Welcome to Travel Friday. | Jon Hyman

Welcome to Travel Friday. Since everybody appears to be visiting Portugal nowadays, here is my tip: do not overlook Peniche.

The coastal city—set on a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic—is the westernmost metropolis in continental Europe. Peniche is greatest recognized for 4 issues: scenic vistas, browsing, lengthy, large, lovely seashores, and fishing. It additionally occurs to be one among my favourite locations on the planet.

Just an hour north of Lisbon and two hours south of Porto, Peniche makes a really perfect stopover for just a few days of rest between the 2 (as we did on our first journey to Portugal) or a seaside trip in its personal proper (as we did on our most up-to-date go to).

Here are my ideas for the highest 7 issues to do in and round Peniche:

1. Take a day journey to Berlenga Island: Hop on a ship to this gorgeous nature reserve, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, for mountaineering, snorkeling, and exploring the Seventeenth-century São João Baptista fort.

2. Wander the medieval streets of Óbidos: Step again in time on this charming walled city, recognized for its cobblestone alleys, whitewashed homes, and ginja, cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. It’s only a 20 minute drive from city.

3. Walk the rugged path to Ilha do Papôa: Explore this small, rocky island linked by a slim land bridge, providing gorgeous views, dramatic cliffs, and a contact of untamed isolation simply steps from city.

4. Catch world-class waves at Supertubos Beach: Peniche’s legendary surf spot recognized for its highly effective barrels and worldwide surf competitions. It’s additionally a lot calmer in the summertime, and there are dozens of surf faculties that can train any newbie. (Or, simply stroll the seaside and watch others tempt the surf.)

5. Visit the Fort of Peniche: Explore this historic fortress-turned-political-prison that now serves as a strong museum of Portugal’s resistance to dictatorship.

6. Stroll the scenic cliffs at Cabo Carvoeiro: Marvel at dramatic ocean views and distinctive rock formations at Peniche’s westernmost level, which is even higher when the solar is setting.

7. Explore the open-air artwork of Buddha Eden: 25 minutes from Peniche, you may stroll by means of acres of peaceable gardens full of large Buddha statues, up to date sculptures, lovely flora, and peacocks (so many peacocks) in Europe’s largest Asian backyard.

Bonus tip: Drive 5 minutes north up the coast alongside Baleal Beach, and eat brunch or lunch at Tugo’s. The sandwiches and salads are the very best round and the nippiness vibe blends properly with the beach-town ambiance. Ask for Hugo and inform him that Jon from Ohio despatched you.

Até breve, Peniche.