Peniche is found in the Western Portuguese region, approximately 90 km north of Lisbon. With its Mediterranean climes, the hot summers and the mild winters are constant weather patterns with low amounts of rain peppered throughout the year. Peniche on the other hand experiences the lowest temperature all year round because of the sea. Peniche is a beachfront community and city in Portugal with a population of over 28,000 in an area covering 78 square kilometers. The city is composed of six parishes namely Ajuda, Atouguia de Baleia, Conceicao, Ferrel, Sao Pedro and Serra d’El-Rei. There are two main areas of Peniche is the city proper and the seaside community of Baleal.
Peniche was an island until it became a peninsula during the Middle Ages because of the gradual increase of the land area. It was traditionally believed that a band of Lusitanians escaping the wrath of Julius Caesars’s hordes created the settlement on the island to be known as Peniche. Over passage of history, the town remained relatively sheltered from the invading hordes. One of the biggest edifices built in the city is the Misericordia Church with its painted ceilings depicting scenes from the New Testament. The largest city structure is the 16th century fortress that was once a prison controlled by the Portuguese secret police to hold political opponents. Nowadays, the fortress is a museum about local history and culture.
Peniche is called the best in the west, as it is Europe’s westernmost city. The city has always had its roots in the sea, with much of its economy centered around sardine, tuna and lobster fishing. There was also a thriving cannery for the bounty of the sea and naval shipyards for shipbuilding and repair. Over fishing though has led to declining catches that has lead to the demise of the industry. Peniche has turned to other industries to keep itself afloat, such as horticulture, fruit cultivation and tourism.
Lately, tourism has become the forefront of the redevelopment of Peniche. The first tourist spot in the area was established with the Berlengas Islands that lies off the coast of Peniche. The islands are one of the first wildlife preserve areas in the world, named the Berlengas nature reserve. Here, a myriad of flora and fauna indigenous to the area can be found undisturbed for centuries, allowing only visitors to enjoy its beauty and majesty. Berlenga Island is also a haven for diving enthusiasts. The waters in and around the nature reserve is rich with wildlife and the island is a haven for plant life as well as a stop over for birds during the migratory season. The Island is just seven miles off the Port of Peniche and is a must place to go to during your visit to the area.
Peniche is also known for its long beaches and has become a popular haven for aquatic sports such as surfing, windsurfing or kite surfing. Peniche has long been known for its good waves, most especially the Supertubos. The Supertubos is an area with very fast and powerful tubular waves known in the surfing community as the European Pipeline. The Supertubos is an A frame barrel that is carried by Atlantic Ocean swells with resulting in twelve to fifteen foot waves for surfers to ride. For those who want a more tranquil appreciation of the waters around Peniche, there are great natural grottoes that can be visited by rented boat through the natural formation called the Furado Grande. There was once a fort located here in the 17th century, named the Sao Joao Baptista Fort to repel corsairs and pirate attacks. The fort has been converted into a hostel for tourists that you can return to from the Peniche harbor with its traditional white windmills and chapels.
The center of Peniche surfing is the area known as Baleal. This area once was an island but the sand siltation has created a peninsula to connect it to the main island. The name Baleal, from the name whale, comes from the Middle Age tradition of butchering and cutting up caught whales. The whale meat was then carried to the Atouguia de Baleia for processing. Baleal beach is located about five kilometers north of the city proper of Peniche and its geography makes it an ideal haven for beach lovers of all ages and skill levels. Baleal’s other tourist sites are the Fisherman’s Little Beach, the Baleal Chapel, the Fortress of Baleal and its other nearby beaches namely Consolocao to Praia D’el Rei that are located within fifteen kilometer radius. The peninsula of Baleal provides quality water conditions for sun worshippers and surfing enthusiasts all year round. Up north to Peniche is the Foz do Arelho beach, which is known best for its peaceful and tranquil waters ideal for rest and relaxation.
When nightfall arrives, the city comes alive with lights and sounds from the myriad of bars and discos for both the young and young at heart. There is also a camping park that provides many comforts for visiting tourists located just on the outskirts of Peniche. The city itself also provides many gastronomic delights for all. In the many restaurants in Peniche, the main courses are often fish and shellfish with courses such as the famed Caldeirada of Peniche, Sequinho of Fish, the Lobster of Peniche and the roasted Sardine as well as many other enchanting dishes fresh from the Peniche fish port. The other delights for the palate include the Pastries of Peniche, the Friends of Peniche and the specialty of almond cookies called esses that are best to round off a great traditional Peniche meal.
There are places to go to aside from the beach. These include the town of Obidos, which is dubbed the wedding present town and the prettiest medieval village. Found nearby is Mafra, which is the location of Europe’s biggest palace and known as the notorious edifice that bankrupted Portugal during the build. The town of Ericeira is a traditional seaside vllage is known for its surfing and seafood. Alobaca is a town with a great Cistercian Temple. Batalha on the other hand is home to many of the European Gothic masterpieces with many underground caves perfect for spelunking.
Peniche, with all these tourist destinations is without a doubt the best place to go to in the west.