SEE & DO
Berlenga Natural Sanctuary
The Berlengas Natural Reserve, off the coast of Peniche, is a unique ecosystem in the World with characteristic fauna and flora and incredible landscapes. The biological wealth, fauna and flora make the Berlengas a site of high conservation interest.
You can choose to take the trails in Berlenga, explore the beaches and Fort S. João Baptista.
If you like diving, the clear water is a great reason to explore the sea.
All fauna and flora is within reach of anyone.
JUNE - Daily Departures
10:00/12:15 Peniche → Berlenga | 16:30 Berlenga → Peniche
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER - Daily Departures
09:30/12:45 Peniche → Berlenga | 14:30/18:00 Berlenga → Peniche
Visiting Óbidos
Once the wedding present to a Queen, the preserved medieval town of Óbidos lying 10 km east of Peniche is without doubt one of Portugal's most interesting walled settlements. When strolling along the maze of narrow cobbled streets of Óbidos, at each step, one comes upon vestiges of different civilizations.
From the hidden corners and high walled gardens of the old medina area, to the gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features, the Town is an extensive work of art carved, destroyed and rebuilt throughout many centuries.
Besides its material heritage, Óbidos is full of historical tradition where you can find little, local stores, restaurants and bars.
The largest caves in Portugal
The Mira de Aire Caves are the largest in Portugal and are certainly a great option for those looking for a different tour.
With 11km of extension , of which 600m can be visited, the caves were elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. The tour is going descending, through 683 steps.
Caldas da Rainha
The settlement was founded in the 15th century by Queen Leonor (Rainha Dona Leonor), who established a hospital and a church at the site of some therapeutic hot springs. The Hospital is the oldest purpose-built institution of its kind in the world, with five centuries of history. The city's name, often shortened to simply "Caldas", can be translated as "Queen's Hot Springs", "Queen's Spa", or "Queen's Baths".
Being now-a-days seek for its colorful fruit market and the city park D.Carlos.
Lagoon of Óbidos
The Lagoon of Óbidos is the most extensive lagunar system in the coast of Portugal. It has an approximate area of 6.9 square kilometers and an average depth of two meters, with a quota that goes from half a meter to five meters.
It has a maximum length of 6 kilometers and a width that varies from 1 and 1,5 km, with a NW-SW orientation.
The Lagoon was actually much larger having reached, in earlier times, the Castle walls of Óbidos.
The natural tendency of the Lagoon of Óbidos is to close its connection to the sea, become a swamp and eventually disappear.
Monastery of Batalha
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria, also known as the Monastery of Batalha is without doubt one of the most beautiful examples of Portuguese and European architecture.
This dazzling architectural ensemble was born of a promise the King Joao I, made in thanks for his victory at Aljubarrota, a battle fought on August 14, 1385, which assured him the throne and guaranteed independence for Portugal.
The construction took over 150 years, across various phases. This is the reason why one can find not only gothic style (for the most part), but also manualine style and some renaissance touches. A few of alterations were made to the initial project, resulting in a vast monastic complex that today includes a church, two cloisters with annexed dependencies and two royal pantheons, the Founder’s Chapel, and the Unfinished Chapels.
In 1384, the monument was then incorporated within the Public Exchequer, and today it’s a cultural, touristic, and devotional Monument under the jurisdiction of IGESPAR, national Monument also declared World Heritage by UNESCO, in 1983.
More information : www.mosteirobatalha.gov.pt