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Surf Castle
The Place
Private accommodation
Couples
Groups
Solo travellers
5 out of 5
The spectacular Surf Castle is divided into 3 properties: The main surf house, Casa Grande, the smaller house, Casa da Guarda and the Studio Apartment. All rooms offer stunning views across the spectacular Peniche coastline. No other accommodation in the area sits in a position like the Surfcastle does.
The house was built in 1920, and used as a family holiday residence for many decades and much of the original furniture still exists to this day, making a stay at the house an authentic and vintage Portuguese experience.
Location
All bedrooms have uninterrupted views of the coastline. The house looks out onto Lagide, the famous reef break right on our back yard. Peniche needs no introduction, it is home to some of the most consistent surf in Europe.
- Reviews
- Facilities
- Room types
- Getting there
- Surf Lessons
- Waves
- Terms
18 REVIEWS
Summary
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 2
Double or can be two single beds, in the stunning top Floor Penthouse of the main house, Casa Grande. Wake up on the spectacular terrace overlooking the surf.
This room has an en suite.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 1
Single Room Ensuite with spectacular Sea View in Casa Grande, the main house. Wake up and check the surf from your own room.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 2
Double/Twin Room with spectacular Sea View in Casa Grande, the main house. Wake up and check the surf from your own room.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 3
Three single beds, with spectacular Sea View in Casa Grande, the main house. Wake up and check the surf from your own room.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 4
Four single beds, with Ensuite and spectacular Sea View in Casa Grande, the main house. Wake up and check the surf from your own room.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 1
Single Room with spectacular Sea View in Casa da Guarda, the smaller house beside the main house. Wake up and check the surf from your own room.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 2
Double Room with spectacular Sea View in Casa da Guarda, the smaller house beside the main house.
This room has a shared bathroom.
Room Type: Private
Sleeps: 6
Studio Apartment with en to suite facilities in your own private building beside the main house ( private bathroom and kitchen). Can sleep 2 to 6 people
You can never get lost
When you book you will receive our confirmation email with full travel directions of how to get to us.
We provide Airport Transfers from and to Lisbon and they can be booked in the booking steps.
- Price for 1-4 people: €100
- Price for more than 4: €150
- - Nearest Airport: Lisbon
- - Distance from Airport in kms: 90
- - Time from Airport in a car: 1 hour
- - There is no train from the airport
- - There is no bus from the airport
Come Surf With Us
Surf Lessons can be added in the booking steps if they are not already included in a package.
Instructors
Pedro "Ginjas" Pulido Valente
Main Surf Beach: Cantinho da Baia
Surf Lessons we offer:
Beginner Surf Lessons
We have small classes, 6 people per instructor. So we offer a lot more focused classes so you learn faster and get the most out of the surf lesson. Each lesson is 2 hours long and includes surf board and wetsuits.
Intermediate Surf Lessons
Small classes of 6 people per instructor. You will learn faster and progress to an advanced level quicker in our small groups. Each lesson is 2 hours long and includes surf board and wetsuits.
Advanced Surf Lessons
We take you to the best waves each day, give guidance for big wave surfing, have a wide range of boards and give video assistance
Surf Guide
We have unrivaled local knowledge. For the last 25 years we have been sharing this knowledge with our guests. We take you to the best spots each day and surf with you or film you , what ever suits you. Equipment is included.
Surf conditions in Peniche:
Beginners:
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Intermediates:
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Advanced:
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Rain
Wetsuits
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Air Temp (°C)
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The best thing about the Peniche & Baleal peninsula is that the beaches face both north and south, and are all within a few kilometres of each other. So on nearly all conditions there is surf - it is well known as one of Portugal's most consistent surf destinations and a great place for a Surfing Holiday.
The WSL World Tour comes to Peniche every year in October and is a great time to visit if you want to watch the worlds best surfers such as Kelly Slater, Gabriel Medina & Mick Fanning battle it out to win. Surf everyday while watching the event also.
The areas main surf beach is called Cantinho da Baía, its starts in Peniche and ends up in the area knows as Baleal. The spot is famous for its consistency and for being ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers and is where some of the best Baleal Surf Camps are located. Protected from the bigger swell by the headland makes it’s almost always possible to surf here even when there is big swell hitting the coast. The beach stretches 4kms further west with many spots to surf - a great place to get away from crowds.
On the other side of the Baleal headland is Prainha, another great protected surf spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. And next to this is Lagide , a reef break and one of the best surf spots in Portugal if you have big swell and southerly winds. It's a long perfect left with a shallow reef at low tides - great for intermediate/advanced surfers.
On the other side of Peniche (south) is the area's and arguably Portugal's most famous break Supertubos . It's a powerful wave breaking in very shallow sand bar, advanced/pro surfers only! Other waves such as Molhe Leste, Consolação, Porto Batel and Almagreira are all close by giving every kind of alternative including many uncrowded areas; a great area to explore and Surf Portugal's best waves!
And don't forget you can head south and surf Ericeira - less than an hour's drive away.
Come Surf Peniche with us…
PAYMENT
- A small deposit is required to secure your booking.
- Your balance is due at check in.
CANCELLING YOUR BOOKING
- To cancel go to the MyAccount section and log in or register and you can cancel from within your account.
- Your deposit is non refundable but can be used for the same property/surf school within one year of your original booking.
- You can cancel anytime up to 30 days before travelling you will not be charged the balance.
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- Host: João
October 2022
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
Awesome location and group dynamics, the host João and his team makes everybody feel like part of a surfing family.
September 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
The castle is just a great please to stay with this beautiful view of the ocean....
I booked a single room with sheared bathroom and it was totally fine and clean.
Amazing breakfast with other visitors made my stay there even more special. Many great people from all over the world. Good and funny conversations every morning. The staff made me feel like the place would be my second home.
My very favourite restaurant is Taberna Do Ganhao just a few minutes walk from the castle.
How were the surf lessons?
I love the beaches.
The teachers are very experienced and the lessons were good.
September 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
I stayed in the surf castles studio apartment.. Apartment seemed brand new, was very clean, nice design to the place ... Facilities were good such as the gas cooker, fridge, the room even came with a sound system . Shower was awesome. Cool bed in the loft.. Was very comfortable in the studio apartment...
The people working in the surf castle were great. A really nice bunch of people, couldn't have asked for better hosts . Felt more like I was staying in a home than a business.. The English of all the people I interacted with there was fantastic.. They put on a BBQ feast while we there.. Food was nice and was absolutely stuffed after it, was pretty much a all you can eat...Would definitely return and hope to in the near future.
How were the surf lessons?
Instructor's very informative, easy to approach and ask anything. they came across as genuinely nice lads who were good Craic .. Definitely felt they progressed my surfing. Both instructors I had made the lessons really fun while still offering alot of advice.. The surf castle couldn't have been any closer to the beach... While eating breakfast I was able to look at the surf.. In summary couldn't say enough good things about the Surf Castle
August 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
The accommodation was brilliant, in terms of the room, facilities and equipment available. Don't change a thing!
How were the surf lessons?
The lessons were very good and the instructors were accessible and able to provide individual advice and tips to improve each respective surfer's technique.
I was initially trialled for the Beginner's class seeing as it was my first time at Surf Castle and they wanted to confirm my level, but was quickly moved to the intermediate classes afterwards. Both levels of instruction seemed great to me.
The beaches were amazing! Lots of selection and spots to ensure that there is almost always good surf, and really accessible from the Surf Castle.
August 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
The accommodation was clean and comfortable. The team (led by Joao) at Surfcastle are probably the most laid-back guys I've ever met (has to be something to do with the surf?!?) and you get the real sense that their mission is to help you have the best time possible. With a continental breakfast overlooking the ocean every morning, and a house BBQ on a Tuesday it is a really open and welcoming environment.
I travelled solo but quickly connected with the other housemates. It was my first time surfing (aside from a hideous attempt in Oz one year) and the lessons are very easy going. I understand you have to put the hours in and so having two lessons a day really supported that. The house is the closest to the main beach which is something to think about if you are carrying boards to and from a couple of times a day. They also have boards and wet suits to suit all... that you can use at any time.
I would only not give it 5 stars because of the lack of en suite bathroom facilities. But that's because I'm a snobby Englishman. :)
How were the surf lessons?
Tiago was great. Clearly an awesome surfer himself and a good guy too. As a teacher myself I come from a very methodical background. Step by step... "work on this for a while and then you can go to the next step". I understand the teachers job on a one week holiday is to help you learn but mainly, to have a good holiday, and so the method is bound to be different. Tiago taught me how to position on the board and when to push, stand etc. (the easy stuff). After that it was less methodical and more about being there to give insight when needed.
August 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
Great friendly house with fabulous communal spaces within which to meet new friends and hang out. The closest surf house to the water in all of baleal!
How were the surf lessons?
Great instructor, perfectly pitched lesson for all abilities, even when there was a broad experience level within the group. Great selection of beaches to surf within a short drive of the surf lodge.
August 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
What a wonderful week we've had in this special place! Its truly delightful to meet such great people from all around the world who share the same passion for surfing, good food and relaxing in a great environment.
Thanks to João, Pedro and the crew at Surfcastle for making our stay such a memorable one. The special little excursion from Pedro's beach to get on the outside was a real treat!
The welcome BBQ which happened on day 5 was such a lovely night - excellent BBQ fish & sardines and of course the excellent surf lessons and varieties of conditions made it a surf camp. I'd definitely recommend to friends and come back too!!!
July 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
We booked Surf Castle because of how many great reviews it had, and its easy to see why. The staff and other guests alike were all so friendly and easy to get on with. We had a great time and only wished we had booked to stay a little longer. Before we'd even left, we had already started planning our return visit and will definitely be back.
The location of the accommodation is really as good as it gets. It's less than a minutes walk to the nearest beach for surf lessons. Baleal as a town is quite small, but does have some good restaurants and bars. We were only there for two nights, but can imagine it might have gotten a bit boring finding decent places to eat if we stayed longer. There are barbeque and kitchen facilities in the accommodation though, so there is always the option of self catering.
Out of the four places we stayed whilst we were in Portugal, the bed in Surf Castle was by far the most comfortable.
How were the surf lessons?
The surf instructors were great! We were in a group of four students, but it still felt like we were getting very individualised attention. The feedback from the instructors was really helpful for us to try and get the most out of every wave. The beach was great too, quite private, and we noticed how good the instructors were at keeping the group together and warning other surfers that we were beginners and to be careful.
July 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
Excellent. Peniche was perfect for surfing holidays. The Surfcastle was located right next to the beach were you could surf, couldn't have been more convenient. A small supermarket and some resturants close. I didn't have a car which was fine for a long weekend but I think I would like to rent a car if I stayed longer, it would have made it easier to go around and explorer the surrondings, also to get to different restaurants in Peniche (the surfcastle was located 5 km outside Peniche). But for a shorter stay and for access to surfing and the beach you don't need a car. (I think there were bikes you could borrow from the Surfcastle and I talked to people that had rented bikes close by).
It was very nice to stay at the Surfcastle, it's an old charming house, quiet, well maintained (clean rooms, new renovated showers and bathrooms), I had a cosy quite big room facing the sea, shared bathroom. All the stuff that I met were very friendly and welcoming. Excellent breakfast.
How were the surf lessons?
I took surf lessons arranged by the Surfcastle, I had two different instructors and both were good (I'm a beginner), in particular one of them that really helped me to improve, he was with us in the water the whole time and helped us to catch the waves, he was excellent. Small groups, we were at the most 5 at the same time. The beaches were nice, we went to differnet spots depending on the conditions. I felt well taken care of and "safe" the whole time.
July 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
I had been to Peniche before and every time I walked past the Surfcastle, I made a promise to stay in what looked like a fantastic house. Last month I stayed and it was truly amazing!
I loved the Yoga sessions in the living room with the sun rays warming my back... the mini concert from project Almagreira was simply unforgettable.
The company was great and I wouldn´t have asked for anything else. I promise to come back some day!
How were the surf lessons?
I really enjoyed the surf lessons out in front even though I still have a long way to go.
July 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
The accommodation was great, ideal location with a view out over the surf, couldn't ask for better. The staff were very friendly, relaxed and helpful. The area was quiet with some nice restaurants around and one or two late night spots aswell.
How were the surf lessons?
The lessons were fantastic, the instructors were great craic and they always brought us to the best spots. They constantly gave great advice and could cater to all levels
June 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
Everything was wonderful! The hospitality; the room with a sea view and the great waves !! We hope to return soon!
June 2019
Travelled as a couple
How did you like the accommodation?
Every famous fairytale talks about a castle where the stories are full of magic. This is exactly what we have found when we got to the Surfcastle.
Welcomed in a fantastic way we have been caught up in this sensation of well being...
Joao - The lord of his castle ! He is the impersonated expression of happiness. Always ready to transmit it to his guests. We haves never seen him in a bad mood. His caipirinhas are the best in the whole Portugal, if not in the whole world !
Laura - The queen Super busy with improving even the smallest detail in the surfcastle. She is often less present in the daily life but you can find her in every corner of the house!
In warm and welcoming interior decoration, in the fresh flowers and in the good smelling towels !
Dan & Elfie - There is no proper word to describe how nice, helpful and incredible discrete they are. Elfie is the perfect blonde fairy of the enchanted castle. You can always rely on Dan in the water because his patience is endless!
I will come back next year for sure
How were the surf lessons?
Pedro - The knight of the waves, super professional even when you think that he is too busy to think of you as well. He surprises you with explaining what your weak points are and what you can do to improve your surfing.
May 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
The Accomadation was idelic!
How were the surf lessons?
The Surf Lessons were great!
Yes
The beaches were perfect to learn and improve.
May 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
Everything was great. Restaurants and surf shops are nearby, several beaches/surf spots is super-close (barefoot walking distance).
How were the surf lessons?
Loved both beaches and instructor
May 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
Such an amazing surf, hospitality, friendship, vibe, cheers, dinners, adventures and all around unreal surf trip!
April 2019
Travelled with family
How did you like the accommodation?
We LOVED our stay at Surf Castle! Joao, the proprieter, is very friendly and accommodating- his personality is perfect for his work. The Castle is a unique, century-old country house right next to the beach.
Vibe is totally low-key and comfortable. Breakfast is fresh and generous. The location is the best in Baleal for easy access to the waves, especially when you are not used to toting a surfboard. The instructors, Pedro and Sabastiao, were WONDERFUL!!! LOVE these guys- patient, knowledgeable, skilled, funny, and of course amazing surfers.
They had great tips for sightseeing and restaurants. Would highly recommend a drive to Nazare to see the world's biggest surf, and a stop in the medieval walled town of Obidos. Restaurants- we loved Pro Fresco in Peniche so much that we ate there twice. Owner Bebe is delightful and the fish does not get any fresher. Also recommend Tasca Joel in Peniche for excellent Portugese cuisine, and if you get to Obidos, Tasca Torta is a must for dinner- immaculately clean and amazing food. Their cod and sea bass were delicious!
How were the surf lessons?
The beaches are gorgeous, clean, and since we were there in April not at all crowded. I would imagine it looks totally different in high summer. Surf conditions changed every day but there was always something to surf because Baleal's location is proximal to different beaches with different exposures.
Can't say enough about Sebastiao and Pedro-these guys are top-notch. We have had surf instruction in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Nantucket and here at home in Maine, and they are far and away the best!
February 2019
Travelled solo
How did you like the accommodation?
My trip to Portugal has been madness, and to think I booked this flight here on a whim after drinking one too many cervejas.
On my trip around the world so far I've encountered A LOT of great people, but the way you lads took me in & shared with me the real Portuguese surf lifestyle and the way of living over here really was second to none.
Supertubos, Supermarket trips, nights out in Peniche, amazing dinner parties and of course CARNAVAL I have had some of the most memorable times of my trip in this Castle ! Man I lived in the Surfcastle !!!