There’s something powerful and captivating about waves crashing into a rocky cliff, sending up a fountain of sea foam, then retreating back into the ocean.
It’s calming. It’s humbling. And it’s beautiful.
An old fishing town on the coast of Portugal, Peniche is known most of all for its beaches, great surfing waves, fortresses and sanctuaries, and the nearby Nature Reserve on the Island of Berlengas.
But the thing that I liked the most was the rugged, rocky shore of the westernmost part of Peniche, that you can access if you take the N114 around the cape.
One warning, though, don’t try to drive off the road, onto the rocky shore, unless you have a true all terrain vehicle, or you’re risking ruining the underside of your car. We came pretty close.
Also, be aware that if the waves are strong, and you’re standing too close to the cliff edge, you might get sprayed as well.
Here are few more photos.
Where to Stay in Peniche?
We stayed at Praia D’el Rey Golf & Beach Resort, which is an about half an hour drive, when we vacationed in the area, but you can stay in Peniche itself. There are quite a few hotels and apartments to choose from in Peniche you can book. Take your pick!
Shout Out to #TheWeeklyPostcard
#TheWeeklyPostcard, hosted by several other travel bloggers, is a place where travel bloggers can share their most recent posts, and read other travelers’ stories.
It’s interesting how much this coast resembles the Pacific Coast in Central California. I will probably visit this place this spring, so your post came just in time. Thanks for the information.
Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: The Lone Cypress
Thank you for reading, Anda! I’m glad you liked the photos. I’ve never been to California, so I don’t know how similar the coast is. There are nice beaches nearby, so it’s not just rocky coast, but I liked these rocks. I’ll try to whip up some more posts about Portugal, soon, so that you can read about what we saw and decide whether to go there as well or not.
Portugal is a stunning country – one of the places I want to go back to. Your photos capture it beautifully.
Lyn @thetravellinglindfields recently posted…Escaping the Czech Republic: Holiday disasters and how to avoid them – Pt. 2
Thank you for reading, Lyn! Yes, Portugal seems to be somewhat overlooked by international tourists, which I don’t understand at all. It’s a beautiful country, even though the highways are expensive. Definitely worth visiting.
What a beautiful area! I love rugged coastlines like this. Beautiful photos! I agree with Anda that it reminds me a lot of the Pacific Coastline. Portugal seems like an underrated destination and when you hear about it, it’s usually only about Lisbon. Thanks for sharing this!
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted…An Afternoon in Pisa, Italy
Thank you for reading, Mary! I actually didn’t care too much for Lisbon, but saw plenty of other beautiful places in Portugal that are definitely worth visiting. I still need to write about our daytrip to three monasteries north of Lisbon!
It looks like such a pretty place. And I agree with you – being near the coastline is so peaceful and breathtaking. I could stay and watch the watch and enjoy the scenery all day!
Constance – Foreign Sanctuary recently posted…Chinese New Year – [Photographing 2015] The Eighth Week
Thank you for reading, Constance! I wonder what the coastlines look like where you are. 🙂 I hope I’ll get to see it some day.
It’s looks beautiful! I haven’t been to Portugal (yet), but it’s definitely on the list.
Patti Morrow recently posted…Solo Road Trip: Ten Best Stops on the Gulf Emerald Coast
I didn’t know about Peniche, but it looks nice.
Thank you for reading, Shere. I’m glad you like the photos.