In turn, Baleal, which was once an island too, owes its name to having formerly been a centre where whales (“Baleia”, in Portuguese) were butchered and cut in the Middle Ages. The whale meat was then hauled to Atouguia da Baleia harbour. This was a result of the fact that the bay extending from Atouguia da Baleia down to Peniche started getting progressively blocked up with silt during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, preventing whaling ships from coming into the harbour with the whales in tow.
This beach, which is about 5 km north of Peniche, is one of Portugal’s most stunning beaches and is uniquely positioned from a geographical perspective, offering ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Baleal Surf Camp opened its doors here in 1993.