Peniche / Cabo Carvoeiro

Peniche is a busy fishing town located in the district of Leiria in Portugal. It is also one of the most popular surf destinations in Portugal due to the great all year round waves and glorious beaches. Where Peniche is slowly turning into a tourist destination, it is still much the working village it once was.
It is the small walled historic centre of Peniche which is the most interesting part of the town. In the small streets, you can see the Bacalhau drying (Dried & salted cod) in the sun. 

​At the harbour, you find Fortaleza de Peniche. This fortress, which was built in 1557 and was finished in 1645, has served many uses pending the needs .
It has been used as a military stronghold, a shelter to the Boer refugees, a residence for German war prisoners during WWI, a political prison, ... and currently it serves as a museum.

After having enjoyed a Pastelaria and coffee close to the church, we decided to head to Cabo Carvoeiro.
West of the town of Peniche is the rugged peninsula from where you can reach Cabo Carvoeiro. The coast here is marked by curious looking weathered rocks and cliffs from where fisherman can be seen fishing in the rough waters beneath them.
Beneath these cliffs, small beaches can be found where you can enjoy the sun.

Just before you reach the lighthouse at Cabo Cavoeiro, you will find Varanda De Pilatos. It is a small place located in a sea-carved stone chamber which can be reached down a ladder in the cliff side.
After having decended down into the chamber, admire the views across the ocean and as far as the Berlengas

Heading down the road again, we reached the lighthouse which stands 25m tall and was built to protect the ships trying to navigate the rough seas around Peniche. Cabo Carvoeiro, Europe's second most Westerly point, is rugged. A large car park is frequented by a lot of tourists, a modern restaurant on the cliff top also serves as a viewing platform.