Holiday in Peniche

What makes Peniche special as a destination?

Peniche is Portugal's surfing capital and an authentic fishing town on a windswept peninsula, about 90 kilometers north of Lisbon. The city is globally known as the venue for the MEO Rip Curl Pro, a stop on the World Surf League, attracting surfers from all over the world who test their skills on the powerful waves of Supertubos beach. However, Peniche is much more than just surfing – the city offers a fascinating mix of maritime tradition, a moving history, and one of Portugal's most spectacular natural experiences: the Berlengas Islands. The fortress of Peniche, which served as a political prison during the Salazar dictatorship, is now an impressive museum documenting the dark history of the Portuguese dictatorship. The harbor is one of the most important fishing ports in Portugal, and sardine processing has a centuries-old tradition here. Those who stroll along the harbor in the morning experience the bustling activity of fishermen landing their catch – it doesn't get more authentic than this. The absolute highlight off the coast is the Berlengas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, accessible by boat in about 30 minutes. The main island, Berlenga Grande, impresses with crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, and the picturesque Fort São João Baptista, which is connected to the island by a narrow stone bridge. Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on the barren rocks are the main activities. For German travelers, Peniche is an ideal day trip or stopover on a tour of Portugal. The journey from Lisbon is straightforward, and the combination of surf culture, fishing tradition, and the Berlengas excursion makes Peniche a versatile travel destination. The numerous surf schools offer courses for all levels, and the nightlife around the surf scene creates a lively atmosphere, especially in summer.