MileHacker Logo
What to Pack for Peniche

What to Pack for Peniche

Peniche Portugal Travel Guide

Warm Weather Gear

Summer (June-August): Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Include shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and Swimwear. A Light jacket, sweater, or hoodie is a good idea for cooler evenings due to coastal breezes. Evenings turn quite cool by the water.

Sun & Sea

  • Swimwear & Board Shorts
  • Light Jackets & Sweaters
  • Breathable Fabrics: Cotton, Linen

Cooler Weather Layers

Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October): Layering proves helpful during these shoulder seasons. Include t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a light to medium-weight jacket or a Waterproof rain jacket. Trousers or jeans are suitable. Bring swimwear if entering the water, noting the ocean will be cooler than in summer. Winter (November-March): Warmer layers are necessary. Pack sweaters, fleece, a waterproof and windproof Winter jacket, and long trousers.

Seasonal Layers

  • T-shirts & Long-sleeves
  • Waterproof Outerwear
  • Warmer Sweaters & Fleece

Footwear Essentials

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy Sandals suit exploring the town and casual walks.

Town & Casual Walks

Beach Footwear

Flip-flops or Water shoes fit beaches.

Beach & Water Activities

Hiking Footwear

For rocky coastlines, sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended. Terrain can be uneven and slippery.

Coastal Trails & Berlengas

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Original passport (ensure validity), physical and digital copies.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Printed and digital copies of policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): For non-EU/EEA licenses not in English or Portuguese.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Of any vaccinations, list of prescription medications.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, car rental, pre-booked tours.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Physical list of family, friends, embassy/consulate, bank/credit card companies.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): Carry relevant identification.
  • Secure Copies: Keep digital copies saved securely in cloud storage or emailed to yourself, separate from physical documents.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz. Plug Type: Type F (Schuko) or Type C (Europlug) are standard. A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Ensure your devices are dual voltage or use a Voltage converter if needed.

Phone & SIM Options

  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Most modern smartphones are compatible with Portugal's GSM network.
  • Local SIM Card: Purchase prepaid SIM from MEO, Vodafone, or NOS for cost-effective calls and data. Passport registration usually required.
  • eSIM: Check device compatibility for convenient activation before or upon arrival without needing a physical SIM card. Consider Airalo.

Cameras & Apps

A Smartphone camera is often sufficient. For surf photography, a Waterproof action camera like a GoPro is highly recommended. For coastal landscapes, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera from retailers like B&H Photo with wide-angle lenses can be beneficial. Consider a Tripod for sunset shots.

Recommended Apps & VPN

  • Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps), HERE WeGo.
  • Translation: Google Translate (download Portuguese for offline use).
  • Ride-sharing: Bolt (often more prevalent than Uber in Portugal), Uber.
  • Weather/Surf Forecast: Magic Seaweed or Surfline. When using public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for backing up photos and important documents.

External Hard Drive

An External hard drive proves useful for larger media files if traveling with a laptop.

RFID Protection

An RFID blocking wallet protects credit cards from electronic skimming.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A basic kit includes: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (like Ibuprofen), allergy medication, and any personal medications. For comprehensive supplies, check Adventure Medical Kits.

Kit Contents

  • Band-aids & Antiseptic Wipes
  • Pain Relievers & Allergy Medication
  • Prescription Medications (with documentation)

Sun & Insect Protection

Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30-50+), After-sun lotion, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. The sun is intense, even on cloudy days.

Protection Musts

  • High-SPF Sunscreen (SPF 30-50+)
  • Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes appear present, specifically in warmer months or near stagnant water. A repellent containing DEET or picaridin stays effective.
  • After-Sun Lotion & UV Sunglasses

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication proves relevant for the ferry trip to Berlengas Island.
  • Atlantic waters grow choppy.
  • Consider pre-medication before travel.

Hydration

  • A reusable water bottle is recommended for refilling.
  • Refill from safe tap water to reduce plastic waste.
  • Environmentally friendly choice.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Surf Gear

Serious surfers might prefer to bring their own surfboard travel bag and leash. A Rash guard is useful for sun protection and reducing wetsuit rash.

  • Surfboard (own or rent)
  • Leash & Wax
  • Rash Guard
  • Wetsuit (rent locally)

Snorkel Gear

If snorkeling independently around Berlengas Island, consider bringing your own Snorkel mask and fins for comfort and hygiene.

  • Snorkel Mask
  • Swim Fins
  • Dive Skin (optional)
  • Waterproof Camera

Hiking Essentials

Quality hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended for coastal trails and Berlengas, where terrain appears uneven.

  • Hiking Shoes
  • Daypack
  • Water Bottle
  • Snacks

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Rent These

  • Surfboards and Wetsuits: Widely available from surf schools and shops. Consider renting for less serious surfing or to avoid bulky travel gear.
  • Bicycles: Available for rent in Peniche town and Baleal from various shops.
  • Snorkel Gear: Rent on Berlengas Island or through tour operators, but personal gear often fits better.
  • Beach Umbrellas & Chairs: Rentable on major beaches.

Consider Bringing These

  • Personal Surfboard (for serious surfers): Familiarity and performance.
  • Waterproof Action Camera (GoPro): Capture ocean adventures.
  • Specialty Medications: Brands or types hard to find locally.
  • Comfort Items: Neck pillow, Eye mask, Earplugs for long travel.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comforts

For longer bus journeys, a Travel pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs significantly improve comfort. A Power bank keeps devices charged throughout the day, specifically during day trips to Berlengas Island.

Journey Aids

  • Travel Pillow & Eye Mask
  • Earplugs
  • Portable Power Bank
  • Universal Power Adapter (Adapter)

Eco & Smart Choices

A Reusable water bottle minimizes plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag serves grocery or market purchases. Durable Sunglasses are helpful due to coastal glare; a strap keeps them secure during activities. Specialty items like specific medication brands might show harder to find locally.

Sustainable & Practical

  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Reusable Shopping Bag
  • Durable Sunglasses with Strap
  • Specific Medication/Brands

Sustainable Travel

Reusable Bottle

Minimizes plastic waste.

Shopping Bag

For market purchases.

Digital Copies

Less paper usage.

Local Support

Eats at local eateries.

Tech & Security

Digital Tools

  • Mobile Phone & eSIM
  • Offline Maps & Translation Apps
  • Surf Forecast Apps (Magic Seaweed, Surfline)

Safety & Power

Packing Pro Tips

Pack smart for Peniche's dynamic climate and activities. Layering works best. Do not forget sun protection and motion sickness remedies for boat trips.

Digitalize copies of important documents and carry a Reliable travel bag for organized packing. (Amazon, Nordace for bags).