This walk takes place in the beautiful area of the Baleal peninsula and on part of the north coast, passing by Almagreira and Azenhas beaches. Another event not to be missed!

Baleal

Baleal is an island connected to the land by a narrow strip of sand. You could think of it as a sort of miniature Peniche, since in the past the entire isthmus of Peniche would have been an island that was later connected to the land by a tongue of sand. The historic centre of the houses that can be seen in Baleal is a whaling station (hence the name) that has since evolved into a kind of village, now dominated by tourism. To the south of the peninsula is the islet of Terra and to the north are the islands of Pombas and Fora.

Baleal Fort

In 1808, during the French invasions that took place in Portugal, which lasted from 8 December 1807 until September 1808. Today, only a few of the fort's walls remain, and they are in poor condition. In June 1808, French General Thomières, permanently unsettled by the news of the imminent attack by the English troops that had landed in Peniche, ordered some ruined fortifications to be repaired and also ordered the construction of a battery on the path to Cape Carvoeiro and a small fort at Baleal, which in the end was never built.

Chapel of St Steve

Little is known about the construction of the chapel, but it is known that it may have been built in honour of Saint Stephen (patron saint of fishermen). The Chapel of St Stephen is a small temple built on a rock, possibly dating back to the 16th or 17th century. It has a simple façade and a single nave inside. In this chapel, Our Lady of Mercy is venerated alongside St Stephen, whose image is associated with a legend. The interior walls are covered in 17th and 18th century tiles.

Natural heritage

Baleal's natural heritage is of rare beauty. Baleal Island, which at high tide looks more like a cruise ship, the island of Pombas, the island/land, the hidden and peaceful Praia das Cebolas, the harbour or Praia dos Barcos, the beach on the north side and Lagide, shallow and calm, which stretches from the island to Praia da Almagreira with the Pedras Muitas and Pedra Ruiva, are true natural fishing treasures and also bathing treasures. Then there's the beach on the south side (Baía), which stretches from Ilha da Terra in a semi-circular shape for more than three kilometres to Praia de Peniche de Cima.

- Baleal Island - North Beach - South Beach - Almagreira Beach - Cebolas Beach - Vestiges of the Fort - Islets - Santo Estêvão Chapel - Natural landscapes -