Visit Papoa
Table of Contents
If you are in Portugal, visit Papoa Beach in Peniche. This article will provide travel information and interesting facts about this amazing place. We will discuss its unique geography, natural features, outdoor activities, best places for photos, and facilities available for visitors.
Tourist information
When planning your trip to Portugal, visit Papoa Island in Peniche. This unique natural site is not really an island but a small peninsula accessible by a narrow stretch of land about thirty meters wide. In fact, Papoa is a peninsula that protrudes from another peninsula, thus being part of the region’s complex geographical structure.
To get to Papoa, you must first enter Peniche, then travel to Fuseta, and from there, you must go to Papoa. The path to this Atlantic oasis is well-marked, and although the trail is in good condition, you should be careful on days of rough seas and high winds.
What to do in Peniche
Peniche is face to face with the sea, which defines its unique atmosphere and the opportunity to surf Peniche. Bathers, surfers, fishermen, and lacemakers combine here to create a special local culture.
The town offers plenty of activities and recreational opportunities along its coastline:
- Surf Peniche and beaches: Consolation and Praia dos Supertubos beaches attract surfers from all over the world. Baleal Beach is also famous with water sports enthusiasts.
- Natural attractions: Cabo Carvoeiro and Papoa Peninsula offer spectacular views and unique photo opportunities.
- Excursions: Berlengas Island, just offshore, is a nature reserve where you can see a variety of seabirds and rare plants.
Where to eat in Peniche
Peniche offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the local cuisine:
- Pick Up Order – UberEats.
- Maresia – Restaurante, Bar, Esplanada
- Mar à Vista
- Ecletic
These restaurants offer a varied menu, including fresh seafood, and create an atmosphere perfect for a relaxing dinner overlooking the ocean.
Where to stay in Peniche
Supertubos Beach Hostel: An excellent choice for surfers, located directly across from the beach of the same name.
- MH Atlântico and MH Peniche: These hotels offer comfortable accommodation and are close to key city attractions.
- Berlengas à Vista Apartments: Ideal for those who want to enjoy sea views from their window.
- Silver Coast—Casa da Ilha: This cozy two-bedroom apartment with an equipped kitchen is located in the village of Baleal.
Interesting facts
- Geologic Paradise: Papoa is a geologic deposit with a variety of rock types, mostly limestone. Pebbles indicate the volcanic origin of Papoa, similar to the soil of Berlengas, visible from here in the absence of fog.
- Karst terrain: Papoa has karst terrain riddled by the sea and weathered by the wind. Even on hot days, the temperature remains cool, creating a unique natural environment.
- Rich fauna: Papoa is home to many seabirds, such as cormorants, seagulls, and petrels, which inhabit the rocky shores and are not afraid of the harsh conditions.
- Shipwreck Legend: Papoa is often mentioned in stories of shipwrecks, including the famous wreck of a Spanish galleon returning from Peru. Some of that ship’s treasure is still at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Myth of Our Lady: Legend has it that an image of Our Lady was preserved on one of the shipwrecks. Fishermen miraculously found this image in a cave and later transferred it to the church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, which is still worshipped today.
- Sacred Sites: A vertical stone near Papoa is called Pedra dos Corvos. There is another stone named Nau dos Corvos in Cabo Carvoeiro, on the western tip of Peniche. They are related to the legend of St. Vincent and are significant to Lisbon.
Open hours
The beach is open 24 hours a day.
Tickets
You don’t need a beach ticket; however, you must pay extra to rent an umbrella, lounge chairs, and other equipment.
Address
Address Peniche 2520-618.
How to get to Papoa
How to get from the centre of Peniche to Papoa
By car:
- Distance: 2.7 kilometers
- Travel time: 7 minutes
- Route: Via Rua General Humberto Delgado, Avenida Mariano Calado and local roads
On foot:
- Distance: 2.3 km
- Travel time: 28 minutes
- Route: Via Caminho dos Dominguinhos, Rua Primeiro de Maio
