Category: Nature > Beach
District: Leiria > Peniche > São Bernardino
São Bernardino Beach is located in the town that lends it its name, in the municipality of Peniche. Framed by a cliff that offers natural protection, this coastal beach is situated in an urban area. Its position provides a harmonious integration between the community and the maritime landscape, inviting moments of tranquility by the ocean.
The cliffs embracing São Bernardino Beach hold geological secrets dating back to ancient times. By observing their layers, it is possible to decipher a fascinating natural history: formed by the passage of rivers that existed during the Upper Jurassic period, these cliffs show a notable distinction between sediments. On their northern side, the layers are predominantly sandy, while to the south, clayey ones prevail, evidencing the fluvial dynamics that shaped the landscape millions of years ago.
For those who appreciate nature in all its splendor, São Bernardino Beach offers more than just the beauty of the sand. This is a place where various species of coastal birds find refuge and food. With a little attention, it is possible to observe the European shag, frequently perched on the sea, or the western marsh harrier, which searches for small mammals and insects in the area. These birds, which build their nests here, contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The history of São Bernardino Beach includes a chapter dedicated to well-being and health. For about a century, until the mid-1960s, the beach was renowned for its thalassotherapy practices. The so-called "hot baths," with heated ocean water, were sought by those looking for relief from health problems, particularly rheumatism. This therapeutic past lends the beach a unique cultural and historical dimension, linked to the search for healing through the properties of the sea.
São Bernardino Beach inherits its name from the village where it is located. The locality's name has deep historical roots, linked to the arrival of Franciscan monks in the 15th century. These religious established a convent in the area and chose as their patron saint Saint Bernardino of Siena, an Italian Franciscan friar canonized in 1450. Thus, the name of the beach carries with it a cultural and religious heritage that marks the local identity.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.3111911,-9.3468447
Coordinates DMS: 39°18'40.3"N 09°20'48.6"W
Weather São Bernardino
On-duty Pharmacy São Bernardino
