World-Class Golf and Surf on the Same Coast
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Summary
Very few places in the world offer world-class golf and world-class surfing within such a short distance of each other. Along Portugal’s Silver Coast, powerful Atlantic waves attract surfers from around the world just minutes away from some of Europe’s most spectacular golf courses.
A Unique Combination
The coastline between Peniche, Baleal and Nazaré has become one of Europe’s most famous surfing regions. Powerful Atlantic swells roll in from the open ocean, creating ideal conditions for both professional competitions and everyday surf sessions.
At the same time, the area around Óbidos has developed into one of the most impressive golf destinations in continental Europe.
Courses such as Royal Óbidos, West Cliffs and Praia D’El Rey are regularly ranked among the best courses in Portugal — and in several rankings among the best in Europe.
It is quite rare to find two world-class sports environments located so close to each other.
If you are curious about the famous giant waves further north, you can also read our guide to The Giant Waves of Nazaré, where some of the largest waves ever surfed have been recorded.
The Famous Supertubos Wave
One of the most famous surf spots in Portugal is Supertubos, located just outside Peniche.
Supertubos is known for producing powerful, hollow waves often compared to the legendary waves of Hawaii.
Because of these unique conditions, it has become one of the regular stops on the World Surf League Championship Tour, where the world’s best surfers compete.
During competition periods the atmosphere in Peniche changes completely, with thousands of spectators, surf fans and international media following the event.
Even outside competitions it can be fascinating to watch experienced surfers challenge the strong Atlantic waves.
Major Surf Events
Every year Peniche hosts one of the major events on the World Surf League Championship Tour, usually held at Supertubos.
The competition normally takes place in March, although surfing competitions work with a so-called waiting period, where organizers wait for the best wave conditions within a specific window of days.
When the right swell arrives, the world’s best surfers compete in front of large crowds along the beach.
If you would like to see whether a major surf event is happening during your visit, these sites are useful:
World Surf League
Surf Forecast – Supertubos
These sites are also useful for following wave conditions along the coast in general.
Major Golf Events in the Area
Golf has also hosted major international events here.
Royal Óbidos Golf Course, designed by Seve Ballesteros, has hosted Portugal’s biggest professional golf tournament in recent years — a Challenge Tour event, which is the second-highest professional tour in European golf.
The course is widely respected among professionals for its dramatic coastal layout and challenging design.
The ambition in the region remains strong, and the local golf community continues to work towards attracting more international tournaments in the future.
Watching Surf Like a Local
If you want to watch surfers in action, a few places stand out.
Supertubos Beach (Peniche) is the best place to see powerful competitive surfing, especially when large Atlantic swells arrive.
Baleal, a small peninsula just north of Peniche, offers several beaches where surfers can often be seen throughout the day. The atmosphere here is relaxed and very much part of the local surf culture.
Even if you have no intention of surfing yourself, it can be fascinating simply to watch the skill and confidence of experienced surfers handling the Atlantic waves.
A Personal Note
Most days I walk with my dog along the beaches near where I live.
More often than not there are surfers in the water — sometimes just a few locals catching waves, other days surf schools teaching beginners along the shore.
When you see it so often it almost becomes part of everyday life, and you stop thinking about how special it actually is.
But when you step back and look at it from the outside, it is quite remarkable: world-class golf courses on one side and some of Europe’s most famous surf beaches just minutes away.
Living here, it is hard not to feel a little privileged.
Jorgen/Living on the West Coast of Portugal
Small moments • True gems • Real Portugal
If our inspiration can help you get more out of your time in Portugal – both on and off the course – then we're happy.
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