Beach break · Ferrel, Silver Coast · 39°23′N 9°18′W
Pico da Mota
A quieter sand-bottom beach break just north-east of Ferrel, away from the busy Baleal beaches. Lefts and rights, best on a west to north swell with a south-east wind.
Pico da Mota is a sand-bottom beach break on the cliff-backed coast north-east of Ferrel, with peaky A-frames that give shoulderier lefts and faster rights. It is the quieter option when the north-facing beaches around Baleal are crowded.
It works on a west to north swell with a south-east to south wind, and is at its best around mid tide: low tide gives faster, steeper waves, high tide softer and slower ones. On a good swell it is powerful, fast and hollow in places, which suits intermediate to advanced surfers. On smaller days beginners can surf it too. Access is easy, with a car park at the cliff top. Respect the locals.
Schools & rentals near here
Surf It Easy
A coaching-focused surf school in Baleal that pairs water sessions with surfskate training and video analysis, for beginners through to advanced surfers working on technique.
Surf
The Surf Academy
A small school on Praia da Areia Branca run by a coach born and raised there, with group, private and advanced-coaching tracks and everything included.
SurfFrom EUR 35 / group class
Global Surf School & Camp
A surf school and camp established on Praia da Areia Branca in 2007, with lessons for all levels and stay-and-surf packages.
Surf
Ripar Surf School & Camp
One of the oldest schools on Praia da Areia Branca, running surf lessons and a surf camp on the Silver Coast since 2001.
SurfNearby
Cantinho da Baia
The most sheltered corner of the Baleal bay, tucked against the Peniche side. Small, soft and forgiving, and the spot most Peniche schools use for a first lesson. Rarely flat.
BeginnersYear-round; small and gentle May to August
Lagide
A long, mellow left-hand reef on the Baleal side of the peninsula, popular with longboarders and improvers. One of the more forgiving reef waves on this coast and a natural step up from the Baleal beach break.
IntermediatesAutumn to spring, but rideable much of the year
Peniche & Baleal
The whole peninsula in one guide: why Peniche works almost year-round, where Supertubos and Baleal fit, and how locals pick a spot by the day's wind and tide.
All levelsAutumn to spring for the biggest, most consistent swell; summer smaller and better for learningCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Pico da Mota?
- Pico da Mota is a beach break. It wants W to N swell and works best with offshore from the se to s wind.
- Is Pico da Mota good for beginners?
- Not for a first session. It's rated intermediate — better once you can paddle out and read a line-up on your own.