 'Vas' Vaculik as well as the director of Fighting Fear Macário de Sousa during the presentation of the movie that took place in our backyard. We had a nice party and we still got the chance with two of most insane surfers of our days. We can't wait to see more footage of this two good friends.

  • 17/03/2011

    Surfcastle crew scores epic waves this winter

    We have been living in Baleal beach for 5 years and very recently we have been scoring an epic winter Surf season. The first Winter ... read more >

    We have been living in Baleal beach for 5 years and very recently we have been scoring an epic winter Surf season. The first Winter swells arrived in the beginning of November and we have been surfing pretty perfect & classic waves all winter long (on average 20 solid days per month). This means we will have surfed more than 100 solid days by the end of this winter.... amazing!

Location

The Surfcastle overlooks Baleal island on the point which divides the surf breaks of Lagido, Prainha and Cantinho da Baia. It's a rare day when one or other is not working.

A few minutes drive to the south is the world renowned (but fickle and heavy) break of Supertubos. Moments to the north there are a string of excellent beach and reef breaks.

Baleal is the center of surfing holidays for the Peniche area and the Sufcastle sits at the heart of it. You can be in the waves within 60 seconds of leaving the house. Alternatively, wander over and take in the view from one of several excellent local cafes or restaurants.

Peniche is a five minute drive away but is not itself a surf destination. Still one of Portugal's main fishing ports, it is the place to go for markets, shopping, sightseeing and amazing seafood.

You can get to the Surfcastle easily from any of Portugal's airports but Lisbon is the closest and just an hour away. For directions see how to find us.

Accomodation

The Surfcastle prides itself on catering for everyone. Most of our guests are surfers but by no means all of them - and all are welcome.

We have single rooms for those who seek more privacy, groups of friends who share rooms to keep prices down, couples looking for a bit of romance and small groups and families who take advantage of our studios and the casa da guarda accommodation.

All our clean, charming rooms are within the whitewashed walls of the Surfcastle's grounds. Everyone shares the public rooms, terraces and gardens.

Breakfast is served every morning and we organise BBQs or meals out every week. We have free wi-fi for everyone.

For the surfers, there are dedicated changing rooms, complete with piping hot water and secure storage - so no worries about losing stuff or dripping water all over your beautiful bedroom!

Read more about the Surfcastle's amazing rooms, studios and casa da guarda on our accommodation pages.

Surf school, gear rental and surf lessons

The Surfcastle has an in-house surf school and a comprehensive selection of boards and wet suits for hire, so if you do not have your own gear or do not want to travel with it there is no need to worry.

Our surf school is run by qualified instructors and caters for beginners as well advanced surfers who are looking to fine tune their technique or style. We can offer group or one-to-one tuition - the choice is yours.

The unique geography of our location on the Peniche peninsula means we not only have rideable waves almost every day of the year but that we can almost always find a wave to suit everyone.

Even when its overhead and barreling on all the main breaks, there will safe and gentle waves for beginners in the more sheltered nooks and corners of the bay and island.

It is this amazing variety and consistency, with offshore conditions on at least one spot every day, which makes Peniche the choice of the World Surf Tour - the "California of Europe".