Explore Portugal

By SURFNESSLODGE TEAM

Explore Portugal, visit this wonderful rocky coast starting from Peniche and then passing by the resorts of Berlengas, Praia do Supertubos, Nazarè, Praia do Norte "Big Wave" and Bombarral.

Berlengas Archipelago

The Berlengas Archipelago is a group of small islands located off the Portuguese coast, about 15 kilometers from the city of Peniche. The islands that make up this large unspoilt and wild archipelago are the island of Berlenga Grande, the islets of Estelas and finally the islets of Farilhões-Forcadas. On the largest island, Berlenga Grande, there is an ancient fortress and a very suggestive lighthouse. The archipelago has been declared a nature reserve thanks to its wonderful local flora and fauna, the latter particularly rich in seabirds, such as the shag, the saffron, the northern herring gull, the Harcourt petrel. Berlenga Grande is renowned for hosting numerous beaches and caves and its beautiful sea is characterized by a coral reef vibrant with marine life, with incredible fishiness. In summer the island is filled with different types of flowers and the whole archipelago in general offers a very varied flora, with about 100 different botanical species counted up to now. ∗ Ferry from Peniche

Praia dos Supertubos

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Considered to be one of Portugal’s best surfing and bodyboarding beaches, both nationally and internationally, Praia do Supertubos south of the fishing port of Peniche is famous for its perfect tubing waves. Supertubos is considered a world-class wave and forms on what is the best beachbreak (sandy bottom spot) in Portugal. Every year it hosts the stage of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal world surf championship (World Surf League Tour), the world professional surf circuit.

Peniche

Initially it was an island but then with the wind and the sea current it turned into a peninsula. During the 16th and 17th centuries an important defense system was built that protected the population from pirate attacks. Today the town retains its historical charm through the walls, the fortress, the headland of Cabo Carvoeiro and the stretch of modernity.

Óbidos and its lagoon

Óbidos and its lagoon represent one of the 7 Portuguese wonders. This fascinating place is a splendid “open-air museum” made up of white houses surrounded by a medieval castle.

Bordered by the Ginja de Óbidos, Peniche is enchanted by the magic of the old walls of Óbidos. In addition to history in this place, you can enjoy modernity, walking among the dunes of the great lagoon of Foz do Arelho, Bom Sucesso and Praia d’El Rei.

Nazarè and Praia do Norte "Big Wave"

Nazarè beach boasts some of the oldest Portuguese fishing traditions. During the summer months, every Saturday late in the day, traditionally, we meet on the waterfront, to watch the show “L’Arte Xávega” (seine fishing), when the nets loaded with fish are withdrawn from the water.

Praia do Norte, is located north of the imposing Nazarè Promontory, better known as “Sítio”. The sea is very popular with surfers, who find here the most spectacular waves of the coast up to 30/35 meters high, ridden by the best big wave riders in the world such as the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara and Hugo Vau. The formation of waves of such proportions in this very place is due to the position of the Nazaré canyon, the largest submerged gorge in Europe with an extension of 200 kilometers and reaching a depth of 5000 meters. Its front part, which is located less than a kilometer from the coast, affects the characteristics of the undulation when it comes from the west, giving rise to very high waves.

Bombarral's Garden of Eden

In the Quinta dos Loridos of the city of Bombarral, you will find a place of meditation which at the same time is a real open-air art gallery; the 35 hectares of the Garden of Buddha Eden are dotted with 200 statues representing cultures from all over the world. The exhibit includes Asian terracotta statues, depictions of Buddha (a tribute to Bamiyan’s huge Buddha statues), African sculptures and contemporary art.