Peniche Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Berlenga Island showing rugged coastline, heritage elements and a bridge
Peniche which includes a coastal town, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Peniche
Cabo Carvoeiro which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset
Berlenga Island featuring general coastal views and rocky coastline

A historic port clings to rough-hewn cliffs and magnificent headlands in this seaside city, famed for its surf beaches, local artisans, historic forts and nature reserves.

Explore sweeping beaches and a walled historic center in Peniche, a city perched on a rocky peninsula in central Portugal. A stroll around Peniche’s Old Town will showcase the city’s enchanting heritage, from historic forts to a rich tradition of handcrafts. Flanked by sandy shores on its eastern side, Peniche is the perfect spot to experience Portugal’s surging surf.

Get acquainted with Peniche’s historic heart by going on a self-guided walking tour within the old walled city. Wander around the meandering city streets and peer into old-fashioned storefronts. Check out local galleries and workshops to learn about Peniche’s particular style of bobbin lacework and pick up some pretty lace-trimmed keepsakes. Admire old-world architecture in São Pedro Church and Misericórdia Church.

Make your way to Fortaleza de PenicheOpens in a new window to find out about the city’s significant political history. Built in the 16th and 17th century as a coastal fortification, it was transformed into a jail for political prisoners during the Estado Novo regime. The fort now houses the Peniche City Museum and presents intriguing insights into the city’s history.

If the sun is out, it’s time to hit the beach. For sheltered beaches, check out Consolação and Baleal bays. Supertubos Beach (Medão Grande) and Lagido Beach pump out the west coast’s famous waves, which lure surfers and bodyboarders from around the world. Go diving beneath the wild waters when you visit the Berlenga IslandOpens in a new window nature reserve or see the roaring Atlantic Ocean from Cabo CarvoeiroOpens in a new window.

As a working port, Peniche’s seafood is available fresh daily. Try a delicious local rendition of bouillabaisse or charcoal-griddled sardines, paired with regional wines from Portugal’s wild west.

Peniche is 63.3 miles (102 kilometers) north of LisbonOpens in a new window. Reach the port city by flying into Lisbon’s international airport. Drive a rental car or take an intercity bus to Peniche. With warm summers and mild winters, Peniche is a year-round destination. Visit in October to experience the action of the city’s annual surf contests.

Where to stay in Peniche

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Peniche de Cima

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Peniche de Cima might not have many top sights, but Fortaleza and Cabo Carvoeiro are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Peniche de Cima
WOT Peniche Pinhalmar
WOT Peniche Pinhalmar
3 out of 5
Estrada Marginal Sul, Peniche
The price is ₹7,831 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹7,831
₹8,501 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Peniche. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Peniche Beach and Baleal Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (256 reviews)
"Great location, good breakfast, clean, friendly."

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

WOT Peniche Pinhalmar
Star Inn Peniche
Star Inn Peniche
3 out of 5
Estrada do Baleal, Peniche
The price is ₹11,331 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹11,331
₹12,211 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Peniche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
"Good location and facilities for surfing."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Star Inn Peniche
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
3 out of 5
Estrada Marginal Norte, S/N, Peniche, Leiria
The price is ₹6,617 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹6,617
₹7,217 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star campsite in Peniche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Peniche Beach and Baleal Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (86 reviews)
"Pros: GREAT location with beautiful views right across the street from the ocean. Staff is very friendly. Loads of amenities (though you have to pay extra). Cons: Bungalows have ZERO light in the kitchen and minimal lighting in the room. We had to use our headlamp to cook. There is no way to have ..."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
3 out of 5
Estrada Marginal Norte, S/N, Peniche, Leiria
Stay at this 3-star campsite in Peniche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Peniche Beach and Baleal Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (86 reviews)
"Pros: GREAT location with beautiful views right across the street from the ocean. Staff is very friendly. Loads of amenities (though you have to pay extra). Cons: Bungalows have ZERO light in the kitchen and minimal lighting in the room. We had to use our headlamp to cook. There is no way to have ..."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
Bukubaki Eco Surf
Bukubaki Eco Surf
4 out of 5
Rua do Juncal, Peniche
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified campsite in Peniche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Praia D'El Rey Golf Course ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (52 reviews)
"Everything was great. Food, surf, yoga, massage all excellent"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Bukubaki Eco Surf
Freedom Surf House
Freedom Surf House
2 out of 5
R. dos Montes 8, Peniche, Leiria
Stay at this aparthotel in Peniche. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Praia D'El Rey Golf Course and Baleal Beach are located ...
Freedom Surf House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Peniche

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Peniche. Good surf, nice people!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you love to surf, this is the place. I enjoyed the beach a lot. i enjoyed walking into town, eating sea food in lovely restaurants, just soaking up the scenery. didn't take a boat trip as i didn't have enough time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely town by the sea. A fishing town indeed. Good long walks and bike riding.

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