Peniche
Why visit Peniche?
Because is in the center of Portugal West Coast, 80 Km north of Lisbon,
where you find a perfect place to surf and it's a stone throw away from the major tourist attractions on the West of Portugal.
Peniche and the sea are inextricably linked. It is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic center for maritime-tourist activities. Peniche is a peninsula surrounded by waves and fishing culture. In Peniche you will always have a surf spot, with the offshore winds, offering you a great and beautiful waves in just a 15 km of coastline working with all wind directions and swell… get ready to catch the waves of your life!
(but don´t forget please respect the locals).
The sea remains one of the main points of interest and development and the beaches of Peniche are very popular. If the bays of Consolação and Baleal provide a good shelter for family beach days, the waves of this west coast, such as those of Medão Grande Beach , known as Supertubos due to its large tubular waves, are very popular with surfers and bodyboarders from around the world. In a national competition, she was nominated as one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal”. Together with Praia do Lagido , they are the stage for the great world surfing championship Rip Curl Pro Portugal, a competition that is part of the World Surf League Tour.
Before reaching the beach, the visit to Peniche must include a passage through the historic center. In addition to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios , the Churches of São Pedro and Misericórdia , we highlight the Peniche Fort, built in the century. XVI / XVII for the defense of the coast in intersection with the Forte da Praia da Consolação and the fort on the Ilha das Berlengas. It was important for the history of Portugal at various times, but it should be noted that its most recent contribution was as a political prison during the Estado Novo, where some of the most important public figures of resistance to the regime were here. Inside, we will know all the details as it is currently the Municipal Museum of Peniche.
A boat trip away is Berlengas Island , Nature Reserve. Its translucent waters are ideal for divers who find here a natural stronghold of marine fauna and flora. The rough sea and the island's isolation are also the motto for many mysterious stories of fishermen and boats sunk on this coast.
As it could not be otherwise, the sea also dominates gastronomic specialties. That is why you should not leave Peniche without tasting the stew, seafood rice or sardines roasted in charcoal, always accompanied by wines from the West. For dessert, almond sweets are recommended, be it a “Amigo de Peniche” or the cookies called “Esses”.
