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When to Visit

Peniche weather is comfortable at any time of the year. The region is characterized by a warm mild Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. 

In summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it the perfect time to visit for outdoor activities. In winter temperatures range from 8°C to 16°C, making it perfect for long walks and sightseeing tours. The most comfortable weather in Peniche is from late spring to early autumn, but it's also quite crowded here this time.

Summer is perfect for a trip to the local islands, surfing, beach activities, and active nightlife. While it's not beach weather in winter, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. It's highly recommended to explore historical sites like Peniche Fortress, try local seafood cuisine, and take scenic walks along the coast.

Getting Around

There is no public transport in Peniche to move around the city. Most tourists use taxi services or choose the walking route to explore the city. As for the variant with maximum flexibility, there is car rental service. 

To get to the neighboring city or the areas of Baleal or Ferrel, there is a bus. But a taxi is inexpensive and on average it costs 10 EUR to get from Peniche to Baleal.

Bus schedules from Peniche to another locality can be found on the Internet.

The bus system is quite comfortable for tourists as it presents an opportunity to explore Peniche and its surroundings without the need to drive or navigate unfamiliar roads. Whether you're heading to the picturesque Baleal Beach or the scenic cliffs of Cabo Carvoeiro, you may find an option.

Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Peniche if you consider a few simple Peniche travel tips:

1. How to make the first trip to Peniche unforgettable?

Peniche has a rich history. Various archaeological finds indicate that people have lived here since ancient times.

In the last decade, Peniche has emerged as one of the main centers of European surfing. Due to its geographical location, you can ski here all year round. Every surfing enthusiast, from beginner to professional.

As for visiting the city for the first time, you should see the São João Baptista Fortaleza fortress. Fishing continues to be an important industry in Peniche. Watch the ships loaded with fish enter the port - it's a magnificent sight.

And of course, take a walk along Baleal Beach, which stretches between two seas like an island (by the way, it was once an island), which, along with Consolosan Beach in the south, is very popular among surfers.

2. What is a list of Peniche hidden gems?

To make your trip to Peniche an unforgettable experience, you can take a ferry or boat from Peniche Harbor to the Berlengas Islands, a nature reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Berlengas consists of several islands, and the island of Berlenga Grande is open to visit. The ferry to Berlenga Grande is available from June to September due to rough seas, but it is also possible to hire a private boat.

The island is great for a beach holiday and is also home to a picturesque 17th-century fortress. Various types of active recreation are available on the island, among which diving is worth highlighting.

If you decide to spend the night on the island, there are three options for Peniche accommodation. You can stay in a hostel inside the fortress, in a campsite, but the most convenient option is to book a room at Mesa da Ilha.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Peniche?

Peniche is a coastal resort and fishing harbor, so it is not surprising that the basis of the local cuisine is fish and seafood. Peniche restaurants offer famous sardines, tender sea bass, crabs, shrimps, and shellfish. This is a paradise for fish gourmets. However, in Peniche you can easily find restaurants serving any European cuisine, so meat-eaters and vegetarians need not worry either. You can't leave the island without trying caldeirada, a dish of mixed varieties of fish and potatoes, rice with shrimp, arroz de marisco or charcoal-grilled sardines, which are always served with wines from the Western Region. For dessert, we recommend trying sweets with almonds, for example, bean cake, friend of Peniche, (“amigo de Peniche”) or biscuits called “esses”.