Peniche

On a rocky peninsula on the Atlantic coast, Peniche is a town of fishermen, surfers and old fortifications. Its harbour still lands fish every day, its waves draw surfers from around the world, and the Berlengas islands lie just offshore.

History and identity

Peniche was an island until the sixteenth century, when the sandbar that now links it to the mainland began to form. Its fortress, built on the headland, served for decades as a political prison, and its fishing community has shaped the town’s character for centuries.

What to see and do

• The harbour and the fish market, at the heart of the town.
• The fortress and its museum, on the headland.
• The old town, with its narrow streets and churches.
• The beaches and surf spots along the coast.

Gastronomy and traditions

Peniche is one of the great fishing ports of Portugal, and its restaurants serve the fish and seafood of the Atlantic — including the famous local sardines and the caldeirada, a rich fish stew.

Nearby

Boat trips from Peniche cross to the Berlengas Nature Reserve, a small archipelago with clear water and seabird colonies.

Visiting Peniche

Peniche is on the Atlantic coast, about 90 kilometres north of Lisbon, reached by road. For boat trips, surf conditions and local events, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-peniche.pt.

Image credit: Peniche, Portugal, by Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.