A weekend in Peniche: what to see and what to eat
The fortress, Cabo Carvoeiro, Baleal, bobbin lace, fish stew and a trip to Óbidos: a two-day itinerary for Peniche.
Peniche is much more than surfing. In two days you can discover the history, cliffs, beaches and cooking of one of Portugal’s most important fishing towns.
Saturday
Morning: Peniche Fortress. Start at the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom, housed in the fortress that served as a political prison under the Estado Novo dictatorship (closed on Mondays).
Lunch: caldeirada. Peniche fish stew, fishermen’s style, was born on board the boats, made with the catch of the day. Restaurants near the harbour also serve fresh grilled fish and seafood.
Afternoon: Cabo Carvoeiro. Head to the tip of the peninsula, with its lighthouse, cliffs and the Nau dos Corvos, a lone rock out at sea. The view stretches to the Berlengas and the sunset is one of the best on the coast. On the way, stop at Papoa for a walk by the sea.
Sunday
Morning: Baleal. Baleal village sits on a former island, now joined to the mainland by a strip of sand, with beaches on both sides. Great for a walk, watching the surfers or swimming in summer.
Bobbin Lace Museum. Bobbin lace is Peniche’s traditional craft, made by hand with threads wound on small wooden bobbins. The museum shows the pieces and the technique.
Afternoon: Óbidos. The medieval town of Óbidos is about 20 km away. Walk the walls and the whitewashed streets and try the ginjinha cherry liqueur.
If you have one more day
During the boat season, save a day for the Berlengas: prior registration on BerlengasPass is required.
For an unhurried weekend, choose one of our homes in Peniche and Consolação.
*Photo: Angel Luciano / Unsplash*