The present invention pertains to peptides derived from the capsid protein of Enterovirus 71 which have antiviral activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, comprising these peptides, nucleic acids encoding the same, as well as vectors and host cells expressing the antiviral peptides of the invention. The invention also pertains to methods for treating or preventing infectious diseases caused by viruses, in particular by Picornaviruses, such as Enterovirus 71.