Porto Novo is a small beach north of the bigger beach of Santa Rita. and about 20km south from Peniche. It is close also to Santa Cruz and it offers unconsistent surf, that’s why is almost always empty from surfers.
The best of this spot is the beautiful scenery of the bay surrounded by cliffs and the river arriving at the ocean. On top of cliff on the left side of the bay there’s a statue of a virgin. This beach was where the british disembarked the troops to help Portugal fight the french invasion.
In summer you can find plenty of tourists that come to enjoy the sun and the beautiful scenery.
Main peaks at Porto Novo
You can find waves breaking on the north part of the beach, in front of the cliffs, when swells come north or northeast and that sometimes can give long right shoulders. However, be careful here when tide gets too low, since it is a rocky area. As well in front of the main rock where the statue of the virgin is located there’s a left that comes into the bay. However, the rocks can be dangerous if you miss the pop-up. This spot works better around mid tide. If you are lucky to find good waves here you can be sure you will be completely alone.
Access and services
There is a very big parking just behind the cliffs. During summer months you will find restaurants open at this beach.
Video of Porto Novo and Santa Rita beaches
In this video you can see an aerial view of Porto Novo and its neighbour Santa Rita beaches:
