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

  • 15/05/2015

    Brand new studios with sea view !

    The Surfcastle renovated & re-styled the Studio apartments this year. Now we have an upper floor Mezzanine offering a panoramic view over the beach. This ... read more >

    The Surfcastle renovated & re-styled the Studio apartments this year. Now we have an upper floor Mezzanine offering a panoramic view over the beach. This way we are providing a more comfortable experience to our guests and enhancing the sea views in our beach front property.

  • 20/12/2014

    Gabriel Medina - ASP world champion !

    Congratulations to Gabriel Medina for winning his first Surfing world title. His brilliant 2014 campaign started earlier this year by winning the first stop of ... read more >

    Congratulations to Gabriel Medina for winning his first Surfing world title. His brilliant 2014 campaign started earlier this year by winning the first stop of the world tour held in the Gold Coast of Australia. After that he won the contests in Fiji & Tahiti. Advancing into the final contest in Hawaii, Gabriel was leading the world ranking but nevertheless he was able to go all the way to reach the final of the Pipeline Masters.

    His major rivals this year were Mick Fanning & the 11 world title champion Kelly Slater. These 2 legendary surfers showed great sportsmanship by congratulating Gabriel immediately after winning his first world title.

    This is a very special moment in the world of Surfing because its the first time a Brazilian won the world title ! More than that he is the first ever Portuguese speaker to win a surfing world title, so the importance of this achievement goes way beyond the borders of his own country.

    Gabriel Medina represents the new generation ! He is definitely leading a group of progressive surfers that is emerging worldwide and is taking this sport into the next level of performance !

     

  • 20/12/2014

    Celebrating 50 years of Surfing in Peniche !

    This year we reached half a centrury of Surfing in Surfcastle ! This incredible milestone was celebrated by us during the entire year by designing ... read more >

    This year we reached half a centrury of Surfing in Surfcastle ! This incredible milestone was celebrated by us during the entire year by designing and creating a symbolic Surfcastle 50 years logo and we produced merchandising (T-shirts & stickers).

    We also organised a symbolic celebration in the Surfcastle during Spring with all the core surfers from the first generation of Surfers in Peniche ! We had the unique opportunity to share the surfing memories already lived in this house during all these decades by sharing old photos, videos and the epic stories of the amazing surf sessions. This was the perfect occasion for us to go surf together with the classic old vintage surf boards. After the surf sesion we organized a very cool lunch in the terrace & a little party in our bar, playing all the classic vinyl records… We honestly think that this core group of surfers already did so many good things to start & develop surfing in Portugal. The Surfcastle took the responsibility to provide this symbolic tribute to all the surfing pioneers of Peniche.

     

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".