Silver Coast Portugal

Water fun for the whole family!

At the Costa de Prata you are never far from the sea if you want to swim. But a water park is of course also a great day out, especially for the kids.

There are 'Parques Aquáticos' in Peniche, Vieira de Leiria, and at the exit of the Grutas Mira d'Aire in the Serra de Aire e de Candeeiros.

Peniche is full of history

The town of Peniche is located on a peninsula. In the Roman ages Peniche was still an island, but over the years coast and island grew together. In the 17th century Peniche was developed into one of the strongest Portuguese sea fortresses.

Near the harbour is the Fortaleza, a fort that was built in the 17th century to defend the harbour and the town. Through the ages the Fortaleza had many functions. During Salazar’s dictatorial regime the fort was an important state prison. Political opponents of the regime were locked up and tortured in the Fortaleza. Nowadays the town’s museum and the fishing museum are located in the building.

There is a lighthouse on the Cabo Carvoeiro, the most western point of the peninsula. On clear days you have a beautiful view on the Berlenga islands and the coast south of Peniche.

On the southcoast of the peninsula is the Gruta da Furninha, a cave that was inhabited since prehistory. It is therefore the most important prehistoric archeological site of Peniche. Many objects were found, today they are on display in several museums, like the town museum.

Churches

In Peniche you can visit a number of churches and chapels:
- Igreja de São Pedro, Peniches largest church, dates back to the 16th century
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, an early 16th century church
- Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a pilgrimage church, there is a procession every 3rd Sunday of October
- Igreja da Misericórdia, an early 17th century church
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Conceição, a 17th century church

Every year, in the first weekend of August, Peniche celebrates the Festa de Nossa Senhora de Boa Viagem, the feast of our lady of the good voyage.

From the harbour of Peniche you can take the boat to the Berlenga islands.

Surfing/beaches

There are many beaches to the north and south of Peniche. Most of these beaches are very popular with surfers because of the superb waves.

On this website you can see all beaches. Just click on the names for more information.

Experience the underwater world of the Costa de Prata

In the Peniche area there are several diving schools, like Haliotis, JustDive, and AcuaSubOeste. They offer you diving lessons, or a diving trip to the Berlenga islands.

Surfers paradise

There are many beaches to the north and south of Peniche. Most of these beaches are very popular with surfers because of the superb waves.

On this website you can see all beaches. Just click on the names for more information.

Islands close to Peniche are beautiful nature reserve

The Berlengas archipelago, Ilhas Berlengas, is a group of small islands off the Portuguese coast at about 10 km. from Peniche. The whole of the archipelago is a nature reserve.

The islands are uninhabited, only on the main island some people live on a permanent basis. They take care of the lighthouse, and control the reserve.

Some native plant species can be found on the islands. Also the islands are a breeding ground for many bird species, and they offer stopover space to migrating birds.

The largest island is Berlenga Grande. Here you can find the São João Baptista fort, built in 1502 in manuelino style. The fort is connected to the island by a narrow bridge. The fort was partly converted into a pousada (hotel).

Around the fort fishermen offer boattrips, to show you the island from sea, so you can see some caves and interesting rock formations.

To see everything the island has to offer you can follow the marked footpath. This takes you to the fort, caves, the lighthouse, beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, and to some spots that give you spectacular views.

The islands also attract many divers who enjoy the beautiful underwater flora and fauna.

From May to October the islands are open to the public. From the harbour of Peniche you can take the boat, the crossing takes about 45 minutes. It is recommended to make reservations for the boattrip, especially during summer months, because only a limited number of people per day are allowed on the island.

www.berlengas.eu

www.viamar-berlenga.com

www.feelingberlenga.pt