Peniche: A Coastal Gem of Portugal

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
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• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehs]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehn-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-tooh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr ooh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-ooh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia noite
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• MorningManhã
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• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoite
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• YesterdayOntem
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• TodayHoje
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• TomorrowAmanhã
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• 1Um
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• 7Sete
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• 8Oito
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dez
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• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
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• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh mohs-trahr-meh/noo mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh ooh proh-kshee-moo/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh/pah-rah]

Peniche's history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement in the form of ancient tools and pottery fragments. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast made it an important site for early maritime trade and fishing communities.

During the Roman period, Peniche was part of the Roman province of Lusitania. The Romans established a prosperous fishing industry and built infrastructure, including roads and ports, to facilitate trade. Ruins from this era, such as remnants of Roman villas and artifacts, can still be found in the area.

In the medieval period, Peniche became a fortified settlement due to its strategic maritime position. The construction of the Fort of São João Baptista on the nearby Berlengas Islands and the Fort of Peniche on the mainland were crucial in defending against pirate attacks and foreign invasions.

Peniche played a significant role during the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its port served as a departure point for explorers setting sail towards the New World. The town flourished as a hub of maritime activity, benefiting from the wealth and goods brought back by the explorers.

The Peniche Fortress, built in the 16th century, is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the town. Originally constructed as a defense against pirate attacks, it was later used as a political prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The fortress now serves as a museum, showcasing its diverse history.

During World War II, Peniche was a neutral zone due to Portugal's non-belligerent status. However, the Peniche Fortress gained international attention in 1960 when the famous communist leader Álvaro Cunhal and other political prisoners made a daring escape, highlighting the oppressive nature of the Estado Novo regime.

Peniche has a long-standing tradition as a fishing town. The local fishing industry has been the backbone of its economy for centuries. The town is renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly sardines and octopus. The annual Sardine Festival celebrates this rich maritime heritage with feasts, music, and cultural events.

In recent decades, Peniche has gained international fame as a premier surfing destination. The powerful waves at Supertubos Beach attract surfers from around the world, hosting major competitions like the World Surf League. This modern cultural shift has brought a new vibrancy to the town, blending traditional and contemporary lifestyles.

Peniche is home to various cultural festivals and traditions that reflect its rich heritage. The Festas de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, held in August, is one of the most significant religious and cultural events, featuring processions, music, dance, and traditional foods. Other events, such as the Peniche Carnival, showcase the town's lively spirit and cultural diversity.

Peniche is located on the western coast of Portugal, about 90 kilometers north of Lisbon. The nearest international airport is Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. From Lisbon, you can take a bus directly to Peniche, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive via the A8 and IP6 highways, which also takes around 1.5 hours.

Peniche is a relatively small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. There are also public buses that connect Peniche with nearby towns and villages. If you prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available and can be a convenient option for exploring the broader region, including the beautiful Silver Coast.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Peniche. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout Peniche, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Peniche is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Peniche, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European Union emergency number. Peniche has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and pharmacies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Peniche can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid beachwear when not at the beach. Religion: Be respectful when visiting religious sites, dress modestly, and maintain a quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Avoid loud conversations and eating on public transport. Greetings: A simple handshake is a common greeting. A polite 'bom dia' (good day) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood, especially the fresh fish and shellfish. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Portugal.

To experience Peniche like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Mercado Municipal, where you can buy fresh produce and seafood. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor to watch the fishing boats and enjoy the coastal views. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their town. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Berlengas Archipelago, a natural reserve with stunning landscapes, accessible by a short boat trip from Peniche.