Berlengas

Berlengas is a Portuguese archipelago of small Atlantic islands lying roughly 10 to 15 km off the coast near Peniche, in the Oeste region. It is one of the most interesting natural sites on the Portuguese coast, and it can only be reached by sea.

What is the Berlengas archipelago made of?

The archipelago has three groups of islands. The largest is Berlenga Grande, the only island where visitors actually go ashore. Nearby lie the Estelas islets, and further out the Farilhões-Forcados group. Berlenga Grande is the only island that was ever inhabited, yet today the archipelago has no permanent residents. British mariners once knew these rocks as "the Burlings".

How do you get to Berlengas?

You can reach the islands only by boat from Peniche. The crossing is short because the distance from the mainland is just a dozen or so kilometres, but this is the Atlantic and sea conditions can change. Check the current boat schedule and the forecast before you travel.

What is there to see on Berlenga Grande?

The best-known monument is Fort São João Baptista, a military fortress from the Manueline era dating to 1502. It stands on a small rocky outcrop connected to the island by a short bridge, and its unusual shape follows the local terrain. You reach it by a short detour from the main path, which passes the lighthouse. Besides the fort, visitors walk trails along the cliffs, admire steep rock faces and look down at intensely turquoise water.

Why is Berlengas protected?

The archipelago has been a nature reserve since 3 September 1981. In 1999 it was designated a Special Protection Area for wild birds, and in 2011 UNESCO named it a Biosphere Reserve. The main reasons are its marine life and its seabird breeding colonies. Yellow-legged gulls nest on the main island, while other species breed on the remaining islets, especially in the Farilhões group. The reserve's emblem is the common murre, whose population has been steadily declining.

What should you watch out for when visiting?

Nesting birds can become very aggressive when defending eggs or chicks, so observe them from a distance and stay on the paths. Because this is a protected area, standard conservation rules apply: take your litter away, do not disturb wildlife and keep to marked trails. Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes, as shade is scarce on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Berlengas? About 10 to 15 km off the Portuguese coast, near Peniche.

Does anyone live on Berlengas? No, the archipelago currently has no permanent residents.

How do I get there? By boat from Peniche; there is no other way.

What is the main landmark? Fort São João Baptista, built in 1502 on Berlenga Grande.

Is it a protected area? Yes, a nature reserve since 1981 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011.