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From wave-chasing beaches to fortress walls that whisper Portugal’s past, the things to do in Peniche bring together surf, history, and wild Atlantic beauty. You can walk along rugged cliffs, dive into fresh seafood, or take a boat straight into a marine reserve. This compact seaside town is more than just a surfing hotspot. It offers slow-paced moments at coastal viewpoints and thrilling boat rides to island forts. If you’re heading to Portugal’s west coast, Peniche has the kind of variety that fills your day.
Top 10 Things To Do In Peniche
These things to do in Peniche combine coastal charm, outdoor adventure, and local flavour, giving you a mix of nature, culture, and unforgettable views.
1. Explore The Fortaleza De Peniche
Photo: F nando / Wikimedia Commons
As soon as you enter Fortaleza de Peniche, you come face to face with one of the town’s most defining landmarks. The structure first served as a coastal defence, later turning into a political prison during the dictatorship, where many were held under strict confinement. Inside, the restored cells, letters from inmates, and resistance exhibits make it impossible to forget what happened within these walls. It’s not just a history museum; it’s a site where each corridor still holds tension. Climb up to the outer bastions and you’ll get a full view of Peniche’s coastline from one of the highest vantage points in the town.
Location: Campo da República, Peniche
Nearby Attractions: Peniche Marina, Museu da Renda de Bilros
2. Relax At Praia Dos Supertubos
Photo: Karl K / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you’re heading to the coast, spending time at Praia dos Supertubos is one of the top things to do in Peniche, especially if you enjoy the ocean without crowds of commercial activity. The beach stretches out in a wide curve just south of the town and is best known for its strong tubular waves, which draw professional surfers from across the world. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a great spot to walk along the shore, watch the action, or sit down near the dunes with something cold from the nearby kiosks. Mornings are usually calm, while afternoons pick up with energy, especially during international events like the Rip Curl Pro.
Location: South of Peniche, near Consolação
Nearby Attractions: Praia da Consolação, Supertubos viewpoint
3. Take A Boat Trip To The Berlengas Archipelago
Photo: Vitor Oliveira / Wikimedia Commons
The ferry leaves directly from the town’s marina and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Berlenga Grande, the largest island in the group. The trip stands out not just for the island itself but for the views along the way, passing rugged cliffs and approaching the stone fort built directly into the rocks. Once you arrive, you can follow marked trails, swim near natural coves, or explore the Fort of São João Baptista. Only a limited number of people are allowed each day, so it never feels overcrowded. During summer, boats leave almost hourly.
Location: Peniche Marina (departure point)
Nearby Attractions: São João Baptista Fort, Berlenga Grande hiking trails
4. Surf At Baleal Beach
Photo: Alexandre Contador / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Spending time at Baleal Beach is one of the top picks if you’re wondering what to do in Peniche, especially if you enjoy surfing or simply being near the ocean. The beach wraps around a narrow headland connecting to Baleal Island, offering steady surf breaks on both sides. Surf schools and rental shops line the area, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Even if you’re not surfing, you can relax at a beach café, walk the cliffs, or just enjoy watching the waves. It’s only 10 minutes from central Peniche, with public parking close to the beach.
Location: Baleal Island, Peniche
Nearby Attractions: Baleal Island cliffs, Surf shops and cafés
5. Walk Along Cabo Carvoeiro Cliffs
Photo: Carlos Eduardo Joos / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re drawn to coastal landscapes, walking along the Cabo Carvoeiro cliffs is one of the most striking things to do. This rocky headland marks the westernmost point of the Peniche peninsula and gives you an uninterrupted view over the Atlantic. The cliffs here are not uniform; they’re jagged, wind-shaped, and dramatic, dropping steeply into the ocean with barely a railing in sight. The area is dotted with rock formations, including the Nau dos Corvos, which juts out of the sea like a stranded ship. There are walking paths along the cliff edge that take you past natural viewpoints like Varanda de Pilatos.
Location: Westernmost tip of Peniche Peninsula
Nearby Attractions: Varanda de Pilatos viewpoint, Nau dos Corvos rock
6. Visit The National Bobbin Lace School
Photo: Delaney Van / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
At Escola de Rendas de Bilros, lace-making is taught and practised as it has been for generations. Inside the school, you can watch artisans move dozens of bobbins with speed and accuracy, forming detailed lace designs. Many patterns are native to Peniche, while others show European influences over time. Along the walls, finished lace pieces from different periods show how the craft has developed over the years. This is an active place of learning and practice, where real work is being done each day. You can sometimes join a short demonstration or buy lace directly on-site. The building is located near the town centre, easy to reach on foot.
Location: Rua da Várzea, Peniche, Portugal
Nearby Attractions: Igreja de São Pedro, Peniche harbourfront, Rua Direita shopping area
7. Try Seafood At Restaurante Marisqueira Mirandum
Photo: Denys Gromov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Trying seafood in Peniche is essential, and Mirandum is one of the most trusted spots for it. The restaurant is known for its large seafood platters, with crab, lobster, prawns, clams, and razor shells caught by local boats and delivered from the nearby fishing port. The interior is simple and relaxed, but the kitchen turns out bold flavours without unnecessary fuss. Grilled options and seafood rice are favourites, but you’ll also find shellfish towers stacked with ice and lemon. Portions are made for sharing, and the wine list includes local whites that pair well with seafood.
Location: Avenida do Mar 12, Peniche
Cost: €25 – 40 / ₹2,250 – 3,600
Nearby Attractions: Peniche Harbour, Mercado Municipal de Peniche
8. Take Surf Lessons At Peniche Surf Camp
Photo: Serg Alesenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Just a short walk from Baleal Beach, Peniche Surf Camp offers focused instruction and plenty of time in the water. Lessons are kept small, with instructors giving personal tips and breaking down each move to help you improve. You’ll get fitted with a wetsuit and softboard, starting with a land briefing before heading into the surf. Group sessions are friendly and low-pressure, perfect for beginners. Multi-day packages include video analysis to track your progress. The camp also offers rental gear, social areas, and beachfront accommodations. No experience is needed, and bookings are available online or onsite.
Location: Rua Casal dos Ninhos 4, Baleal
Cost: €50 – 70 / ₹4,500 – 6,300
Nearby Attractions: Baleal Beach, Bar do Bruno
9. Shop At Mercado Municipal De Peniche
Photo: GualdimG / Wikimedia Commons
Stopping by the local market gives you a closer look at what locals eat and use daily. Mercado Municipal de Peniche is compact but busy, with separate sections for fresh fish, produce, baked goods, and household items. The fish stalls are the main highlight. You’ll find trays of sardines, octopus, mackerel, and cuttlefish lined up on crushed ice, most of it caught that morning. In the fruit and vegetable section, many sellers come from farms in the region. It’s also a good place to pick up dried herbs, olives, and traditional Portuguese cheeses. You can walk here from anywhere in the centre in under 10 minutes.
Location: Rua Alexandre Herculano, Peniche
Nearby Attractions: Rua Direita shopping street, Largo da Igreja
10. Watch The Sunset From Papôa Peninsula
Photo: Vitor Oliveira / Wikimedia Commons
Catching the sunset from Papôa Peninsula is one of the most peaceful things to see in Peniche, especially if you enjoy open views and quiet surroundings. This narrow strip of land stretches out into the ocean just north of the town centre and is covered in rough rocks and coastal vegetation. A short dirt trail runs along the edge, passing jagged rocks shaped by years of wind and sea. You’ll find open spots where you can sit quietly and look out toward the Atlantic. On clear evenings, the islands in the distance become visible just as the sky begins to turn orange.
Location: End of Avenida do Mar, Peniche
Nearby Attractions: Praia do Portinho da Areia do Norte, Papôa viewpoint
Peniche offers a wide range of things to do in Peniche, all within a compact, walkable area. From surfing and exploring island forts to walking cliffside trails or learning a local craft, everything is close by and easy to access. The seafood is fresh, the streets are simple to navigate, and the coastline shifts beautifully throughout the day. Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, use TripXL to plan your perfect visit.
Cover Photo: Luis Pinho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
