The Best Things to Do in Peniche, Portugal
Are you visiting Lisbon and wondering what a nice, adventure filled day trip you can take from Lisbon? If you’ve already visited the most common day trips from Lisbon, such as Sintra, Cascais, Costa da Caparica and Obidos, then a day or a few days visit to Peniche is in order.
Peniche is a popular surfing area about an hour drive north of Lisbon. It’s also quite close to Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha and could be explored the same day you explore the other towns, depending on how much time you have. This blog post is all about what to do in Peniche, where to eat and where to stay in Peniche.
Intro to Peniche
Peniche, a charming coastal town located in central Portugal, is a great place to explore with its rich history, stunning natural wonders, and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and scenic limestone cliffs, this historic fishing town offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Portuguese culture and heritage. Peniche’s imposing 16th-century fortress, the Fort of Peniche, stands as a reminder of its strategic importance throughout the centuries, especially during the Estado Novo regime. Whether you’re enjoying the panoramic ocean views from Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse or surfing at the local beaches, there’s always a good reason to visit Peniche.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Peniche is a perfect place to discover the natural beauty of the region. The nearby Berlengas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, are a short boat trip away and offer pristine landscapes and incredible biodiversity. With its consistent big waves and numerous surf schools, Peniche has earned a reputation as one of the best places for surfing in Portugal. Whether you’re seeking surf lessons, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxed atmosphere, Peniche offers something for everyone, including digital nomads and families with younger children.
Short History of Peniche
Peniche has a rich and varied history, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally a small fishing village, it became an important maritime hub due to its strategic location along the Portuguese coast. During the 16th century, Peniche’s fortress was built to protect the town from invasions, and it later played a key role during the Estado Novo regime. In the 20th century, the fortress was used as a political prison, holding political prisoners until the fall of the regime in 1974. Peniche’s economy has long been tied to the fishing industry, and it remains one of Portugal’s largest traditional fishing ports. Today, the town is known for its cultural heritage, local cuisine, and its status as a popular surfing destination.
How to Get to Peniche from Lisbon
To get to Peniche from Lisbon, you have a few options:
- By Car: The easiest and quickest way is by car. Peniche is about 100 km north of Lisbon and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive. You can take the A8 highway, which leads directly to Peniche.
- Via Bus: There are regular bus services from Lisbon to Peniche. You can catch a bus from the Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon, with several daily departures. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and buses typically arrive at the Peniche bus station, located close to the town center.
- By Train and Bus: While there isn’t a direct train to Peniche, you can take a train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations to the town of Caldas da Rainha. From there, you can catch a bus to Peniche, which takes about 30 minutes.
- Private Transfer: If you prefer convenience, you can arrange a private transfer from Lisbon to Peniche, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
The Easiest Way to Travel Around Peniche
It’s easiest to get to Peniche and Berlengas via vehicle. Our favorite car rental aggregator is DISCOVER CARS. Click HERE to get the best rates on car rentals. DISCOVER CARS LINK
What to Do in Peniche
I highly recommend that you rent a car. Our favorite car rental aggregator is DISCOVER CARS where we’ve gotten some great deals and awesome vehicles this way. If you prefer to take an organized tour from Lisbon to Peniche rather than renting a car to DIY, then this tour comes highly recommended: LISBON TO PENICHE ORGANIZED DAY TRIP
Praia dos Supertubos for huge surfing waves or just to see them. You could also try your luck at surfing with this entertaining class with experienced surfing instructors. SURF LESSON
Cabo Carvoeiro – a majestic cape with 25-meter cliffs that have unique karst formations on the top and face a limestone stack, the Nau dos Corvos. This is so cool to see in person! You could also take this enjoyable boat tour to the cape to see it from the water: BOAT TOUR TO CABO CARVOEIRO
Fortaleza de Peniche (Peniche Fortress) – go to the roof to see the fantastic ocean view and check out the museum inside. It’s sobering to think of what this fort was used for in the recent past (to hold political prisoners and those who disagreed with the dictator).
Visit Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary
While driving from Peniche to Cabo Carvoiero, you will come across this tiny, amazing church. It’s unassuming from the outside, but as you look inside, you will find elaborate tile work showing the life of Mary. This church was built after an image of Mary was found nearby carved into the rock. Every October, a pilgrimage and festival take place here.
The Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, located just outside Peniche, is a peaceful and picturesque site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Perched on a hill, the sanctuary offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Atlantic Ocean. The church itself is known for its beautiful baroque architecture and tranquil ambiance, making it a popular place for both religious devotion and quiet reflection. Visitors can also enjoy the serene surroundings, with lush greenery and scenic walking paths leading up to the sanctuary, making it a lovely spot for those exploring Peniche’s cultural and natural heritage.
short drive from Peniche
Baleal Beach – a small, rugged peninsula jutting out between two white sandy beaches which is a former whaling station and is now a tiny coastal village. Baleal is truly magical – it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. It’s a must-visit when you are in this area.
Berlengas Archipelago
This is a natural reserve with a colony of puffins and rich marine life in the water and can be reached via ferry or small boat. This fantastic tour includes the boat trip, hiking and exploration of the cave. If you prefer to just take the boat to Berlengas round trip, then this is the ticket you need.
The Berlengas Archipelago, located off the coast of Portugal near Peniche, is a stunning nature reserve known for its rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife. The main island, Berlenga Grande, is home to a historic fort, the Forte de São João Baptista, perched dramatically on a cliff. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and boat tours, with the islands offering a serene escape amidst pristine natural beauty. The Berlengas are also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making them a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Dolphin Boat Tour – I adore dolphins and enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat. This tour is perfect for seeing them out in the ocean.
Praia da Consolação
Praia da Consolação is a picturesque beach known for its striking natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The beach is characterized by its golden sand, impressive cliffs, and rugged coastline, making it a popular spot for surfers, swimmers, and nature lovers. It also boasts unique rock formations that add to its charm. With its serene environment and proximity to both Peniche and the Berlengas Archipelago, Praia da Consolação is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities by the sea.
People come to soak in the iodine-rich waters, which is supposed to help with bone conditions and thyroid problems. It’s also a lovely beach to just hang out.
Igreja de São Pedro
Igreja de São Pedro (Church of Saint Peter) in Peniche is a historic and charming religious site, dating back to the 16th century. Located in the heart of the town, the church features a simple yet elegant design, with beautiful Manueline-style elements. The church is notable for its serene atmosphere and its connection to the local community. It is also part of Peniche’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s past. The Igreja de São Pedro remains an important place of worship for locals and is a must-see for those exploring Peniche’s historic landmarks.
Visit the Village of Atouguia da Baleia
The village of Atouguia da Baleia, located just a few kilometers from Peniche, is a charming and historic destination with deep ties to Portugal’s maritime past. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional architecture, the village is a great place to explore on foot. Atouguia da Baleia has a rich history, particularly its connection to the whaling industry, which is reflected in its name, meaning “whale’s refuge.” Visitors can wander through narrow streets, admire local buildings, and discover historical landmarks such as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. With its authentic charm, Atouguia da Baleia offers a glimpse into the quieter, more rural side of the region.
WHERE TO STAY in peniche
Peniche
- Huge gorgeous room that is a mere 650m from the beach with a pool
- Incredibly affordable + comfy central location
- Ultra comfy 2 bedroom apartment with breathtaking rooftop view
Baleal
- FreeSurfCamp & Hostel – right by the beach and fun spot
- Sandy Camps Surf House – highly recommended
- A lovely apartment all to yourself in Baleal
WHERE TO EAT
Unfortunately, there aren’t any 100% vegan spots in Peniche. There are many restaurants that have some decent vegan options. I highly recommend that you check out Happy Cow for the latest info about where to eat.
Overall, Peniche is a lovely place to visit for a day or two. It’s a short drive from Lisbon on a well-maintained comfortable toll road or an equally comfortable back road. Peniche and Baleal are definitely worth checking out when you are in Portugal. This blog post is all about the best things to do in Peniche, Portugal.
Have you been to Peniche? Is there anything you would add to the list of things to do in Peniche?
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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
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