Peniche Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

5/5(1 area review)

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
Star Inn Peniche
Star Inn Peniche
3 out of 5
Estrada do Baleal, Peniche
The price is NZ$156 per night from 27 June to 28 June
NZ$156
includes taxes & fees
27 June - 28 June
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Peniche. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (306 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Star Inn Peniche
Sea Garden Residência
Sea Garden Residência
4 out of 5
Rua Alexandre Herculano, 76, Peniche
The price is NZ$141 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$141
includes taxes & fees
19 June - 20 June
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Peniche. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 5 beach bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (220 reviews)
"Hotel provided remote acces for late checkin, breakfast was decent. Value stay."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Sea Garden Residência
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
PenichePraia - Bungalows, Campers & Spa
3 out of 5
Estrada Marginal Norte, S/N, Peniche, Leiria
The price is NZ$114 per night from 2 June to 3 June
NZ$114
includes taxes & fees
2 June - 3 June
Stay at this 3-star campground in Peniche. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Baleal Beach and Praia D'El Rey Golf ...
8/10 Very Good! (83 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 campground in Peniche. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Baleal Beach and Praia D'El Rey Golf ...
8/10 Very Good! (83 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 campground in Peniche. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Praia D'El Rey Golf Course ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (51 reviews)
"The place itself is nice and has a certain charm. Didn’t love the location/area though and lack of programming. Every little thing was extra (like towel rentals, no class yoga only private lessons) which wasnt a big deal but still different from what we are used to. The place itself is well thought ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2023

Bukubaki Eco Surf
House Peniche Portugal 200 meters from the beach 8 people bairro do Visconde
House Peniche Portugal 200 meters from the beach 8 people bairro do Visconde
Peniche
Stay at this vacation home in Peniche. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Baleal Beach and Praia D'El Rey Golf Course are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Super logement avec un super emplacement
"Vincent a été très présent pour répondre à nos question et nous conseiller sur les activités à faire à Péniche. Un super propriétaire avec un excellent logement, que dire de plus!"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

House Peniche Portugal 200 meters from the beach 8 people bairro do Visconde
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.

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Reviews of Peniche

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Peniche is an absolutely beautiful place with history& gorgeous beaches plus top restaurants.I will definitely return to peniche it is a hidden gem on the coast

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