Along Portugal’s Silver Coast lies one of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems. The fishing village of Peniche has become one of the best landing spots for water sports, beaches, seafood, and great options for a relaxing vacation. It’s as close as you can get to the Algarve without all the tourists.
When ever we have guests come visit, I offer to take them to Peniche and show them around. There is so much beauty in this small town. First, we enter the city through the northern gate and ride along the cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean. We get out at a few spots to gaze at the beaches below, the wide ocean ahead of us, and the Berlengas archipelago in the distance.
The road will take us all the way around the island so we head to the western most point, Cabo Carvoeiro to the the standing rock tower and Berlenga Grande beyond it. We then circle down through the city to check out the small beaches that line the peninsula such as Praia do Porto da Areia Sul where there used to be a fortress protecting the banks of the peninsula.
We swing back down the winding road to the marina where the largest traditional fishing port is located and the boat tours are lined up to take visitors to see the dolphins, go to Berlengas, and sport fishing for the day. You can walk out to the two lighthouses that mark the entrance to the marina and look out to the beaches of Supertubos and Consolação in the distance.
Sometimes we end our tour at Supertubos or Baleal Bay to watch the surfers and see the sunset over the ocean. Peniche is such a picturesque place with so much to offer. It is a shame that many people miss it because it is not as well known as the Algarve.
But is there enough to do in Peniche? There is more than enough!
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Relax at Peniche’s many beautiful beaches and great surfing spots
The coast of Peniche has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. These Long sandy beaches lined with limestone cliffs are a perfect place to take a walk at low tide. But make sure that you are at the beach entrance at high tide. To the south of the peninsula, you have several long sandy beaches that start at Molhe Leste and stretch to the world famous Praia do Supertubos, known for pristine surfing waves, and around the horseshoe to Praia da Consolação where you can lie on the iodine healing rocks.
Northeast of Peniche you will find the white sandy beaches of Baleal Bay. Baleal Beach is not as long since it is lined with the peninsula of Baleal on one side and cliffs on the other, but it is wide and stretches across the road that divides the mainland from the Ball Peninsula. The other side is the bay area where the waves are known to be fantastic for surfing.
As you enter the town of Peniche on the northern side, you can’t help but notice in the summer months the parking spaces are filled with cars, vans and campers. These beaches are great places for surfing and Peniche is known as a surfing mecca. If you don’t know how to surf, you can get surf lessons at a number of surf schools along street. You can even find a good deal on a used board at several surf shops or spend top dollar on one at Rip Curl, the major sponsor of the annual Rip Curl pro Portugal surfing competition.
Take an Adventure to the Berlengas Islands
Off the coast of Peniche is the Berlengas Islands, a nature reserve with beaches, caves, and incredible rock formations. Boat tours leave daily for the main island of Berlenga which offer some great options for a day trip. You can hike, snorkel, explore sea caves and swim in some of the most pristine waters. We took at day trip out to the islands. You can read about it here.
Learn about Peniche’s rich history and historical landmarks
Along the southern part of Peniche, close to the marina is the Fortaleza de Peniche (Fortress of Peniche), one of its most famous landmarks. This fort was used as a place to confine political prisoners during the estado novo regime under the dictatorship of Salazar. Today, the Peniche fortress houses the Museum of Resistance and Freedom, telling the story of Portuguese history under the autocracy so that it may teach those that were too young to experience it.
Igreja de São Pedro
The Igreja de São Pedro, or Church of Saint Peter, stands as a prominent landmark in the coastal town of Peniche, Portugal. This historic church was built in 1593 and dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. It holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, particularly given Peniche’s deep-rooted fishing tradition. Situated near the town’s port, the church’s location reflects its significance to the maritime community it has served for centuries. It is the focal point for the procession during the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. It has gone under many restoration projects over the years
Today, the church continues to serve as both an active place of worship and a testament to Peniche’s rich history, attracting both devout parishioners and curious visitors who come to admire its architecture and artistry. It is open during the summer months Wednesday to Saturday and is free to the public.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture
Peniche’s seafood and fishing heritage
Peniche boasts a rich maritime heritage that dates back centuries. The fishing industry in Peniche has been a cornerstone of local life, providing not only sustenance but also shaping the town’s identity and traditions. Boats bring in a wide variety of fish and seafood, including sardines, mackerel, octopus, and the prized European seabass.
The town’s fish market, or “lota,” is a vibrant center of commerce where freshly caught seafood is auctioned off to local restaurants, markets, and fish processing plants. If you haven’t tried Peniche’s sardines, you are missing out! These aren’t your grandfathers sardines in a can, these fish are grilled to perfection and eaten with a little olive oil and salt. The sardine industry, in particular, has been historically significant, with the town once being home to numerous sardine canning factories.
The town’s annual Festa de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, a festival honoring the patron saint of fishermen, held annually, demonstrates the deep connection between the community and its maritime roots. This celebration, featuring colorful boat processions and traditional music, attracts visitors from across Portugal and beyond. The fishing industry remains a vital part of the town’s economy and cultural identity. It continues to shape the landscape, from the bustling port to the seafood restaurants lining the streets, ensuring that Peniche’s reputation as one of Portugal’s premier fishing towns.
Bobbin Lace Crafts
Bobbin lace, known as “renda de bilros” in Portuguese, is a traditional form of lace-making that has been practiced in Peniche for centuries, possibly dating back to the 16th century. It is a type of handmade lace created by braiding and twisting threads. The process involves using multiple bobbins (small wooden or bone tools) to hold and manipulate threads, which are wound around pins stuck into a padded pillow or cushion. The lacemaker follows a pattern, crossing and twisting the threads in various ways to create intricate designs.
The practice came from the fishermans women, who would make the lace as a source of income when the men were out to sea. It has become an integral part of Peniche’s cultural idenity. There is a school dedicated to teaching bobbin lace-making to future generations and a museum is open to the public to educate tourists on this craft. The intricate patterns often reflect local motifs, including maritime themes, showcasing the town’s connection to the sea.
Today, while no longer a major industry, bobbin lace-making remains an important part of Peniche’s heritage, celebrated in local festivals and continuing to be practiced by enthusiasts and artisans.
Best time to visit Peniche
The best time to come to Peniche is during the summer months, May through October. The winter months are rainy and windy and not much fun for the beach. The temps are in the 80’s and there is usually sun all day.
If you surf, and are coming for the surfing, consider coming during the months of October through January. The same canyon that provides Nazaré with the large waves drop some great tubes along Supertubos up to Praia del Rey and down to Ericeira. The World Surfing League will hold their competitions during this time.
There are other ways to explore Peniche. Private tours are available that will take you to the museums and churches and even to an authentic Portuguese restaurant.
So if you are looking for a great vacation spot that has wonderful beaches, great adventures and is way less crowded than the Algarve, come visit Peniche for a real Portuguese experience!
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Shelley is a full time traveler, blogger and podcaster currently living in Portugal with her wife, 2 dogs and a cat. She is a former history teacher originally from Winston-Salem, NC but wanted to see what life was like abroad. Now she travels all over Portugal and Europe writing about what she sees and does and tells you all kinds of fun stories on the podcast at Wandering Works for Us.