From Peniche to Ericeira

We leave the gravity-defying waves of Nazaré and set for the discovery of Peniche, a paradise for geology, bird-watching, surf and diving aficionados.

A place of warm hospitality, authentic people and breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Peniche has always lived from the sea. In the remote past it used to be an island, but thanks to the wind and the sea tides it became a peninsula. The Lighthouse of Cape Carvoeiro illuminates the ocean since 1790, rising 26,5 meters above the sea.

The port is the lively, colourful center of the city’s fishing industry. Fresh fish auctions are fully computerised licensed venues, very different from what they were a few decades ago. In fact, it was the fresh fish auction in Peniche that, in 2009, started the online trading of fish in Portugal!

In the port of Peniche you will be impressed by the image of old ladies patiently sewing the fishing nets. The “atadeiras” of Peniche, often retired women who care for the maintenance of the fishing equipment. Hard-working hands that are the warm-hearted essence of Peniche.

Peniche is a world-acclaimed surf destination and a regular stage of international surf competitions. The Rip Curl Pro Portugal takes place every year in Supertubos beach. The iconic stage of one of the most prestigious competitions, on a national and international level, between all-waves related sports.

The islands have their particular fauna and flora, with characteristics that make their ecosystem unique in the world. The Natural Reserve of Berlenga and involving reefs of the archipelago of Berlenga are the marine reserve with the highest underwater diversity of the Portuguese coastline. The 29 m-high Lighthouse of Berlenga, dating back to 1842, is a reference point of the island.

The beach of Baleal (meaning whale), located north of Peniche, stretches between two seas as if it was an island (which in fact it was). Like Consolação beach further south, its excellent conditions for surfing and body-boarding make it very popular.

Local gastronomy in Peniche is deeply influenced by the sea and by the abundance of fish. There are many restaurants located in Peniche, in nearby Baleal beach or in Berlenga, where travellers can taste the very best regional specialities. Fish is by all means the all-mighty king of every table in Peniche!

Heading south, Santa Cruz beach is a deeply vast beach with crystal-clear waters, wild cliffs, never-ending sand areas and remarkable rocky formations with curious shapes, such as the 30-meters high Penedo do Guincho. A truly heavenly place for surfers!

Every year Santa Cruz Ocean Spirit attracts countless surfers from all over the globe.
Apart from being a sought-after golf destination, the west coast of Center of Portugal offers extraordinary beaches, wild cliffy landscapes, the unique ecosystem of Óbidos Lagoon and a pleasant weather all year round.

We need to wait for low tide to discover the face of José Saramago, sculpted by Alexandre Farto aka VHILS on the rocks of a pier in Paimogo beach, in Lourinhã. A sort of poetic epiphany that so beautifully portrays the Atlantic Portuguese soul!

“Ah, todo o cais é uma saudade de pedra!”, Ode Marítima, Álvaro de Campos

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