What to do
Beaches
– Golden Sands and Silvery Sea -
The Silver Coast has some of the best beaches in Europe and dozens of them carry the prestigious Blue Flag designation that recognises their cleanliness and natural beauty. The views here are breathtaking, with cliffs rising up out of golden sands, sheltered natural coves and the silvery sea that has given this region its name.
There are so many beaches here it is possible to get away from the crowds no matter what time of year it is. In July and August holidaymakers flock to the popular beaches at places like Foz do Arelho, Nazare, Peniche and Ericeira, but there are lots of other quieter spots along the coast,
Peniche
Popular for its long, fabulous town beach, nearby surf strands and also as a jumping-off point for the beautiful Ilhas Berlengas nature reserve, Peniche is spectacularly set on a headland surrounded by sea. It remains a working port, giving it a slightly grittier, more ‘lived in’ feel than its resort neighbours. The walled historic centre makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar’s regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's speciality,
Cabo Carvoeiro Peniche
The Cabo Carvoeiro (Cape Carvoeiro) lies on the Atlantic coast, along the westernmost point of the Peniche peninsula, in the civil parish of Peniche in the municipality of the same name in the Portuguese district of Leiria.
Opposite the archipelago of the Berlengas, the cape is integrated into a natural terrestrial and maritime reserve, in the vicinity of the Gruta da Furninha, a site known for the discovery of prehistoric remains suggesting human occupation since the Neolithic.
Owing to historical storms and shipwreck, a 25 metres (82 ft) high lighthouse was constructed on the promontory to assist maritime shipping.
Dino Parque Lourinhã
Is a theme park dedicated to dinosaurs, and is the largest outdoor museum in Portugal and is only 20 min away from Peniche. At this dinosaur exhibition, visitors can see more than 180 scientifically proven life-size models dinosaur species.
Usually is the Children´s favourite attraction
Óbidos
Quite close to the capital and located on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Óbidos has had a strategic importance in the territory. It had already been settled prior to the Romans’ arrival in the Iberian Peninsula, and the town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century, and it became part of Casa das Rainhas.
You will find a well preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colourful window boxes and the small squares, many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days provide a host of reasons for making a visit.
BERLENGA ISLAND
Berlenga Island is a natural reserve, located about 7 miles from the Peniche Port; it is 1500 meters long and 800 meters wide.
Usually very clear waters excellent for diving or snorkelling.
It is a region of great interest for botanical specialists with several endemic species and species of limited distribution. A nesting spot for some species of ocean birds
Accessed only by boat, crossings can take between 25min-45min. Several companies offer tours, during the season it is recommended to book in advance. Boats depart from the touristic harbour in Peniche.
BACALHÔA BUDDHA EDEN - BOMBARRAL
Join us for a visit of the Quinta dos Loridos, where the impressive Buddha Eden - the largest oriental garden in Europe, can be found.
The oriental garden with around 35 hectares of land was created as a reaction to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan, in which one of the greatest acts of cultural barbarity took place, erasing masterpieces of late-period Gandhara art.
From Buddhas, pagodas, terracotta statues and the various carefully-placed sculptures which can be found throughout the gardens, it is estimated that some six thousand tons of marble and granite were used to create this monumental work of art.
