Our Tour begins in Peniche, located near Cape Carvoeiro. From here you can see a small islet (about 6 miles from the coast) formed by Great Berlenga, Small Berlenga, Estelas (a bunch of rocks) and Farilhőes. Only the first Islet is inhabited. This archipelago is classified as Natural Reserve and also as European biogenetic reserve. It is an ecological paradise mainly inhabited by seagulls, maritime-crows, puffins and sparrows.

Peniche is the westernmost city of continental Europe and Cape Carvoeiro is its extreme point. It was populated since pre-historic times as proved by archaeological evidences found in Forninha Cave. Then the Romans came who also left their marks.

It was an island that due to a siltation process in the 14th and 15th centuries was connected to Atouguia da Baleia and became a peninsula. Peniche developed in connection to the sea, one of its main activities is fishing. At the time of the Discovery Journeys the boats were built there. The need of protecting the town led to the construction of the fortress (1557) which was enlarged and bettered later. In the 20th century the fort was converted into a political prison during our dictatorial regime and after 25th April 1974 it was converted into a museological space.

Óbidos was founded by the Romans but it was taken from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques. It is a medieval small town all surrounded by walls and structured by a typical architecture; its streets are narrow and we can see several Manueline porticos, some precious corners and windows ornamented with beautiful flowers taking us to a courtesan atmosphere. Several Portuguese Kings took care of it, which explains the mixture of styles and also the fact that it is so well preserved until present times. Let us point out the pillory (previous to the 16th century and made of a granite pillar with the King’s ensign) and the Usseira aqueduct which is 3 km long and was built in the 16th century to bring water to the town.

Óbidos is famous by its embroideries which represent the paintings on the ceiling of the Parish Church of Santa Maria and there is also the tapestry from Óbidos that is inspired in the 17th century glazed tiles that cover the walls of that church. “Ginginha” is also a tradition in Óbidos at the Bar Ibn Errik Rex; fifty years ago this place was an antique shop and the owner used to welcome his customers with a glass of this liquor.

The lagoon of Óbidos is what is left from the inlet that in the past went as far as the town walls.