La Portuguese town of Peniche It is located in a privileged natural environment, being a peninsula surrounded by beautiful beaches. The city of Peniche is in the central and western region, a short distance from the capital, Lisbon. That is why it has become a holiday destination for those looking for Portuguese relaxation and gastronomy as well as a bit of history.
Let's see what are the places of interest in the town of Peniche. In addition, we will know all the activities that can be done in this tourist destination. Be sure to add this beautiful town to your future vacation destinations.
History of Peniche
This population is in the western and central region of Portugal. It stands out for being the westernmost town in Continental Europe, and is a peninsula surrounded by sea and beaches. It is divided into six parishes and has a great microclimate that makes the temperature fairly constant, avoiding hot summers, making it a place chosen by many to spend their vacations.
This town is surrounded by a wall and it has an old fortress that served as a prison during the Salazar regime. The communist Álvaro Cunhal escaped from this prison. Starting in the seventies, this population began to be known among groups of surfers for its conditions for practicing this sport. At present it is a place that appears among the great world surf circuits.
Praça-Forte de Peniche
This fort was built in the XNUMXth century and was known as the Castelo da Vila. This fortress was used during the 2005th century as a high security prison, so its history continued throughout the centuries. In this fort they currently house the Municipal Museum, in which art or history exhibitions are held, as well as collections on naval items. You can visit the cell in which Álvaro Cunhal was locked up, where it is possible to see the charcoal drawings that he made on the walls. One of the most interesting places in the museum is the Resistance Zone, where the prison environment that existed between these walls is recounted. Since XNUMX this place also houses one of the Pousadas de Portugal.
Cape Carvoeiro
This is one of the most visited natural areas in the town of Peniche. This cape has impressive cliffs and there are also other nearby places of interest such as the lighthouse. One of the activities that we can do at this point is to take a walk looking out over the sea and enjoying the many birds that live on these cliffs.
Fort of San Juan Bautista
This Fort of the seventeenth century is located on the Island of Berlanga and it was built by order of King Don Joao IV. The purpose of the fort and its location was to protect the city from pirate attacks. The fort has a medieval style that everyone who visits it likes and today it has been converted into an inn where you can spend the night.
Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
This sanctuary is consecrated to the ass Mariano and it has a great location next to the coast. The construction of this chapel dates from the XNUMXth century. Apparently, the image of Our Lady found in the chapel was found in the XNUMXth century in a cave and later transferred to the chapel where it is worshiped. Annual pilgrimages are made to this place and its decorative tiles from the XNUMXth century also stand out.
Furninha Grotto
This small grotto is located in the known as Cabo Carvoeiro. Apparently it was occupied during the prehistoric period, something that is known from the archaeological remains found there. In addition, it is believed that it served as a refuge and as a necropolis in ancient times. The remains found in the grotto were transferred to the Peniche museum for conservation.
Berlanga Island Nature Reserve
All the Berlangas Islands form an archipelago that can be visited and that offers natural landscapes of great beauty. In this archipelago there are three islands, Berlanga, Estelas and Farilhoes. To get to this port we have to take a boat in the port of Peniche. On the island of Berlanga, which is the largest, you can find some remains of the historical heritage of the population, such as the Lighthouse of the Duke of Bragança or the Fortress of San Juan Bautista, which has been converted into a beautiful place to Lodge. On the island you can also find a campsite, two restaurants and a supermarket, so it is possible to spend the day or even several days on the island. In addition, in this place there are some threatened species and that is why it has become a protected nature reserve.
Images: turismoenportugal