WHERE TO STAY IN PENICHE, PORTUGAL
The ocean has always played an important role in the history of the coastal town of Peniche, Europe’s westernmost city. Historically, fishing has been its main economic activity but, these days, there’s a new-found sport dominating the waves, surfing. Where’s the best place to stay to catch those waves? Well, let us share with you the best places to stay in Peniche!
The town’s reputation as a surfing destination has been growing strong ever since Peniche was put on the map as a location for one of the WSL’s surf championships.
Peniche was developed as a fishing port so you might not find it as charming as your average Portuguese town but, its outstandingly raw beauty and laid-back vibe definitely make up for the lack of photo-worthy architecture and colourful Portuguese tiles.
As Peniche is fairly spread out, I took the liberty of dividing it into three very unofficial zones where most of the accommodation is found. This will make it easier for you to navigate this area guide to accommodation in Peniche and choose your favourite area amongst the Old Town, Baleal and Supertubos.
We’ve listed the highest rated properties in each area but, if you prefer to slow travel like us, there are plenty more flats available on Airbnb. If you’re new to Airbnb, sign up using this link and get £25 off your first booking, and if you want some tips on how to book the perfect Airbnb long-term rental, read this post.
Top 3 hotels to stay in Peniche:
MH Peniche: Modern beach-facing spa resort
Nineteen Studios: Comfortable and affordable private apartment
RIDE Surf Resort & Spa: Cool, laid-back surf accommodation with fun facilities
Top 3 things to do in Peniche:
Berlengas Islands: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve off the coast of Peniche
Surf Lessons: Experience surfing and catch world-famous waves
Óbidos: Walled medieval town with stunning architecture
How to get there
There are frequent buses from Lisbon and Porto, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours from Lisbon and over 4 hours from Porto.
What to see
Peniche Fortress & Municipal Museum
The port in Peniche held a strategic importance to Portugal and its empire during King João III’s reign. The king commissioned this seaside fortress in order to protect the port and, throughout history, it’s seen some dark days, having served as a prison and a refuge. Nowadays, the fortress houses a museum that displays archaeological, nautical and handicraft pieces as well as a section devoted to the anti-fascist resistance movement.
Berlengas Islands
A visit to the Berlengas Islands is usually a must-see attraction for those visiting the area.
The islands are a protected nature reserve surrounded by an ocean teeming with life and a diverse ecosystem.
If you can handle an occasionally rough 45-minute boat ride to get to the island, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and with the impressive São João Baptista Fort. Just make sure to pack those seasickness tablets.
Book your Berlengas Islands tour here.
Cabo Carvoeiro
A very scenic part of this coast, Carvoeiro Cape is a great spot where to watch the waves, that shaped these uneven rock formations, come crashing onto the steep cliffs.
Museu de Renda de Bilros
If you’re interested in the local tradition of bobbin lace, the Museu de Renda de Bilros offers an insight into its history and production. After that, go to the Escola de Renda de Bilros to see the lace workers in action.
Church of Saint Peter
The Church of Saint Peter was built in 1593 and has three naves, which were built during the extension works that took place in 1670, and a Baroque style chapel. The church’s facade, however, has remained incomplete.
Óbidos
Is it cute holiday photos that you want? Then head to Óbidos, a well-preserved picturesque medieval town, just 16 miles away from Peniche. It’s a very popular small town so bear in mind that it can get pretty crowded.
Book your Óbidos tour here.
Old Town
Perfect for a convenient stay
The Old Town is the perfect location for those who prefer staying within walking distance from the main cafes and restaurants.
Most of the accommodation in the Old Town is on and around the main square, however, there are seaside apartments in more residential areas like Peniche de Cima and Remédios.
Either way, the Old Town is centrally located and within easy reach from Supertubos and Baleal.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Katekero II is a relaxed guest house near all the main cafés, restaurants and shops and just a short walk away from the fortress and the beach.
MID-RANGE
Through the doors of a 19th-century building, lies a guest house that looks fresh and offers plenty of comfort thanks to a recent full makeover.
BUDGET
There’s all you need for a comfortable stay at Nineteen Studios apartments and their super attentive staff will make sure you’re well looked after.
Baleal
Perfect for surfers newbies and sunset spotters
Distance to the Old Town: 3.5 miles
Sitting in between Dunas and Baleal beaches right opposite the Old Town, it’s easy to see why a lot of the surf schools have decided to set up camp here. Baleal, due to its unique geographic position, is a place where you’re spoiled for surfing opportunities right at your doorstep, particularly good for those learning how to surf.
There are some nice beachside cafés and restaurants in Baleal but, as the area is still quite underdeveloped, don’t expect many shops to be open late (apart from bars).
The real appeal of Baleal are its chilled out atmosphere and the chance of surfing in such beautiful surroundings.
Book your surf lessons here.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Located in Baleal Island, the Wave House is a beautifully modern holiday home, with a balcony that is the perfect place for wave spotting.
MID-RANGE
The Surfers Lodge has been sustainably built using old boat parts. It’s so cosy that it feels just like being at home but a tad more luxurious.
BUDGET
As if the ultra cool pop art-themed rooms weren’t enough of a selling point, RIDE has an outdoor pool, a climbing wall, a gym and a spa.
Supertubos
Perfect for surfers and beach bums
Distance to the Old Town: 2.1 miles
Supertubos, or Medão Beach, means super tubes which is pretty much what every other person that visits the area is after.
There, you’ll see surfers and bodyboarders of all levels up on their boards having a good time in the water. But it’s not only the good surfing conditions that make this the most popular beach in Peniche.
Every October, Supertubos hosts the World Surf League’s competition MEO RipCurl Pro Portugal where you can see the top professional surfers doing what they do best.
If you’re more of a beach bum type of person, don’t worry. Supertubos is a huge stretch of soft sand beach, so you’ll get plenty of space to lie your beach towel down and lose track of time.
Book your surf lessons here.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Feel like splashing out after roughing it up in the ocean? At MH Peniche you get all the comforts of a 4* hotel plus free sauna and hot tub.
MID-RANGE
Location, location, location. Star Inn Peniche is a 3* hotel that sits right in the middle of Supertubos, Peniche’s town centre and Baleal.
BUDGET
Pinneaple Surf House is a cross between a hostel, with a chilled out atmosphere, and an Airbnb, with a super cool decor and homely vibe.
This is it! We know that picking the dream place can be hard, but we hope that our guide on the best area to book your accommodation in Peniche has made it a bit easier for you, so you can focus your energy on packing your bags and enjoying your holidays!
Going to other places after Peniche? Then check out our Portugal page for more inspiration!
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