The town was an island up until the fifteenth century, when the surrounding area silted up and now a narrow isthmus, with gently sloping beaches either side, connects it to the mainland. Unsightly development stretches along the coast, and though it’s not the most handsome of towns, inside the walled town there is a small grid of attractive narrow streets dominated by a fortress, near the busy harbour and marina. Boats from here run out to the Ilha da Berlenga, while many visitors use Peniche as a base to explore the fabulous beaches either side of town – rated some of the best surf beaches in the country – or to visit the church at Atouguia da Baleia.