A Day in Peniche

Peniche is a small town located on the west coast of the country, known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and world-class surf spots. A day spent exploring this charming town is a perfect way to experience the best of what Portugal has to offer.

The day starts early with a visit to the Praia da Baleia, or Whale Beach. Named after the humpback whales that can often be seen swimming off the coast, this beach is the perfect spot for a morning swim or surf session. The waves here are known to be some of the best in Portugal, attracting surfers from all over the world. Even if you don’t surf, the beach is a great spot for sunbathing and taking in the beautiful scenery.

After a morning at the beach, it’s time for lunch. Peniche is known for its delicious seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants in town that serve up fresh fish and shellfish caught just off the coast. One local favorite is a dish called caldeirada, a hearty stew made with fish, potatoes, and vegetables. There are also many traditional seafood dishes such as grilled sardines, fried squid and seafood rice.

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the historic center of Peniche. The town is home to several beautiful churches, including the 17th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Guia. The town is also home to the Forte de São João Baptista, a 16th-century fortress built to defend against pirate attacks. The fortress offers great views of the town and the sea, and it’s a great spot for taking photos.

Another interesting place to visit is the Berlengas Island, an archipelago about 10km from Peniche. The island is home to a large number of seabirds and other wildlife, and it’s a great place for hiking and bird-watching. It is also home to a fortress built in the early 17th century, which was also a prison. The island is accessible by boat. The trip takes around 30 minutes.

As the sun starts to set, head back to the beach to catch the sunset. The Praia da Consolação is a great spot to watch the sun go down over the ocean. It’s also a great spot for a romantic walk or to catch the sunset. After a day of exploring and enjoying all that Peniche has to offer, it’s time to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s many seafood restaurants.

Peniche, a small town that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, culture and unique experiences. Whether you’re a surfer looking for the perfect wave, a beach lover in search of the perfect spot for a swim, or simply someone looking for a charming, laid-back place to spend a day, Peniche is the perfect destination. The town offers everything from world-class surf spots to delicious seafood, from historic fortresses to beautiful beaches, and from charming streets to picturesque sunsets.