We had an extended weekend break, away for my birthday in early October.
This time, we visited Peniche, a small peninsula town on the coast, about 35km South of Nazaré.
We arrived at the hotel at around midday, too early for check-in. So we parked there and walked into the town to find a place for lunch.
There was a great number of places to choose from, and we settled on the Miramar restaurant, overlooking one of the harbours. An extremely popular place, already quite full (always a good sign), our table was in the window with a great view. The food was excellent, with huge servings. By the time we finished, it was well past check-in time at the hotel, so we headed back there.
After settling in, we took a walk to the beach, which was only 150m from the hotel, just across the road and over the dune past the surf shack bar.
The Atlantic Ocean, early evening, early October.
Perfect example of the differences in rock strata and how the Earth is constantly changing.
We walked northward along the beach to Baleal, then out onto the end of that rocky outcrop.
A small sheltered cove with sea-view homes. Praia dos Barcos.
We found a small bar to get a drink before returning along the beach to the hotel.
The next day, we planned a walk around the main town along the coastal path. So, after a hearty breakfast, off we set.
A shrine to the protector of fishermen.
Praia de São Pedro, a protected cove inside the walls. Probably used to get goods into the city in secret.
Another sheltered cove further up the coast. Safe paddling.
Can you see the angler, fishing from the cliff?
A-ha! There he is. How can he land anything of a reasonable size from there?
By now, we were getting hungry, so we searched for a café or restaurant. Eventually, we found the Profresco Fish Market & Restaurant in the industrial estate just off the main roadway. Once again, the food was excellent.
Refuelled, we continued on our trek.
Walking further round the coast, we found a crazed rock floor with lots of fossils. They were all over the place, often already weathered out of the rock.
One of the tidiest and prettiest public lavatories that we have seen.
By now, we were almost back to the main beach where we started in the morning. At the first opportunity, we joined the beach and walked along the sand back to the hotel.
A good day out walking, seeing the sights and enjoying the sunshine.
After a rest at the hotel, we went for an evening snack at the surf shack just across the road.