Section 17 - Central Portugal

Santa Cruz / Peniche

 

After a swim at Santa Cruz Beach with its beautiful sandy shore and unique rocks, it’s time to explore the parishes of  A-dos-Cunhados and Maceira. Besides the stunning beaches, it’s highly recommended to pay a visit to the ruins of the Convent of Penafirme near Santa Rita Beach, the Maceira Escarpment Walkways, the prehistoric caves of Maceira, and the picturesque village of Santa de Porto Novo.

Continuing along the route, you’ll venture slightly inland from the coast of Vimeiro, where you’ll find the Interpretation Center of the Battle of Vimeiro. This center tells the story of the historic Battle happened on August 21, 1808, during the First French Invasion of Portugal.

Heading north, you’ll reach Santa Bárbara, known for its religious heritage, and you can also explore the inviting Fonte Lima Park.

The route then takes you back to the coast, passing through Lourinhã. known for  its beautiful beaches – like Areia Branca, Vale Frades, Caniçal and Paimogo – coupled with the fertility of productive lands. Among the noteworthy historical and architectural landmarks are the Convent of Santo António, the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos and the Fort of Paimogo.

Long ago, dinosaurs roamed this town and to learn more about its history we recommend a visit to the the Lourinhã Museum  and the Dino Parque Lourinhã. The latter is a dinosaur-themed park that serves as Portugal’s largest open-air museum.

Further north lies the municipality of Peniche, and the Section concludes in the vicinity of Cabo Carvoeiro. Peniche is a city located on a peninsula, renowned for its array of beaches, including Praia da Consolação, Medão Grande, and Supertubos – the latter famous for its tube-like waves ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. However, Peniche also has cultural landmarks such as the Peniche Fortress, and religious monuments like the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Church of S. Pedro, Church of Misericórdia, and Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Don’t forget to explore the city’s handicrafts, particularly the intricate Bilros lace.

Points of Interest

Heritage: 17
  • Cabo Carvoeiro is located on the far western corner of the peninsular of Peniche, in a zone of great beauty due to the curious geological formations that have been sculpted by the sea over time, such as the Nau dos Corvos, a large boulder which...

  • Situated close to the coast, in the far west of the peninsula of Peniche, this chapel forms the basis for a shrine devoted to the cult of the Virgin Mary. The date when this church was founded is not known, although it is believed to have been built...

  • Photo: pt.wikipedia.org

  • Classified as a national monument, the Convento de Santo António belonged to the Franciscan order and was founded in 1598.

    The monastery originally consisted of a small church and a small number of houses used for retreat purposes. On 17...

  • The fortifications have an irregular shape because of the rocks at the base of the walls, which consist of four defensive ramparts. The fortress rises up from the rock to the south of the peninsula of Peniche, which was once an island.

  • The fort is located next to the beach of the same name. The gate is crowned by the royal coat of arms. The bridge over the moat is supported by two vaulted galleries.

  • Photo: www.rotanatura-oeste.pt

  • Dated 1626, the architectural value of this church lies in its extremely interesting stone doorway, carved in the characteristic Manueline style.

  • This church dating from the beginning of the 17th century belongs to the charitable institution known as Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Peniche.

    Annexed to the former hospital of this institution, the inside of the church boasts an...

  • Dating from the end of the 17th century, the church of Our Lady of the Conception in Atouguia da Baleia is a baroque church, attributed to the architect João Antunes, built thanks to the donations that were made by the local population and some...

  • The Igreja de São Pedro is located in the heart of Peniche's historic centre and is the largest church in the district.

    Dating from the end of the 16th century, the church is divided into a central nave and two side aisles. In each of the...

  • Photo: grupoacolitossilveira.weebly.com

  • Lourinhã Parish Church, dedicated to St. Mary and also known as Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, is a Gothic monument from the second half of the 14th century. There were two separate phases in its building: the first phase has been attributed to...

  • Situated inside the western jetty of the port of Peniche, the Marina da Ribeira has 140 berths for boats up to 15 metres in length and with draughts of less than 4 metres, 20 of which are reserved for transient moorages. Besides the usual facilities...

  • The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Peniche Museum Centre is composed of the Igreja da Irmandade (Church of the Brethren) and its outbuildings.

    The walls of the main section of the church are lined with 55 paintings that, together with others...

Nature: 1 Beach: 45 Information: 1 Bike Shops: 2 Accommodation - Campsite: 3 Accommodation - Youth Hostels: 2

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Comments: Section 17

Section 17

Santa Cruz / Peniche: 50

  • Elevation
  • Heritage
  • Nature
  • Beach
  • Information
  • Bike Shops
  • Accommodation - Campsite
  • Accommodation - Youth Hostels