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Photo: Osvaldo Gago, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A notable example of Portuguese coastal defences. During the authoritarian rule during the 20th century, known as the Estado Novo, or Second Republic, it was used as a prison for communist and other opponents of the regime.
The Peniche Fortress is located in the municipality of Peniche in Oeste region of Portugal. Built on the site of the former Castle of Atouguia da Baleia, of which only a few vestiges remain, initial construction took place in 1557 and 1558 but there have been numerous subsequent modifications. Its defensive walls surround an area of two hectares, divided into upper and lower parts. The fortress has served a number of functions including that of a political prison during the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. It now contains a museum devoted to the resistance to the Estado Novo.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Attractive little island with a beautiful beach that acts as a causeway to the mainland. Surfing is popular here.
Berlengas Archipelago
This chain of small islands lies 10–17 km (6.2–10.6 mi) off the coast of Peniche. The archipelago lacks any permanent residents and its nature reserve is home to unique plant and animal life on land and in the water. In summer, the islands can be visited by taking a ferryboat from Peniche.