There’s an important decision to make every day on holiday in Baleal – which beach to choose for your day of swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Obviously, if you’re surfing then you’ll be off to the one with the best waves on the day, but there’s more to a beach than that. Here’s a quick round up of Baleal’s best beaches to help you choose!
Almagreira
- (on the road)
The closest beach to Perfect Shore and accessed via a track, Almagreira is beautiful and wild with spectacular golden cliffs. Parking is at the top of the track leading down. Only a small patch of sand is left at high tide but at low tide a huge expanse of golden sand is uncovered. No lifeguards or facilities mean this beach is usually far quieter than the main beaches at Baleal, but take care on rough days as the beach here is more exposed and there can be dangerous currents.
Best for: winter walks, calm summer days when you want more peace
Gigi
- (on the road)
In between Praia do Baleal Norte and Almagreira lies Gigi, another wild beach without facilities but actually very close to the centre of Baleal; a quick walk up the (quite steep in parts) access track will take you to Baleal’s central mini-market / cafe. Parking is on the roads near the track down to the beach. At low tide you can walk along the sand to Praia do Baleal Norte in about 15 minutes.
Best for: when you want to be in Baleal but without the crowds
Praia do Baleal Norte (Lagido and Prainha)
One of the two main beaches in Baleal, this one (as the name suggests) faces north and is protected at the Prainha end by Ilha do Baleal. Lifeguarded in the bathing season and with all the normal beach facilities including easy access from the main car park. The Prainha end has great rockpools at low tide and is usually the most sheltered beach in Baleal. Very popular with families.
Best for: rockpools, children, shelter on bigger days, easy access
Praia do Baleal Sul (Cantinho and Campismo)
The mirror image of Praia do Baleal Norte, this beach faces south and shares all the same facilities. At the far end of the bay that extends 4km to Peniche, it’s possible to walk this at any tide as there is always plenty of sand. Very sheltered in the corner next to Ilha do Baleal (Cantinho) and popular with families and anyone who likes to be able to pop up to one of the nearby beach bars. Parking is in the main car park at Baleal or slightly further along in front of the camp site. Usually impossible to park after midday in August!
Best for: children, easy access, beach bars, sunset
Meio da Baia
Halfway along the bay from Baleal to Peniche, this is a beautiful option with views in all directions and a wilder feel. Access is easy but parking is limited, although crowds are much less than at Baleal. Backed by a spectacular dune system. Lifeguarded but little in the way of facilities.
Best for: fewer crowds, bigger waves when Baleal is too small, sunset
Cerro
Just on the edge of Peniche, this beach is backed by spectacular dunes which offer a nice alternative to sitting on the flat sand. Parking is on the roads behind the beach and it’s usually possible to find a spot. One nice beach bar overlooks the sea and has a fantastic glass-enclosed sun terrace for when it’s windy.
Best for: beach bar with views, dunes, nearby surf shop
Gamboa
This is the beach closest to the centre of Peniche and is at the far south end of the bay that runs all the way to Baleal. Relatively undeveloped, it still has a small beach bar and is lifeguarded. The car park is small but you can also park on the roads, and access is easy. Popular with families as the beach is relatively sheltered. Intermarche is just across the road for last minute picnic supplies!
Best for: easier parking than Baleal, walking distance to Peniche centre
Praia do Portinho da Areia Sul
- (on the road)
A small beach that is not well known, the main reason to come here is for the shelter it offers from the nortada (north wind). Parking is limited on the surrounding roads but is usually easy as crowds are light. Not a surfing beach, this is beautifully calm when the swells are small.
Best for: shelter from the nortada
Molhe Leste and Supertubos
Made famous as one of the stops on the World Surf League, Supertubos and its neighbour Molhe Leste are beautiful white sand beaches on the south side of the Peniche peninsula. Undeveloped with only one or two beach bars means the the vibe is peaceful compared to Baleal, but there is still plenty of (free) parking and lifeguards. The sea tends to be colder than Baleal but the colours are particularly beautiful. At high tide the beach shelves quite steeply into the sea, but mid and low tide are easy for swimming.
Best for: finding parking after midday in August, peaceful vibes, sunsets
Consolação
At the other end of the bay running from Molhe Leste, this is another popular beach with facilities and lifeguards. The beach is steeper so access to the sea is slightly harder.
