Foz do Arelho is a beach located to the north of Peniche, Portugal. It's a large stretch of sand that often picks up a lot of swell due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. This spot can get a crowd, especially during the summer, but there's usually enough space to find your own piece of sand. Its scenic surroundings make it a nice place to hang out after a surf session.
The surf here is pretty versatile, making it suitable for beginners. The optimal swell direction is from the Northwest, but you’ll also find it handles swells coming from the Southwest and North. It can work well with swell sizes starting from around 2 ft (0.6 m) and breaks over sand, providing both left and right waves. The beach can cater to various tide heights, so you can surf during low, mid, or high tide. Just keep in mind that the beach is quite exposed to the wind, so it’s best when the breezes come from the East.
In addition to the surf, Foz do Arelho has a couple of small river mouths that can create some decent banks, which can help with wave formation. The spot is generally best for those starting out, but it can be fun for more experienced surfers looking for a chill session too. Just make sure to check the conditions before you head out!