Kampaoh Peniche

On a spur jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Peniche has a 16th-century fortress that now houses the Museu Nacional Resistência e Liberdade, with exhibits illustrating the resistance to the Fascist dictatorship, which ended as recently as 1974. There are spectacular views from the Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse, built in the late 18th century. Óbidos (25 minutes’ drive) is a hilltop town anchored by the forbidding Castelo de Óbidos, a medieval fortress with crenellated towers and battlements. You can also visit the ancient Aqueduto de Usseira and the Church of Saint Mary, which is decorated with splendid azulejo tiles. The Berlengas Nature Reserve (40 minutes by boat from Peniche, with daily services May–October) spreads over a three-island archipelago – uninhabited, except for myriad birds who nest here or stop for a rest during their migration. Seagulls abound, but keep your eyes peeled for puffins and shearwaters.