Description Peniche

Peniche is a Portuguese city in the district of Leiria, located in the province of Estremadura and integrating the Intermunicipal Community of the West in the Centro region, with 14,822 inhabitants (2011). It is the seat of a small municipality with 77.55 km² in area and 27 753 inhabitants (2011) subdivided into 4 parishes.

The municipality is limited to the east by Óbidos, to the south near Lourinhã and to the west and north by the Atlantic Ocean.

Peniche and the sea are inextricably linked. It is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic center for maritime-tourist activities.

Before reaching the beach, the visit to Peniche must include a passage through the historic center. In addition to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, the Churches of São Pedro and Misericórdia, we highlight the Fort of Peniche, built in the 19th century. XVI / XVII for the defense of the coast in intersection with the Forte da Praia da Consolação and the fort on the Ilha das Berlengas.

In addition to the fishing gear that, of course, has always been a source of income for the population, Peniche is also known for the art of bobbin lace, which women dedicated to perfecting while men walked in the sea.

The sea remains one of the main points of interest and development and the beaches of Peniche are very popular. If the bays of Consolação and Baleal provide a good protection for family beach days, the waves of this west coast, such as those of Medão Grande Beach, known as Supertubos due to its large tubular waves, are very popular with surfers and bodyboarders from around the world.

A boat trip away is the Berlengas Island, Nature Reserve. Its translucent waters are ideal for divers who find here a natural stronghold of marine fauna and flora. The rough sea and the island's isolation are also the motto for many mysterious stories of fishermen and boats sunk on this coast.

As it could not be otherwise, the sea also dominates gastronomic specialties. Therefore, one should not leave Peniche without tasting the stew, seafood rice or sardines roasted in charcoal, always accompanied by wines from the Western region. For dessert, almond sweets are recommended, be it a “Amigo de Peniche” or the cookies called “Estes”.