Peniche was originally an island and was only joined to the mainland in the 16th century when a sand spit formed linking the two. Today it's a peninsular with 15 kilometres of rocky coastline jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important fishing port and a major supplier of crayfish, sardines and tuna to Portugal.

The Berlengas islands are part of the municipality, off the coast of Peniche. They are one of the world's first protected areas, the Berlengas nature reserve. During summer, the islands can be visited taking a ferryboat from Peniche.

Peniche is known for its long windy beaches, sought for recreational activities and sports as surf, windsurf or kite surf. Peniche has very good waves. Supertubos is the most popular wave in the region, with very fast and powerful (tubular) waves, one of the best in Europe; some call it the "European Pipeline". Peniche, with its typical harbour, its white windmills and chapels and large sand beaches has inspired notorious painter artists like Maurice Boitel.

Wikipedia articles for Peniche

• Peniche (Portugal)
• Atouguia da Baleia