Here are some ideas for the best things to do in Baleal when you want to experience the finest simple pleasures – being in the ocean, getting active or eating fresh, local food. These things are easy to organise and can be done on the spur of the moment.
1. Be the first on the beach
There are some people who are very difficult to beat at this! But don’t worry about them. Just get there for an early surf while most other people are still in bed – it’s a magic way to start the day.
2. Fresh bread for breakfast
It’s just bread, right? Sure, but the other day a guest of ours was delighted to find that it was still warm from the oven, so maybe it’s been a while since you had it like that too. Ask for a bola caseira (or five) at the bakery as these are most frequently baked and likely to be hot.
3. Low tide beach walk
Try searching for Baleal on Instagram and inevitably you’ll get beaches and surfing, but also probably very nice cliffs. Low tide opens up a big stretch of sand running north from Praia do Baleal Norte, past the distinctive red sandstone cliffs. A good option when you get bored of sunbathing. Keep an eye on the tide and don’t get caught when it comes in.
4. Do some yoga
Are you here on a surf camp after zero sessions of surf in the last six months? Then this idea is for you, especially on day 4. A brilliant way to take time out and give your body and mind some TLC. The closest studio to us is the fantastic Alma Portugal and there are more options in central Baleal.
5. Hammock time
I’ll take a wild guess that you don’t have a hammock at home, so lying in one is the sort of novelty that you associate with holidays. This is Baleal so there’s probably one in your accommodation, enjoy it! And here’s a useful article about how to lie in one (yes, it’s slightly more complicated than you think).
6. Late afternoon swim
You know those days when the heat hangs around into the evening, the breeze drops and the sea is like a swimming pool. Go for full immersion and let the cool, silky water wash away the heat of the day. If you’re looking for an awesome start to your evening then this is it!
7. Cycle to Peniche
On my first trip to Baleal I did this early one evening and it was one of my best memories of the holiday. From Ferrel it’s an easy 20 minute ride along the cycle path (a bit less from Baleal) and then head to the fortaleza or the main praça (Praça Jacob Rodrigues Pereira) to soak up the atmosphere. You can hire one of our bikes for this little outing.
8. Visit Bar do Quebrado
Why do we love this? Because it’s something a bit different. Tucked away down a quiet road near Peniche’s old fortified walls is Bar do Quebrado, overlooking a great rock pooling beach. Super nice spot.
9. Sunset drinks
So you’re on the edge of Europe, facing west into the Atlantic Ocean. And yes, you’re right, this means awesome sunsets. Watch from any of Baleal’s beach bars and see the day vibe turn to night. The main beach, plus a little further along the bay towards Peniche, has the best choice and most of them do food as well so it’s a great option when you don’t want to leave the beach for dinner.
10. Sunset surf
Because you simply can’t get much cooler than this. That is all. We have boards, lessons and plenty of advice if you need it!
So that concludes our little round up of the best things to do in Baleal for simple pleasure. We think these are perfect for getting closer to the real world. Also check out our list of 10 things to take on a surf holiday to Peniche to ensure that you’re well prepared, and our rooms to see where you could be staying.
