Plan a trip to Peniche

Peniche and “beach” go hand-in-hand! The breathtaking coastal town, located in western Portugal on an Atlantic Ocean peninsula, is known for its long, spectacular stretch of beach, excellent surfing-especially its Supertubos (super tubular) waves, a wide variety of outstanding water sports, and as a starting point for a visit to the beautiful nature reserve, the Ilhas Berlengas. It is also one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal, which served as a major source of income for the town, and is home to exceptional fish restaurants.

Peniche is also home to a well-preserved historic center. Impressive historic religious buildings include the 16th century Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary and the Sao Pedro and Misericordia Churches. The Peniche Fort, built in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the coast is a must-see, as are the forts on Consolacao Beach and on the island of Berlengas. From the Cabo Carvoeiro lighthouse there is a wonderful view of the dramatic cliffs in the ocean which have been carved out of the limestone.

The Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere World Heritage Site, consists of an archipelago of islands and coastal reefs and its fauna and flora are fascinating to explore. There are also excellent diving sites and kitesurfing.

Peniche’s Supertubos waves, which can reach 13 feet, have made Peniche a popular destination for surfers and home to the annual world surfing championship, the Rip Curl Pro Portugal which is part of the World Surf League Tour.

With the sea as center of the town’s gastronomy, don’t miss out on the bouillabaisse and other specialties – all accompanied by the region’s best wines – and we recommend some local sweets for dessert!