Next to the fortress, the old fishing harbour remains picturesque.

The village of Baleal, the lace-like coast of Cabo Carvoeiro and the tiny islands of Berlengas (ask for the boat leaving from Peniche) are all nearby. Baleal is mostly loved by surfers, but pleasant for everyone. Don’t confine yourself to the beach because the little village perched on a tiny peninsula is absolutely delightful.

And don’t forget to try the tasty fish at one of Peniche’s many restaurants, especially those closer to the harbour.

Caldeirada, seafood rice, skewers of fish, lobster and a wide variety of chargrilled fish are the bounty from a sea that laps ancient cliffs.

Meanwhile, great waves for surfing, transparent waters and an unpolluted environment mean that the local beaches - stretching from Foz de Arelho to Praia de Santa Cruz, including other equally lovely beaches such as that at Areia Branca – are quite simply superb.