See the harbour, climb to the fort and end the day watching waves: one day in Peniche
From the waterfront to Cape Carvoeiro, from Papôa to Baleal and Supertubos: a one-day route through the places you really must see in Peniche.
In this article
Morning: waterfront, harbour and fortress Afternoon: Cape Carvoeiro and Papôa Late afternoon: Baleal and Supertubos Frequently asked questions
This is the article to get to know the essential sights of Peniche. We suggest a one-day route: intense, perhaps, but worth every step.
Spend the morning on foot in the centre, the afternoon driving round the peninsula and the end of the day on the beaches that made Peniche famous in the surfing world.
Morning: waterfront, harbour and fortress
Enjoy the first morning breeze along the waterfront, past the restaurant area. Walk onto the pier and look at the fishing boats moored there: among the colourful hulls, nets, ropes and tools always make a great photo.
The pier is also where you buy tickets for the Berlengas archipelago. Crossings depend on the sea and run mainly from spring to early autumn.
Then head to Peniche Fortress. Built from 1557 to defend the coast against pirates and privateers, it saw English troops land in 1589 and fell to the French during the Napoleonic invasions. It served as a military base until 1897 and, in the 20th century, as a political prison — Álvaro Cunhal escaped from here. Today it houses the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom.
Where to eat
The waterfront area next to the fort is the place for lunch: fresh fish or seafood in one of the best towns in the country for it. See our suggestions in what to do in Peniche.
Recommended guided tour
Three hours on foot through the Fortress and the historic centre of Peniche with a local guide, ending with a tasting of traditional sweets.
Afternoon: Cape Carvoeiro and Papôa
After lunch, drive to Cape Carvoeiro at the tip of the peninsula, a site of great geological and scenic value. On clear days you can see the Berlengas and the Nau dos Corvos, a ship-shaped rock home to crows and seabirds.
The cape has a 25-metre lighthouse, built because of the many shipwrecks along this coast. Look out for the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, lined with tiles by António de Oliveira Bernardes, and the Furninha Cave, where traces of Middle Palaeolithic humans were found.
Five minutes away is Papôa, a small rocky headland to the north with an unmatched view of the sea pounding the rocks. Legend says the Spanish galleon San Pedro de Alcántara, laden with treasure from Peru, sank here in 1786; recovering its precious metals was one of the costliest diving operations of its time.
Late afternoon: Baleal and Supertubos
For many visitors Baleal is the best beach in Peniche: fine sand, mostly calm water, a Blue Flag and lifeguards. It is also a favourite with surf schools, and at night the bars and restaurants on Baleal island fill with people from all over the world.
Finish at Supertubos, the beach of barrelling waves at the entrance to Peniche as you arrive on the IP6. Since 2009 it has hosted a stop on the world surfing tour, bringing the best surfers on the planet here every year.
Frequently asked questions
Is one day enough to see Peniche?
It is enough for the essentials: the centre, the fortress, Cape Carvoeiro, Papôa and the beaches. Keep another day for the Berlengas.
Do I need a car?
The centre and the fortress are easy on foot; for Cape Carvoeiro, Papôa and Baleal a car or bike is more practical.
Where do I buy tickets to the Berlengas?
At Peniche pier, or in advance with trips such as the Berlengas Standard Pack Tour.
More about Peniche
- The Berlengas archipelago
- Bobbin lace in Peniche
- Peniche annual events
- Essential Peniche
- Tours in Peniche
This article was prepared by the GoPeniche team, the tourist guide to Peniche. Please check dates, opening hours and prices before your visit.