Peniche Fortress and Sea Bird Islands

Peniche is a picturesque coastal town that can be reached from Lisbon in less than an hour’s drive. Since time immemorial Peniche has been a bustling fishing port and in ancient times most of the population lived of fishing and fishing related activities. The town has an historical harbour and harbour walls, and is dominated by a 16th century fortress (the Peniche Fortaleza). Throughout the centuries the “Fortaleza” had many uses, including a high security prison for political dissidents of dictator Salazar. Today it is a museum with artefacts that preserve the memory of its prison days. You can see some of the ascetic and cold cells that imprisoned those who dared to oppose the political regime in the 1950s and 1960s.

 Peniche is dominated by the sea. A short ferry ride from the harbour takes us to the Berlengas Islands which are a haven for thousands of sea birds, including some very rare species. Few places are as protected and preserved as the Berlengas Islands where no human habitants are allowed except for a handful of fishermen. The surrounding weird and wonderful rock formations and spectacular grottoes can be explored in small boats that pass through an incredible sea tunnel called Furado Grande.

 Come explore Peniche and the Berlengas Islands and stay at the Hedone property in Praia D’el Rey resort just a 15-minute drive away.

Hedone is Home.