Peniche

Peniche

peniche_03Peniche is situated in the central-western side of the country, by the coast, on a peninsula with about 10km wide, with the Carvoeiro Cape on its westernmost side.

With several kilometres of a diversified and rich coast, with several beaches of golden thin sand and crystalline waters, Peniche has in the fishing industry and nowadays also in the Tourism industry its best allies.

peniche_02There are several highlights in Peniche, such as its Fortress from the 17th century right in the city centre, the archaeological station of Gruta da Furninha, the Churces of São Pedro (16th century) and misericórdia (beginning of the 17th century) or even the lovely Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel.

Nearby Peniche is Atouguia da Baleia, a quite pleasant and curious village.

In Peniche area, Baleal and Consolação are also worth the visit and above all there is the possibility to get the boat straight to Berlengas, a rocky archipelago where nature is almost in its most pure state. The Berlengas’s archipelago is a group of very small islands, declared a reservation area due to the importance of the local fauna (sea birds, mostly). In the Berlenga Grande (the larger island) is located the São João Baptista Fort (built in 1656) and a lighthouse.

peniche_01Peniche is also famous for its handicraft and mostly the bobbin lace art, a centuries-old art whose origins are lost in time.
Also very famous and appreciated is the Gastronomy of this region, with a large number of restaurants, specialized in Seafood and Shellfish from this remarkable coast, such as “caldeirada” (fish casserole), “sopa de lagosta à moda de Peniche” (Peniche-style lobster soup), “arroz de marisco” (shellfish risotto) among many, many others.

Places to visit:

  • Fortaleza
  • Gruta da Furninha
  • Berlengas Island
  • Forte de São João Baptista
  • Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Church
  • São Pedro Church
  • Misericórdia Church
  • São Leonardo Church (At. Baleia)
  • Pelourinho da Atouguia da Baleia
  • Núcleo Museográfico da Santa Casa da Misericórdia
  • Santuário da Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
  • Cabo Carvoeiro

Events:

  • May/June – Festival Sabores do Mar
  • June – Corrida das Fogueiras
  • July – Carnaval de Verão
  • July – Mostra de Rendas de Bilros
  • August – Festa da Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem
  • August – Feira do Artesanato
  • September – Feira das Tasquinhas Rurais