Peniche

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 19:56, 22 March 2010

Peniche, Portugal

(Click links for more information)
	39°21′N, 09°22′W
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The marina of Peniche from west
Click for larger view

The town and port of Peniche lies on a peninsula about 24 miles south from Nazare and 45 north from Cascais. Originally on an island, the town became joined to the mainland in the 16th century when a sand spit formed. Today, as well as being an important fishing port, accounting for a sizeable share of the sardines, tuna and crayfish landed on the Portuguese coast, it is a hugely popular surfing centre. The Atlantic swell tumbling onto the coast here creates waves known as Supertubos which are much sought after by aficionados of the sport. There is a small marina on the western side of the harbour which takes yachts up to 15 metres.

Charts

British Admiralty 3635

Portuguese 23202; 24202; 24203; 26405

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

Local weather conditions?

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Approach and Navigation

From either direction, the rugged cape of Cabo Carvoeiro, capped with a prominent lighthouse, is a good landmark about 1.5 miles west of the harbour. The harbour is on the southern side of the peninsula and entry is from the east. The marina is to port on entry just beyond the short quay projecting from the western breakwater.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Berth on the long pontoon to port and await the arrival of a marina official. Alternatively, try calling on channel 11 or 16 or telephoning: +351 682 781 153.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• The Berlengas islands five miles NW of Peniche are a nature reserve. There are several coves on the SE side of the large island of Berlenga, overlooked by the lighthouse and a 17th century fort, Forte de Sao Joao Baptista, which is built on a rocky promontory joined to the island by a causeway. There is good diving and snorkeling around the island. (Details needed of anchorages and holding).

• The Farilhoes-Forcadas Islands are a group of rocky islets a further four miles NNW of the Berlengas Islands. There are no suitable anchorages for yachts.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• The Marina da Ribeira has a total of 140 berths on floating pontoons, of which 20 are designated for visitors. Maximum length 15 metres. Minimum depth in the marina is 3.5 metres. Visitors berth alongside on the long pontoon joining the three shorter pontoons forming an E shape. It is preferable to berth on the inside if there is space to avoid the wash from fishing boats and ferries (also the chop which can build up in southerly winds). Water and electricity on the pontoon. Toilets and showers. Laundrette. Crane (7.5T). Fuel berth in the harbour. Marina security (electric gate operated by card).
• The Clube Naval de Peniche is situated in the little fort at the root of the breakwater, just beyond the lifeboat house. Bar/café but not much else. Telephone: +351 262 782568.

Anchorages

• It may be possible to pick up a buoy in the harbour if there is one free. Accounts differ on whether anchoring is permitted in the harbour.
• On SE side of Berlenga island opposite the lighthouse (settled weather only).

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Boat yards and engineers in the town. Electric and electronic repairs possible.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station in the harbour near the lifeboat ramp. Water and electricity on the pontoon.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town of Peniche must have represented a formidable challenge to hostile armies, with its fortified walls and moat enclosing the peninsula (much of which remains today). The impressive 16th century castle guarding the narrow entrance to the peninsula is worth a visit. It was used as a prison for soldiers of Napoleon during the Peninsular Wars, for German soldiers during World War I and later for political prisoners during the infamous Salazar regime. It contains a small museum with examples of the lacemaking for which Peniche is celebrated. The baroque Misericordia Church in the main square has a notable painted ceiling which depicts scenes from the New Testament. Peniche is also a good base for visiting by bus the mediaeval town of Ovidos 18 miles inland. Ovidos is a stunning, virtually intact hilltop town, with impressive battlements and an original cobbled street plan. Most of the houses here are untouched since restoration following the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The town’s romantically sited castle is now converted into picturesque pousada. Also worth a visit is Ovidos’ church of Santa Maria, covered with azulejo tiles framing 16th century paintings of biblical scenes and displaying a remarkable pieta thought to have been carved in the studio of Nicholas Chanterene. You could even try the town’s renowned local cherry liquor known as ginjinha (an acquired taste).

Gallery

The 17th century castle of Peniche

Main street, Ovidos

Ovidos cobbled streets and castle

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarket on NE side of harbour. Small provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• May 2001 --Athene of Lymington 19:05, 22 March 2010 (UTC)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Template:Guide1

.