Best Things to do in Peniche | Portugal

Visitar a Península de Peniche
Visitar a Península de Peniche

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Peniche is for me one of the most fascinating places on the Portuguese coast, and I’m sure you’ll agree after reading this article.

  • Berlengas Islands are part of Peniche and are a World Biosphere Reserve classified by UNESCO.
  • Peniche has several fortresses that attest to its strategic importance for the defense of the territory in the past.
  • It has incredible cliffs and rock formations along its coast, but I highlight the ones found on the peninsula, near Cabo Carvoeiro and Papoa de Peniche.
  • It has strong traditions, especially those associated with fishermen and the artisanal production of bobbin lace.
  • It has great beaches for surfing and other water sports.
  • In summer you will find fantastic bays for a dip in the sea, like the one next to the island of Baleal.

When visiting Peniche, you can easily combine nature, beach and history in the same itinerary. There are fantastic trails to walk and there is no shortage of things to do for several days. 😉

Do you want to know what my main suggestions and tips are for visiting this municipality in Portugal? So keep reading this article, because here you will find a detailed list of things to do in Peniche.

Fortress at the Peninsula of Peniche
Fortress at the Peninsula of Peniche
Papoa de Peniche
Papoa de Peniche

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Where is Peniche located, in Portugal?

Peniche is located in the south of Leiria district, on the border with Lisbon district. It is located on the Portuguese coast, and borders the municipalities of Óbidos and Lourinhã. It is a city in Central Portugal.

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Map with the location of Peniche
Map with the location of Peniche
Church of Mercy of Peniche
Church of Mercy of Peniche
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Peniche
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Peniche

Brief Historical Introduction to visit Peniche

Before presenting you with all the tips and things to do in Peniche, I have to tell you a little about its history. Did you know that a few centuries ago it was an island, completely separated from mainland Portugal? Likewise, Atouguia da Baleia, which today is far from the sea, once had a sea port, and was dedicated to whale hunting (hence its name – “baleia” is the portuguese word for whale).

It is known that Peniche had a past of Roman occupation, including in Berlengas Archipelago, however, its most interesting history (for me, at least!) begins in the 16th century, when there was a need to fortify the peninsula.

The 1st fortification of Peniche consisted of Baluarte Redondo (Circular Bastion – 1557), but the defensive system was improved until the 17th century:

  • With the Fortress of Peniche, on the access to the peninsula from the mainland.
  • With Cabanas Fort, to the south.
  • And with the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz, to the north.

In fact, other fortifications appeared in the surroundings, such as the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Consolação and the Fort of São João Baptista, the latter on Berlenga Grande island.

Below I leave you with illustrative images of the transformation of the island of Peniche into a peninsula, and also of the various fortifications that were added to it. Sorry for the Portuguese text in the 1st photo, focus on the image that I believe is very useful for you to understand what happened from century to century.

Evolution of Peniche - from Island to Peninsula
Evolution of Peniche – from Island to Peninsula
Representation of the Peniche Peninsula Fortifications
Representation of the Peniche Peninsula Fortifications

How to get to Peniche?

It is very easy to get to Peniche by public transport, as there are direct buses from Lisbon, with Rede Expressos. The same goes for Porto, or other major cities in the country, such as Leiria or Coimbra.

However, I recommend that you have a car for your trip, as Peniche is a large municipality, with a lot of coast to discover, and a car will only facilitate and improve your entire experience in that region, allowing you to go to more remote places. I leave you the option of renting one with Discover Cars, if you don’t have your own car.

If you want to visit Peniche but haven’t bought tickets to Portugal yet, I recommend that you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to do a search before buying them, comparing prices and flight conditions. You have many connections with Porto or Lisbon from abroad.

Note that you can still get to Peniche through an excursion from Lisbon, with the intention of visiting Berlenga Island.
Visit Berlengas | Things to do in Peniche
Visit Berlengas | Things to do in Peniche
Me, visiting Berlengas | Things to do in Peniche
Me, visiting Berlengas | Things to do in Peniche

Take out Travel Insurance to visit Portugal

To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Portugal, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.

When to visit Peniche?

Peniche is very popular in all seasons of the year, and is always full of international tourists, mainly because it is an ideal place for surf lovers. There is always something to do and visit in Peniche, at any time of the year.

I recommend the summer, obviously, if you are a typical tourist who just wants to enjoy the beaches and landscapes of the coast of Peniche, without forgetting the green and crystal clear waters of Berlenga Island.

With regard to main events and festivities, consider the following:

  • The World Surfing Championship, more precisely the event that takes place in Peniche in March.
  • The Triathlon Race in the city of Peniche, in June. As the name implies, you will need to run, swim and cycle.
  • The International Bobbin Lace Fair / Exhibition, in July.
  • The Festivity in Honor of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, patroness of fishermen, at the end of July and beginning of August. Also known as the main Festivities of Peniche.
  • The festivities of Ferrel in August.
Baleal Island and the "Island of Outside"
Baleal Island and the “Island of Outside”
Baleal Island and the "Island of Outside"
Baleal Island and the “Island of Outside”
Baleal Island in Peniche
Baleal Island in Peniche

Gastronomy and Restaurants in Peniche

If you’re looking for good food, you won’t be disappointed in Peniche. You should opt for traditional fish or seafood dishes, such as the typical grilled sardines, Caldeirada de Peniche or Fish Soup. In terms of sweets, the highlights are the Esses (almond cookies), Rendas Doces, Penichenses and Amigos de Peniche.

  • Restaurants on Peniche Peninsula: Marisqueira Mirandum, Tasca do Joel, Sardinha and Restaurant Rocha.
  • Restaurant in Baleal area: Taberna do Ganhão.
  • Restaurant near Consolação Beach: Sol é Vida.
  • Pastry shops: Roma, Brismar and Calé.
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
View from Quebrado Bar
View from Quebrado Bar

Accommodation tips in Peniche

My recommendations for sleeping in Peniche focus on the peninsula itself or on Baleal area. It is also possible to stay overnight on Berlenga Island, as I mentioned in my article dedicated to visit it. 😉

AccommodationScoreLocation
Hotel Neptuno8.8Consolação
Forte Guest House8.4Peninsula of Peniche
Star Inn Peniche8.4Peninsula of Peniche
MH Peniche8.7Peninsula of Peniche
MH Atlântico8.4Supertubos beach
GO4SURF Lofts8.7Peninsula of Peniche
Casa Berlengas à Vista9.1Peninsula of Peniche
Sea Garden9.0Peninsula of Peniche
Apartamentos Soul Surfer8.9Peninsula of Peniche
Mercearia d’Alegria8.9Peninsula of Peniche
RIDE Surf Resort8.7Baleal
The Wave8.8Baleal
Surfness Lodge9.2Baleal
Perfect Shore9.5Baleal
YEY Baleal8.8Baleal
Baleal GuestHouse9.0Baleal
Castaway9.8Baleal

Best Things to do in Peniche | Portugal

To do a complete itinerary in Peniche, you will need at least 4 days, divided as follows:

  • Day 1 – Peniche Peninsula Trail.
  • Day 2 – Visit Berlenga Island
  • Day 3 – South Coast of Peniche and Atouguia da Baleia
  • Day 4 – Baleal and North Coast of Peniche

I used more or less this structure to show you all things to do in Peniche, without forgetting its best beaches. You will find this same structure on the map of tourist attractions below.

Map | Things to do in Peniche

Visit Peniche Peninsula (by trail)

Starting with the peninsula of Peniche, I recommend that you visit it on foot, going on a whole day trail around it, with about 13 to 16km, depending on the detours you take to admire in detail all the phenomenal rock formations that you will find along the way.

This route starts next to Peniche Fort, where you will find free parking, and continues along the coast to Cabo Carvoeiro, also passing by Papoa de Peniche before returning to the starting point.

It is a relatively easy trail, as there is very little difference in level, but the length is still significant, not being advisable for those with less physical fitness. It is not an official Peniche trail, so you will only find arrows in the shape of fish that indicate the different fishing spots on the peninsula, which are also excellent places to access brutal viewpoints.

To observe the cliffs and rocky platforms of Peniche up close, you will certainly have to move away from the paths and dirt roads, or even tarred ones. Always be careful and avoid wet surfaces that can become slippery. Don’t get too close to the cliff.

You can do this trail at any time of the year, it will always be impressive. I made it on a beautiful sunny day in December and I really liked it. Of course, on the shortest days of the year, it’s best to start early to have time to take it easy! It took me 8 hours to complete it, for example, but I did it at an ant’s pace, stopping several times to take pictures, fly the drone and admire the landscape.

The full report follows below.

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1. Peniche Fort and National Museum of Resistance and Freedom

As I mentioned before, this trail starts at Peniche Fort, or at least that’s where I started, as I stayed overnight at Forte Guest House, which is nearby. This fort is bastioned in style, and corresponds to the old citadel of the village, where the Circular Bastion is located, the first fortification to be built on the peninsula. During Salazar regime it was a political prison, and today it houses the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom.

Of its history, I undoubtedly highlight the famous prison escape of 1960, in which Álvaro Cunhal and several other important figures of the time participated. In addition to the memorial to former political prisoners, the museum’s collections mainly document the repression and violation of human rights during Salazar Dictatorship. It is a very important place to remember these less happy days in Portugal.

Do you want to know more about Peniche Fort? If you do, I recommend that you visit its official website, where you can also find information about access times and prices.

Peniche Fort
Peniche Fort
Peniche Fort
Peniche Fort
Peniche Fort
Peniche Fort

2. Beach of São Pedro and Alto da Vela Viewpoint

Between the walls of this fort is the small beach of São Pedro (Prainha de São Pedro, in Portuguese). You should also visit Alto da Vela, where wooden walkways were added with an excellent viewpoint for the part of the fort facing the sea, namely for the aforementioned circular bastion.

Prainha de São Pedro
Prainha de São Pedro
Prainha de São Pedro
Prainha de São Pedro
Alto da Vela
Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Alto da Vela

3. Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos and Cliff Path

It is in Alto da Vela that you will admire the first large rock formations of the route, namely the cliffs of Carreiro de São Marcos, where a small settlement was built on top. It is very pleasant to walk through the roads of the village, next to the promontory, and always with the blue sea in the background.

Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Viewpoint of Carreiro de São Marcos / Alto da Vela
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)
Cliff path of Peniche (Caminho da Falésia)

4. Portinho da Areia Beach (South) and Chapel of Santa Cruz

Next is Portinho da Areia beach, in this case the south beach, as on the opposite side of the peninsula there is another one with the same name. Here you will find a small beach with calm sea, protected from the sea waves. Optionally, how about visiting the small Chapel of Santa Cruz, dating from the 18th century?

Portinho da Areia Beach (south)
Portinho da Areia Beach (south)

5. Cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes

A few meters ahead, there is another impressive rocky promontory to be seen from several perspectives. These are the cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes.

Cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs of Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs after Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs after Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs after Carreiro de Joanes
Cliffs after Carreiro de Joanes

6. Dominique’s Balcony, Furninha Cave and Blowing Hole

Along Carreiro da Furninha are some of the stops I most enjoyed visiting. All of them were identified with the fish-shaped arrow mentioned above and had steps carved into the rock for easy access. They are fishing spots, so you may find fishermen on site.

  • Dominique’s Balcony enchanted me with its natural tunnels carved into the rocks. It’s a perfect viewpoint.
  • Furninha Cave consists of a natural cavity that was occupied in prehistory, more precisely between the Middle Paleolithic and the end of the Chalcolithic. It served as a shelter and necropolis, and interesting archaeological remains were discovered there, such as bone fragments of Neanderthal Man (Homo Sapiens).
  • The Blowing hole deserves a visit for the gust of wind and the very audible sound that comes out of it. Of course, this is an effect of the waves hitting the cliffs, but it is still a fascinating detail when visiting Peniche and the coast of its peninsula. You have to go feel it up close.
Fish-shaped arrows on the coast of Peniche
Fish-shaped arrows on the coast of Peniche
View from Dominique's Balcony
View from Dominique’s Balcony
Dominique's Balcony
Dominique’s Balcony
Dominique's Balcony
Dominique’s Balcony
Dominique's Balcony
Dominique’s Balcony
Furninha Cave
Furninha Cave
Furninha Cave
Furninha Cave
Viewpoint from Furninha Cave
Viewpoint from Furninha Cave
Viewpoint from Furninha Cave
Viewpoint from Furninha Cave
Blowing hole
Blowing hole

7. Cabo Carvoeiro: Viewpoint, Lighthouse and Pedra da Nau

Finally Cabo Carvoeiro, and all its tourist attractions. North of Cabo da Roca, this is the westernmost point of the Portuguese coast. In the next part of the route you will almost always have a view to Berlenga Island (when the sky is clear), so the Viewpoint of Pilatos Balcony that I present below will be actually unnecessary if you are in a hurry.

  • The Lighthouse of Cabo Carvoeiro appeared in 1790 with the aim of reducing the high number of shipwrecks that were occurring on the coast of Peniche. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal, initially powered by oil, and would have a range of around 14 km (9 miles). I didn’t visit it inside, but I know that it can be done on Wednesday afternoons.
  • In the case of Pedra da Nau, I mention that it is also known as Nau dos Corvos. It is the big rock on the sea that is separated from the coast next to Cabo Carvoeiro. Being one of the great ex-libris of Peniche Peninsula, it owes its name to the fact that it looks similar to the old Portuguese vessels called Naus, and also because it is common to see cormorants there. Don’t forget to bring binoculars.
Peniche Peninsula from the sky
Peniche Peninsula from the sky
Nau dos Corvos and Cabo Carvoeiro
Nau dos Corvos and Cabo Carvoeiro
Cabo Carvoeiro
Cabo Carvoeiro
Cabo Carvoeiro
Cabo Carvoeiro
View to Berlengas Archipelago
View to Berlengas Archipelago

8. Viewpoint of Pilatos Balcony to Berlenga Island

The Viewpoint of Pilatos Balcony requires great care when accessing it, as the stairs you have to go down are like those in swimming pools, which can be slippery on more humid days. It’s not a place for those with limited mobility, and it’s not a place to visit with children either.

Pilatos Balcony
Pilatos Balcony
Viewpoint of Pilatos Balcony
Viewpoint of Pilatos Balcony

9. Viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios

After Cabo Carvoeiro, you will start walking on the northern part of Peniche Peninsula, but there is still more than half of the route to go. I just point out that here the appearance of the cliffs is slightly transformed, everything much more jagged, with a more accelerated erosion process. At this stage, I recommend the Viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios, but of course you will find many other fantastic spots, if you pay close attention to the landscape. The images I leave below are from various places in the area surrounding the viewpoint.

Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios
Landscape around the viewpoint of Cruz dos Remédios

10. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Don’t forget to take the detour to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, very close to the previous viewpoint. This is one of the most fascinating churches in Peniche, its interior is covered with tiles from the 18th century, unfortunately now quite degraded. According to legend, the cult emerged after the discovery of an image of Our Lady in that place, in a small cave. There is also a small chapel of Senhor Morto, in the interior, also known as Senhor dos Remédios.

Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Chapel of Senhor Morto
Chapel of Senhor Morto
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Tiles of the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

11. Cape of Thunder and Abalo Beach

On the stage that goes to Ponta do Trovão (Cape of Thunder), it is important to point out that at a certain point you will finally start to see Papoa de Peniche in the distance.

Regarding Cape of Thunder itself, I read somewhere that it has won an award before for being considered by the international scientific community as the place that has the best world record of the transition between the Pliensbachian-Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) time intervals. Translating this into current English, here one can easily observe the succession of layers of Jurassic rocks, which represent about 20 million years of geological history. There were found many fossils and other vestiges about 190 million years old, dating back from before the genesis of the Atlantic Ocean itself.

Be sure to admire the small cove that constitutes Abalo Beach.

Papoa de Peniche in the distance
Papoa de Peniche in the distance
Papoa de Peniche and Thunder Cape, in the distance
Papoa de Peniche and Thunder Cape, in the distance
Sea views along the way
Sea views along the way
Sea views along the way
Sea views along the way
Abalo Beach
Abalo Beach
Abalo Beach
Abalo Beach
Small path next to Abalo Beach
Small path next to Abalo Beach
Abalo Beach
Abalo Beach
Thunder Cape
Thunder Cape
Cliffs at Thunder Cape
Cliffs at Thunder Cape

12. Papoa de Peniche

Finally, Papoa de Peniche, which translates into the strait that you will find between Portinho da Areia Beach (north) and Gambôa Beach. Don’t miss the following tourist attractions there:

  • The tip of Papoa de Peniche and its various islets. Yes, it is possible to walk to the tip, a fantastic place for sunset.
  • The viewpoint of Limbo do Leste, perhaps the best in all the rocky coast of Papoa.
  • The ruins of the old Fort of Luz (of light, in English).
  • Quebrado Windmill.
  • Quebrado Bar, excellent for a brief stop on the terrace overlooking the sea and Quebrado Beach. Very relaxing place, in my opinion.
  • And the path after Quebrado Bar, where the huge walls of Peniche Fortress start being noticed, still relatively well preserved.
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche (drone view)
Papoa de Peniche
Papoa de Peniche
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Papoa de Peniche landscape
Viewpoint of Limbo do Leste in Papoa de Peniche
Viewpoint of Limbo do Leste in Papoa de Peniche
Viewpoint of Limbo do Leste in Papoa de Peniche
Viewpoint of Limbo do Leste in Papoa de Peniche
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz on top of the cliffs
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz on top of the cliffs
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz on top of the cliffs
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz on top of the cliffs
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz
Ruins of the old Fort of Luz
Viewpoint to Baleal
Viewpoint to Baleal
Quebrado Windmill
Quebrado Windmill
Quebrado Beach
Quebrado Beach
Quebrado Beach
Quebrado Beach
Gambôa Beach
Gambôa Beach

13. Peniche de Cima Gates and Fortress of Peniche

Upon reaching Peniche de Cima Gates, you will be finishing the coastal part of this trail. Now all you have to do is return to the starting point, walking along the walls of the gigantic bastions of the old Fortress.

  • Peniche de Cima Gates were the old main entrance to the fortress and peninsula.
  • There are parks and gardens next to the fortress walls, with attractive vegetation and trees. There is also a skatepark, picnic areas and even a tennis club.
  • Close to the Monument to Doutor João Matos Bilhau, I recommend that you go up to the top of the fortress walls, as from there you can access a beautiful viewpoint over the outer canal.
  • Next to the small garden of the “Waterfall of Peniche” there is another fabulous viewpoint. There, too, a gate was opened in the fortress walls.
  • Don’t forget the garden next to the Monument of the bobbin lacemakers, where there is also a school that teaches the women and children of Peniche to keep the tradition of bobbin lace alive.
Peniche de Cima Gates
Peniche de Cima Gates
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Parks of Peniche next to the walls
Parks of Peniche next to the walls
Parks of Peniche next to the walls
Parks of Peniche next to the walls
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Walls of Peniche Fortress
Monument to the bobbin lacemaker
Monument to the bobbin lacemaker

14. Church of Mercy in Peniche

You may finish the trail at the previous point, if you prefer. However, there are still places to discover on the peninsula, such as the most beautiful churches in Peniche, in addition to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios already mentioned.

I start with the Church of Mercy (17th century), which clearly fascinated me with its ceiling lined with oil paintings, and some works on the walls by the well-known painter Josefa de Óbidos. It’s beautiful, as you can see in the pictures below, so you really can’t miss the inside.

Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche
Church of Mercy in Peniche

15. Church of São Pedro in Peniche

More imposing on the outside, but less beautiful on the inside, is the Church of São Pedro in Peniche. It dates from the end of the 16th century, with altars dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, Senhor do Bonfim and São Pedro de Alcântara, for example.

Church of São Pedro in Peniche
Church of São Pedro in Peniche
Church of São Pedro in Peniche
Church of São Pedro in Peniche

16. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Moving on to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, I almost missed it when I visited Peniche. It is yet another church that from the outside does not appear to be as beautiful as it is inside, with the walls completely covered in tiles from the 18th century, beautiful gilded carvings, and a ceiling with fabulous paintings. Of all the tiles I had the opportunity to admire in the city of Peniche, these were the prettiest, but I liked the ceiling of Church of Mercy the most.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

17. Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

Unfortunately, I did not find the Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda open for visitation, and I was told that it is rare to find it open. I know it also has fabulous tiles and more or less the same style as the previous one.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda
Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda

18. Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum

Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum is housed in a building on the outskirts of São Pedro Church. It appears as a tribute to the ex-libris of Peniche handicrafts, now internationally recognized.

This museum presents historical information about bobbin lace in Peniche, and its entire production process, with emphasis on the utensils used by the lacemakers. On display are prize-winning pieces from various Bobbin Lace Contests in Peniche from 1990 onwards, as well as fashion pieces (clothing, footwear or simple accessories), where bobbin lace was applied as an artistic detail.

Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum
Peniche Bobbin Lace Museum

19. Optionals: Urban Art Murals and Fialha Windmill

I still have to mention two places on the peninsula of Peniche, which are completely optional, for those who want to explore it a little more by car. 😉 I’m talking about the Urban Art Murals that are on Rua Sacadura Cabral and about Fialha Windmill, also close to that street.

Urban Art mural in Peniche
Urban Art mural in Peniche
Fialha Windmill
Fialha Windmill

Visit Berlenga Island

During your stay in Peniche you should take a boat trip to visit Berlenga Island. I have an article dedicated to this incredible experience, so I won’t dwell too much here on the process of getting there.

For example, there are several companies making the crossing, especially in the high season of summer, but it is necessary to purchase tickets in advance, and it is mandatory to request a travel authorization from ICNF, since only 550 visitors are allowed on the island simultaneously.

This archipelago is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which makes it a truly unmissable place to visit on the Portuguese coast.

Note that on Berlenga Island you can do various water activities, and also some trails. The waters are fabulous for snorkeling and even for scuba diving, and there are plenty of caves to explore by boat or kayak.

In the article dedicated to visiting Berlenga Island, I leave you with more tips on activities that you can do there, but below are some to book with Get Your Guide and Civitatis:

1 - Peniche: Berlenga Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour
2 - From Peniche: Fast Boat Berlengas Archipelago Round-Trip
3 - From Lisbon: Day trip to Berlenga Island
4 - Snorkelling in Berlenga Island
5 - Beginner's Dive on Berlenga Grande

1. Peniche Marina (boarding pier)

Peniche Marina
Peniche Marina
Peniche Marina
Peniche Marina
Peniche Marina
Peniche Marina
Boat Cabo Avelar Pessoa
Boat Cabo Avelar Pessoa

2. Berlenga Grande Beach and Fisherman’s Village

Arrival to Berlenga Island
Arrival to Berlenga Island
Berlenga Grande Beach
Berlenga Grande Beach

3. Fortress of São João Baptista

Visit Berlenga Island
Visit Berlenga Island
Fortress of São João Baptista
Fortress of São João Baptista

4. Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations

Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations
Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations
Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations
Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations
Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations
Berlenga Island Caves and Rock Formations

Visit the South Coast of Peniche

As far as the best beaches in Peniche are concerned, I have an article dedicated to them on this blog, with many more photos than the ones I’m going to leave here. 😉 On the south coast, I’m sure you’ll love Supertubos beach or Consolação Beach, for example. Don’t forget São Bernardino beach too; the others are optional.

In addition to the beaches, the Consolação Beach Fort stands out. It was built on the initiative of the 6th Count of Atouguia da Baleia, D. Jerónimo de Ataíde, between 1641 and 1645, to reinforce the defense of Peniche’s giant fortress. Throughout its existence, it has had various functions, such as a vacation camp, until it was classified as a national monument in 1978.

1. Molhe Leste Beach in Peniche

People surfing in Molhe Leste Beach
People surfing in Molhe Leste Beach

2. Supertubos Beach

People Surfing in Supertubos Beach
People Surfing in Supertubos Beach

3. Consolação Beach

Consolação Beach
Consolação Beach

4. Fort of Nossa Senhora da Consolação

Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach
Fort of Consolação Beach

5. Porto Batel and Beach of São Marcos

Rock formations of Porto Batel and São Marcos Beach
Rock formations of Porto Batel and São Marcos Beach

6. Salgueiro and Porto Grande Beaches

Rock formations at Salgueiro and Porto Grande beaches
Rock formations at Salgueiro and Porto Grande beaches

7. Beach of São Bernardino

Beach of São Bernardino
Beach of São Bernardino

8. Frades Beach

Friars Beach
Frades Beach

9. Vale de Pombas beach

Vale de Pombas Beach
Vale de Pombas Beach

Visit Baleal and the north Coast of Peniche

Moving on to the coast to the north of the Peniche Peninsula, the beaches definitely stand out, and naturally the best for most visitors is the beautiful Baleal Beach. You can find out more about it, and several other beaches on the north coast, in my article on the best beaches in Peniche. 😉 It should be noted that the beaches of Almagreira and Pico da Mota are quite different from the others, and much wilder.

As well as enjoying Baleal beach, you should also visit the island of Baleal itself, which is very picturesque and pleasant for a walk, with several brutal corners to discover, such as the viewpoint to Outside Island, which is completely separated from the mainland.

There once existed a fort, whose ruins are still visible. Also noteworthy is the Chapel of Santo Estêvão, the beautiful Boats Beach and the small islet of Onions.

1. Peniche de Cima Beach

Peniche de Cima Beach
Peniche de Cima Beach

2. Cova da Alfarroba Beach

Cova da Alfarroba Beach
Cova da Alfarroba Beach

3. Bay of Peniche

Bay of Peniche
Bay of Peniche

4. Baleal Beach and Island + Outside Island

Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island and Outside Island
Baleal Island
Baleal Island
Outside Island of Baleal
Outside Island of Baleal
Outside Island of Baleal
Outside Island of Baleal
Outside Island of Baleal
Outside Island of Baleal
Picturesque places in Baleal Island
Picturesque places in Baleal Island
Boats Beach in Baleal
Boats Beach in Baleal
Boats Beach in Baleal
Boats Beach in Baleal
Baleal Rock Formations
Baleal Rock Formations
Baleal Rock Formations
Baleal Rock Formations
Baleal Rock Formations
Baleal Rock Formations

5. Almagreira Beach

Almagreira Beach Viewpoint
Almagreira Beach Viewpoint

6. Pico da Mota Beach and Azenhas Beach

Cliffs surrounding Pico da Mota Beach
Cliffs surrounding Pico da Mota Beach

Visit Atouguia da Baleia and Serra d’El Rei

To close this list of things to do in Peniche, there is also Atouguia da Baleia. Until 1836 it was the seat of a Portuguese municipality, did you know? When visiting Atouguia da Baleia, there is some historical and religious heritage to discover, which I will now identify:

  • The Church of São José, where the Interpretive Center of Atouguia da Baleia is located. A place to visit if you want to learn more about the village, its history and traditions.
  • The Church of Mercy of Atouguia da Baleia.
  • The Mother Church of São Leonardo, probably built in the 13th century. See up close the representations of mythological beings in the Romanesque portico and, if you are lucky enough to access the interior, admire the tomb of D. Álvaro Gonçalves de Ataíde, 1st Count of Atouguia, and the large fragment of a whale bone.
  • Next to the Mother Church, the former Town Hall and the Pillory of Atouguia da Baleia. I also found information about the ruins of an ancient castle in the surrounding area, but due to lack of time I decided not to go explore.
  • The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, next to the garden of Doutor Manuel Sousa Pedrosa. Noteworthy are the perforated stones that, according to tradition, would have served to delimit a bullring or simply the passage of animals in the 18th century. The name given to this structure is Touril.
  • And finally, the Gothic Fountain of Atouguia da Baleia, built in the 14th century at the request of Queen Santa Isabel, who once lived in this village.

Optionally, you can also visit São Domingos Dam, and then the village of Serra d’El Rei, with the Museum of D. Pedro I and the Church of São Sebastião as main attractions. According to history, D. Pedro and Inês de Castro lived in Serra d’El Rei between 1346 and 1352, having conceived 3 children there. If you don’t know their tragic love story, which ended with the murder of Inês, read my article with tips on things to do in Coimbra, and also visit Alcobaça Monastery, where their tombs are, not far from Peniche!

1. Church of São José and Interpretive Center of Atouguia da Baleia

Church of São José in Atouguia da Baleia
Church of São José in Atouguia da Baleia

2. Old Town Hall of Atouguia da Baleia

Old Town Hall of Atouguia da Baleia
Old Town Hall of Atouguia da Baleia

3. Mother Church of São Leonardo and Pillory of Atouguia da Baleia

Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo and Pillory of Atouguia da Baleia
Mother Church of São Leonardo and Pillory of Atouguia da Baleia
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo
Mother Church of São Leonardo

4. Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Touril

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Touril of Atouguia da Baleia
Touril of Atouguia da Baleia
Touril of Atouguia da Baleia
Touril of Atouguia da Baleia
Garden next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Garden next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Garden next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Garden next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

5. Gothic fountain of Atouguia da Baleia

Gothic fountain of Atouguia da Baleia
Gothic fountain of Atouguia da Baleia

6. São Domingos Dam

São Domingos Dam
São Domingos Dam

Things to do in Peniche surroundings

On the outskirts of Peniche, how about discovering more of the West region of Portugal, along the Portuguese coast?

  • To the north, you can visit Óbidos Lagoon and Foz do Arelho, for example. How about visiting the medieval town of Óbidos, which is a UNESCO heritage site?
  • Have you already visited the magnificent Gardens of Buddha Eden, in Bombarral?
  • How about continuing your vacation visiting São Martinho do Porto (with calm waters) or Nazaré (with the biggest waves in the world)?
  • Do not forget the incredible monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, also UNESCO sites in Portugal.

These are just a few tips, there are so many more things to do in Peniche surrounding area! Have a nice trip and check the other itineraries and guides below related with visiting Portugal! 😉

Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal

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