Peniche is an attractive coastal town which has long been a favourite among surfers and seafood enthusiasts. But Peniche has much more to offer, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.
There’s plenty to see and do in Peniche. World-class surfing, a 16th-century fortress, freshly caught seafood and stunning beaches. All in one small town!
Whether you’re riding the waves at Supertubos beach, exploring the narrow streets of the old town or taking a boat trip to the nearby Berlengas Islands, Peniche promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.
What makes Peniche special is its genuine charm. Peniche is different from some of Portugal’s more touristy coastal towns because it still has a genuine working-town atmosphere.
You can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch, enjoy seafood that’s served straight from the boat, and soak up the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle.
Where is Peniche?
Peniche is one of the more popular destinations on Portugal’s Silver Coast, to the north of Lisbon. Its location on a rocky promontory helps form the famous surfing waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean on the long beaches to both sides.
Peniche is part of the district of Leiria in central Portugal and is around 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and 275 kilometres (170 miles) south of Porto.
How to get to Peniche
Nearest airport to Peniche
The closest airport to Peniche is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, which is situated about 60 miles to the south of the town. This airport offers a variety of domestic and international flights, making Peniche accessible from numerous global destinations.
Distances
Peniche to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport: 60 miles (97 kilometres)
Peniche to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport: 170 miles (275 kilometres)
Peniche to Faro Airport: 225 miles (363 kilometres)
The drive from Lisbon airport to Peniche usually takes around one and a half hours, making it a convenient option for both domestic and international travellers.
Public transport
There is no direct train service to Peniche. The nearest train station is in Caldas da Rainha, about 18 miles (29 kilometres) away. From there, you can catch a bus that takes around half an hour to get to Peniche.
Rede Expressos offer bus services to Peniche from the Lisbon Sete Rios station, while Flixbus has a number of services leaving from the Lisbon Oriente station nearer to the airport.
Driving to Peniche
Driving is a popular option to reach Peniche. From Lisbon, take the A8 motorway heading north until you reach the IP6 which leads directly to Peniche. The trip from Lisbon takes approximately one and a half hours.
History of Peniche
Peniche has been an important settlement since prehistoric times, with early communities making the most of the region’s rich resources.
Peniche was a thriving agricultural community during the Roman era, with a pottery complex set up at Morraçal da Ajuda producing amphorae for fish products. The Berlengas Archipelago also played a part, with Roman ships mooring in its sheltered waters.
In the Middle Ages, Peniche was part of the economic and administrative area that included Atouguia da Baleia. King Afonso I gave the town to a French crusader, Guilherme de Cornes in 1148. It later became a major fishing port, known for its whale hunting.
By the 15th century, Peniche had started to grow independently from Atouguia da Baleia because a sandbar had formed, connecting it to the mainland. This led to the creation of two new urban centres: Peniche-o-Velho (now Peniche de Cima) and Ribeira (now Peniche de Baixo). Peniche was given town status in 1609 and became an independent municipality.
The town kept on growing, with agriculture, shipbuilding and fishing being the main sources of income. The construction of a strong defensive system in the 16th century helped protect against North African piracy and other invasions. Some of the notable fortifications in the area include the Fortress of Peniche and the forts at Consolação and Berlenga Island.
Peniche’s economy was still based on agriculture and fishing through to the 20th century. The switch to more modern fishing techniques, like motorised trawlers, led to the growth of related industries like canning, freezing and shipbuilding.
The 20th century also saw some big improvements in living conditions. New housing developments for workers and fishermen, public water supply networks, and the early adoption of electricity all played a part. Despite economic and social changes, especially after Portugal joined the European Union, the fishing and agricultural heritage continues to shape the lives of Peniche’s residents.
What’s Peniche known for?
- Top surfing destination
- Historical fortress and rich maritime history
- Delicious fresh seafood
- Berlengas Archipelago
Top things to do in Peniche
Explore the coast and cliff walks
The dramatic cliffs and sweeping coastal views of Peniche are perfect for scenic walks. Popular spots include Cabo Carvoeiro and the Papôa headland.
Surf world-renowned waves
Peniche is an international surfing hotspot, with Supertubos beache and Baleal beach attracting surfers from around the globe. The Rip Curl Pro Portugal competition for the best surfers in the world is held here in March. There are numerous surf schools and rental shops suitable for beginners if you just want to take a surf lesson. Or simply spectate from the sand!
Discover the Peniche Fortress
Take a step back in time with a visit to the impressive Peniche Fortress. The walls have seen centuries of history, from defensive battles to political imprisonment. The museum on site offers some fascinating insights into Peniche’s past.
Savour local seafood
Peniche offers a range of seafood restaurants and it is always going to be freshly caught. Be sure to try the local caldeirada, a traditional Portuguese fish stew.
Visit the Berlengas Archipelago
Take a short boat trip to the Berlengas islands. This natural reserve features crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and historical landmarks like the São João Baptista Fortress.
Berlengas Islands
The Berlengas Archipelago near Peniche is a great place for a day trip. It’s a group of small islands that are well worth a visit.
The boat ride from Peniche harbour to Berlenga Grande (the main island) usually takes about 30-45 minutes each way, depending on the sea conditions. Most people go on boat trips to the Berlengas as a day trip, and they usually spend between four and eight hours away from Peniche.
The whole area has been designated a nature reserve to protect the sea bird populations. There’s very little vegetation on the granite islands and no permanent population.
Berlenga Grande is the largest and most accessible of the islands, although the archipelago also includes smaller islands and rock formations known as Estelas and Farilões-Forcado. The scenic hike to the 17th-century São João Baptista fort is a must for anyone visiting the islands.
Peniche Information
Peniche Municipal website : www.cm-peniche.pt
Centre of Portugal regional tourist office : www.centerofportugal.com
Visit Portugal – Peniche : www.visitportugal.com
Peniche Fortress – National Museum of Resistance and Liberty : www.museunacionalresistencialiberdade-peniche.gov.pt