Silver Coast Portugal

Enjoy the Portuguese sea

Surfing

The Atlantic Ocean is ideal for surfing. Some of the most popular surf beaches are at Nazaré, Baleal and Peniche.

You can rent your gear and/or book some lessons at Peniche Surf Camp, Nazaré Surf School, and others.

For (kite)surfing you can also go to Peniche Kitecenter, and the Escola da Vela in Nadadouro.

Sailing

Both the São Martinho do Porto bay as the Óbidos lagoon are excellent locations for sailing, (kite) surfing, canoeing, etc. You can rent the equipment and take lessons.

For instance, check the Escola de Vela da da Lagoa (sailing school) for possibilities at the Óbidos lagoon, not far from Foz do Arelho, for sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing.

The São Martinho Nautical Club offers sailing and windsurfing lessons.

Best known seaside resort of the Costa de Prata

The main beach of Nazaré lies behind a high cliff, on which Sítio is situated. Because of this, there is less wind at this beach. In high season you can rent one o the typical beach cabins to store your things and sit in the shade. Nazaré is especially popular with the Portuguese themselves, who come here to spend their weekends and summer holidays.

The wide beach with fine sand, is big enough for everyone. In the summer months, various activities are organized on the beach, especially for kids.

If you find this beach too crowded in summer, there are more quiet alternatives: more south close to the harbour, or north of Sítio, like Praia do Norte.

World record wave surfing

The beach of Nazaré is long and wide, ideal for a day at the beach. But beware: the sea can be very rough!

And that's exactly the reason why this is an ideal location for surfing championships.

The American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a monster wave in January 2013 at Praia do Norte, and that was a new world record: the wave he rode was 30 meters high!

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.

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.