7 Best Things to Do in Peniche

If Peniche hasn't reached your travel radar to date, you need to get that fixed. Occupying a rocky peninsula to the north of Lisbon, it is almost entirely enveloped by Atlantic waves. This gives visitors plenty of choice when it comes to sunny summer beaches, while the waves that roll in are said to form one of the best surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Europe.

Exuding a more authentic feel than some of Portugal's other destinations, fishermen continue to moor their vessels in the harbour, while the city's fortress was used to incarcerate political prisons from its conception in the sixteenth-century right up until the 1970s. What's more, Peniche is also the main gateway to the Berlengas Islands 10 kilometres offshore. Its protected waters provide habitats for all manner of sea creatures, from game fish to minke whales and several dolphin species.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7

1. Igreja de São Pedro - Peniche

Igreja de Sao Pedro - Peniche

Ulf Huebner

The largest church in Peniche, the Igreja de São Pedro (Church of Saint Peter) sits at the heart of the historic town centre. It dates back to the late 1500s, a similar period to the fortress home of the Museu Municipal de Peniche.

Unlike many of the other baroque churches in Peniche, the Igreja de São Pedro has a relatively plain exterior. But step beyond this solid façade and you'll be greeted with the full glory of intricate wood carving and delicate gold gilt work. In addition to the main altar that honours Saint Peter...

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2. Museu Municipal de Peniche

While its name might not give much away, the Museu Municipal de Peniche (or Peniche Municipal Museum) is as dramatic as they come. For one thing, the museum's galleries occupy the ancient chambers of Peniche Fortress, which has stood on the rocky foreshore of the peninsula since the 1500s. For another, it spans the history of Portugal from the 40,000-year-old Neolithic finds of Furninha Caves, through boatmaking and traditional lace weaving, to the modern era.

Also known as the "Museum of National Resistance and Freedom" exhibits therefore include the visitors' room from the time...

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3. Peniche Fortress

Standing guard at the mouth of Peniche's harbour is the sixteenth century Fortaleza de Peniche (Peniche Fortress). Commissioned during the reign of King João III when this little port was of great strategic importance to Portugal and its empire.

The fortress is built in the typical star shaped form and houses the Santa Bárbara Chapel along with the Sentinel Tower - the first fortification built in the Peniche peninsula.

After serving its purpose for the military up until 1897 Peniche Fortress has had a somewhat chequered history, At various times this austere fort, set on the...

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4. Sportágua Water Park

Sportagua Water Park

This outdoor water park is located just off the main road into Peniche, close to many of the most popular beaches. Family-friendly, the site has a fun array of water-based facilities for those of all ages. Younger children are able to splash about in the shallows of the children's pool or slip their way down the dedicated slides. Meanwhile, parents are able to get their dose of daily exercise in the 35-metre main pool.

In addition, Sportágua boasts a multi-track slide, two hill slides, and another known as the 'kamikaze'. The last is a high-speed tube slide. They each come together...

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5. Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios - Peniche

Interior - Nossa Senhora dos Remedios

Isogood | BY-SA

This pretty little chapel stands at the western end of the Peniche peninsula, near Cabo Cavoeiro, and is believed to date from the 1600s. However, it sits on land that has been considered holy since images of the Virgin Mary appeared in a cave here in medieval times. According to local legend, they were discovered by a pirate seeking refuge.

The chapel's interior has some delightful seventeenth century painted azulejo tiles in traditional blue and white detailing the Mary's life. A humbling spot that demonstrates the religious devotion of many Portuguese even today, the chapel is...

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6. Igreja de São Leonardo

Igreja de Atouguia da Baleia

Carlos P. Gonçalves | BY-SA

Dating to origins in the thirteenth century, the Igreja de São Leonardo is the parish church to the region of Atouguia da Baleia in Peniche. It is the oldest place of Christian worship in Peniche. According to local legend, the church was initially constructed with whale bones that had washed up on the shoreline nearby.

A Portuguese national monument since 1949, almost as soon as it was built it became a burial place for the Counts of Atouguia. Perhaps as a result, it has seen a successive series of embellishments throughout the centuries.

An excellent example of the Parish...

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7. Berlengas Islands

Ilha da Berlenga sunset

Joel Calheiros

Located around 10 km (6 miles) off the coast of Peniche is the rugged Berlengas Archipelago. This collection of 3 little islands, named Estelas, Farilhões and Berlenga, is virtually uninhabited, well, except for about a million seabirds! Now a nature reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas) these islands are home to puffins, seagulls and cormorants and they are very much in charge these days. Not only are the three square kilometres of island protected but so are the surrounding seas which make up a 985 hectare marine reserve.

The main island of the group is Berlenga with its boat...

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