Baleal Outdoor Fun: Top 5 Activities You Can’t Miss

Baleal, Portugal, it’s almost this fantastic spot, just a little way up the coast from Peniche, is that a place that has something special for you if you’re someone who likes the outdoors. With gorgeous beaches, incredible surf, and some surprisingly great trails to walk, there’s really a whole host of different things you can find to do outside. Whether you are super good at surfing or have hardly even touched a board before, or you might just want somewhere gorgeous to chill out by the water, Baleal truly has a lot on offer. We’ve put together a rundown of five of the very best things to do in the open air while you’re visiting, to show why this slightly-secret part of Portugal might just be perfect for your next break.

Surfing the Waves

Surfing is definitely a pretty big deal in Baleal; in fact, you might even say it’s the top thing that springs to your mind if you’ve heard of it before. The waves there are often really good, and actually they’re good for totally different levels of experience, which is nice. Beginner surfers might want to have a go on the south side of the Baleal peninsula, because usually the waves are smaller and also very forgiving there. If you are further along in your surfing journey and maybe looking for something a bit more punchy, then, in that case, try heading to the north side, it might just test your skill and courage. There is even a variety of surf schools right there on the beach, so too it’s almost no problem at all to book some lessons or get your hands on some gear if you are visiting. And frankly, you could say it doesn’t really matter what time of year it is either; it’s almost always a nice time to get in the water!

For a truly unique place to stay that places you right at the heart of all the surf action, then actually take a look at Baleal Island Surfcamp. This spot gets fantastic reviews, and more or less everybody says it gives you great access to the beach and to some brilliant instructors.

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Exploring the Baleal Beaches

There are just quite a few really lovely beaches dotted all around Baleal. Beyond just surfing, if you’re looking for more simple days out, then you’ve really got a bunch of places you could pick. The main Baleal beach sort of stretches quite a distance, linking the island of Baleal (that’s joined to the mainland by a bit of a sandy causeway) with the beach at Praia do Campismo. It’s almost a fantastic area just to chill out, walk along the beach, and generally make the most of being near the sea, that is. And for those with kids, in some respects the calm waters on the south side may very well be just great for paddling about safely. Sunsets, too it’s almost like, are just beautiful here. So pack a picnic, bring a towel, and make a day of it.

For really amazing beach views right from your balcony, arguably consider staying at MH Peniche. In a way it is considered quite luxurious and close to the beach; you can even hear the waves from your room!

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Hiking the Coastal Trails

So, if you appreciate a good hike, Baleal actually won’t let you down. There are coastal paths here that’ll let you get some really beautiful sights. From Baleal, that actually makes a great base for walking bits of the Rota Vicentina, which, you know, is that big, famous network of trails along the coast of Portugal. As I was saying, that trails around Baleal are typically fairly manageable, yet they provide really fantastic views out over the sea and along the shoreline. Walking a bit further, you may very well stumble upon hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and so, you know, plenty of chances to connect with nature. Remember to pack some water and wear shoes that you can depend on if you do go exploring, that is.

If you want to stay somewhere from where you can almost immediately access a gorgeous local hiking trail, you should check out the Hotel Rural A Ribeira. It’s just a little bit further inland and provides some brilliant routes to explore.

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Exploring the Berlengas Islands

For a change of scenery, you should take a boat out to the Berlengas Islands, that is actually just a short hop from Peniche (which, of course, is quite near Baleal). These islands are a designated nature reserve, that features truly crystal clear waters, cool caves, and it has a real feeling of being unspoiled, almost, that is. You can just chill on the beach, do a bit of snorkeling or scuba diving, and so visit the São João Baptista fort; in some respects it has this history that’s really quite interesting, apparently. Boat trips can often be booked in Peniche harbor, and so that day trip out could easily become one of the best bits of your visit.

When planning a visit to the Berlengas Islands, you might want to choose somewhere based in Peniche to spend a night or two so you are well positioned for those boat trips. For very easy access to the harbor area in Peniche, you really can’t beat the Star inn Peniche.

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Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

If you’re seeking some fun on the water but surfing seems a little too much to take on, well, in that case, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) could certainly be something worth giving a go. You might even say that SUP gives you a really neat way to see Baleal from a totally different angle and enjoy being on the water; actually it is considered more or less effortless fun if the conditions are on your side. Arguably the calm waters of Óbidos Lagoon, which is not very far from Baleal, are just great for paddleboarding, which lets beginners learn without any waves causing issues. A lot of places will rent out boards in Baleal and on the lagoon too, so, you know, that’s not something you have to worry about packing!

For accommodation near the Óbidos Lagoon that’s a perfect starting point for paddleboarding activities, try looking at the luxurious Evolutee Hotel at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort. Some might even say it’s practically on the water’s edge.

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For another spot near the Óbidos Lagoon, just a little bit further back but with great links, is the Hotel Vila d’ Óbidos. If you do go for paddleboarding you might find it is a wonderful place to visit from.

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