Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
more 'lived-in' feel than its resort neighbours. The walled historic centre makes for pleas-
ant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a
must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Outdoors enthusiasts will love the
beaches east of town, where lessons and rentals for every sport under the sun are avail-
able.
From the bus station, it's a 10-minute walk west to the historic centre. Cross the Ponte
Velha (Old Bridge) into the walled town. The fort, harbour and Av do Mar - where you'll
find most of the seafood restaurants - are a short distance south.
Sights
Fortaleza
( 9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Tue-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun)
Dominating the south of the pen-
insula, Peniche's imposing 16th-century fortress was used in the 20th-century as one of
dictator Salazar's infamous jails for political prisoners. By the entrance where prisoners
once received visitors - the stark booths with glass partitions are preserved - is the
Núcleo-
Resistência
, a grim but fascinating display about those times including Resistance leaflets
and prisoners' poignant, beautifully illustrated letters to their children.
Housed inside the fortress complex, the
Museu Municipal's
( 262 780 116; admission €1.55;
9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Tue-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun)
most striking feature is the top floor, which
has a row of cells for political prisoners from the dictatorship years, some used for solitary
confinement. Floors below this contain a nonthrilling municipal mishmash, from Roman
archaeological artefacts to shipwreck finds.
FORT
Headland
While in Peniche, make sure you do the circuit of the whole headland, either in the car or
by walking the six kilometres. At Cabo Carvoeiro, the very tip, there's a lighthouse and
spectacular views of a rock stack and the Berlenga islands, as well as an excellent restaur-
ant.
VIEWPOINT
Baleal
About 5km to the northeast of Peniche is this scenic island-village, connected to the main-
land village of Casais do Baleal by a causeway. The fantastic sweep of sandy beach here
offers some fine surfing. Surf schools dot the sands, as do several bar-restaurants.
BEACH
