Make a holiday rental home or apartment in Peniche, Portugal your home away from home

The Leiria district lies in the centre of the Costa de Prata, and the attractive town of Peniche is situated in the south of this district, on a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The town was originally an island, and only joined the mainland in the 16th century. Peniche has long been an important fishing port, and is home of the some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, if not in the whole of Portugal, as well as some fantastic surfing beaches.

Things to do in Peniche, Portugal

Thanks to its coastal location, seafood is big business in Peniche, with a number of the town’s restaurants specialising in this type of cuisine. Tuna, crayfish and sardines are three of the most common items you will find on the menus, and the resulting dishes are a far cry from the tinned products found on supermarket shelves.

If you prefer to stick to self-catering, the local market if the best place to head to pick up some bargains. The fish here is extremely fresh and great value for money, and you can also pick up fruit, vegetables and lace products – the latter of which are another local speciality.

As with many Portuguese towns and villages, the focal point of Peniche is the town square. Here you will find the baroque Misericordia Church and the 16th century fortress, which has a dominating presence in such a small town. There are also plenty of shops, cafes and bars dotted around this area, so you will not find yourself short of things to do.

The beaches of the Costa de Prata are just a short distance away, with Baleal offering great surfing, and Cabo Carvoeiro the top choice for scenic views out over the ocean. Kite surfing and wind surfing are also popular on the beaches around Peniche, taking advantage of the powerful winds coming off the Atlantic. A good range of beach bars, cafes and shops can also be found around the beaches, especially at popular Baleal.

Places to visit on holiday in Peniche, Portugal

The city of Leiria (86km) is the capital of the region, and is more than worthy of a daytrip when staying in Peniche. Leiria has a number of old buildings on its cobbled streets, with the highlight being Leiria Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. Closer to Peniche, Obidos (25km) is one of the finest examples of a Portuguese medieval town, and where you can walk around the castle ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the region.

Weather in Peniche, Portugal

Peniche experiences a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The period from early June to early September is the most popular with foreign visitors, and temperatures average 25C for this period. This is also the time of year with the least rainfall, with the vast majority of days staying dry.

Flights to Peniche, Portugal

The nearest airport to the holiday rental accommodation in Peniche is Lisbon Airport (LIS), which is 68km south of the village. The majority of UK airlines fly to this destination, and some bargains can be found when shopping around and booking in advance.