Welcome to Lourinhã, a gem of Portugal’s Silver Coast — where golden beaches meet fossil rich cliffs, and every sunset ends with the sun touching the Atlantic.
Total Improv Festival happens here for a reason: the rhythm of the ocean, the kindness of the people, and the mix of nature and culture create the perfect setting for artistic exploration. Whether you stay for a weekend or a whole week, this region invites you to go deeper.
We strongly recommend renting a car — or a bike — to experience everything the coastline has to offer.
Total Improv Festival happens here for a reason: the rhythm of the ocean, the kindness of the people, and the mix of nature and culture create the perfect setting for artistic exploration. Whether you stay for a weekend or a whole week, this region invites you to go deeper.
We strongly recommend renting a car — or a bike — to experience everything the coastline has to offer.
About the Region
WHERE TO STAY
From surf camps and guesthouses to boutique hotels, there are options for every taste. You can stay in Lourinhã, right by the main venues, or explore nearby towns:
- MH Peniche
- RIDE Surf Resort & SPA
- Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
- Taberna do Ganhão – stay & dine
~25 minutes north — famous surf town and gateway to the Berlengas islands.
Peniche
- Areias do Seixo Hotel
- Noah Surf House
- Hotel Apartamento Praia Azul
~20 minutes south of Lourinhã. Wide beaches, relaxed vibes, and scenic cliffs.
Santa Cruz
- Laurus Hotel
- Casa da Avó
- Alojamento Lourinhã on Airbnb
- Da Silva Surfcamp
Peaceful and full of charm — the cultural heart of the festival.
Lourinhã
- HI Areia Branca – Pousada de Juventude
- West Coast Beach House
- Casa d'Areia
- Noah's Ark Hostel
A laid-back surf town just 5 minutes from Lourinhã — barefoot cafes, mellow waves, and salty air.
Areia Branca
Recommended Surf Schools:
- Global Surf School & Camp
- Ripar Surf School
- The Surf Academy — Official partner. Special rates for festival guests with code: TOTAL IMPROV
Surf the Atlantic
Here, surfing isn’t a sport — it’s a rhythm. Ride the tides. Fall. Get back up. Improvise.
This coast is a playground for surfers. Whether you’re catching your first wave or carving a line at sunrise, the water is waiting.
Highlights:
- Dino Parque Lourinhã — open-air dinosaur trail for all ages
- Museu da Lourinhã — local fossils and cultural heritage
- Santa Casa Museum — small, poetic, and full of surprises
- Berlengas Islands — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve reachable from Peniche
Why visit:
- Be amazed by Portugal’s biggest dinosaur museum
- Learn how natural history shapes identity and imagination
- Dive into the region’s prehistoric and cultural layers
Explore Dinosaurs and Culture
Did you know Lourinhã is one of the most important dinosaur fossil sites in Europe?
Millions of years ago, this region was a Jurassic habitat — today, you can walk among full-scale reconstructions and see real fossils found nearby.
What to try:
- Grilled sardines or robalo (sea bass)
- Arroz de polvo (octopus rice)
- Caldeirada (Portuguese fish stew)
- Pastel de nata and regional variations
- Lourinhã’s own DOC brandy
Where to go:
- Cegonha Caffe & Brunch — relaxed mornings and good coffee
- Belmar – Areia Branca — sea breeze and comfort food
- Amigos do Solar — rustic and warm
- More local tips
Eat Like a Local
The cuisine of the Silver Coast is built around the sea, the land, and the fire — grilled fish, octopus rice, seafood stews, local wines, and crispy pastéis.
Rentals:
Distances:
- From Lisbon: ~1 hour by car or bus
- From Porto: ~2.5 hours by car
- Rent a car or bring your bike for total freedom
- Wander through fishing villages and cliffside paths
- Try a local hiking route at sunset
- Watch the sun touch down into the ocean — one of the most magical sights of the Atlantic
The coast is wide, wild, and wonderful — and best explored at your own pace.
Getting Around
Region
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