Peniche has numerous beaches along its coast and has a vast cultural heritage including the forts and religious monuments.
A few miles from the Carvoeiro Cape is the Berlengas Archipelago, classified as Natural Reserve. Due to the biological value of the surrounding marine area this is a popular destination for divers. It also has high interest botanical and bird life and the airo (Uria aalge) is the most emblematic bird of Berlengas. On the island of Berlenga is recommended to visit the S. João Baptista Fortress, the Duque de Bragança Lighthouse and the beach of Carreiro do Mosteiro. Visits can also be made to the caves through small boats.
In the north of Peniche the coast extends over several kilometres and the Lagido, Baleal and Almagreira beaches of are places to visit. The Lagido and Supertubos beaches together host the Rip Curl Pro Portugal competiton.
Following the route the landscape is still dominated by beaches – d’El Rei, Covões, King Cortiço and Bom Sucesso – until you reach the Óbidos Lagoon. This lagoon is the longer coastal lagoon system in the Portuguese coast, where the birdlife and bivalve molluscs are the ecological groups with greater relevance. Here you see the bateiras, typical boats of this ecosystem.
The route goes around the lagoon near the town of Óbidos, a place that deserves a visit. Within the walls of this picturesque village lie the Castle and a labyrinth of streets with white houses and numerous examples of religious architecture – Santa Maria Church, Misericórdia Church, S. Pedro Church and the Pelourinho. Outside the walls are the Aqueduct and the Sanctuary of Jesus Stone. The visit should not end without appreciating the Ginjinha de Óbidos, available in several shops.
Further north you can also visit the Caldas da Rainha. The caricaturist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro was born in this town and he founded the Stoneware Factories of Portugal where it started producing the popular dishes of Caldas. To walk in this area the D. Carlos I Park and the Rainha D. Leonor Forest are recommended. It is also suggested a visit to the Ceramic Museum and the Hospital and Caldas Museum.
The route ends in Foz do Arelho, in the confluence of the Óbidos Lagoon where there are two types of beach: on one side the quietest conditions of the lagoon and on the other the sea.
Comments: Section 12