Discover Why You Need to Visit Portugal’s Berlengas Islands

While Óbidos is undoubtedly a highlight on any Portugal itinerary, many might not realize that just an hour away from this famous medieval town (30 minutes by car followed by a 30-minute boat ride) lies one of the country's most stunning nature reserves: Berlengas.

This cluster of small islands and rocks, located 10km (6 miles) off the coast of Peniche, includes Berlenga Grande, Estelas, and Farilhões-Forcado, which was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011. Among the Berlengas archipelago, only Berlenga Grande is accessible to visitors. Unlike the throngs that fill the streets of Óbidos daily, Berlenga Grande restricts its daily visitors to 550, with tours available only from March to October. This limit was instituted in 2020 to protect its exceptional natural environment and serve as a nesting site for various seabirds, including the unique Cory’s shearwater and the Band-rumped Storm-petrel found in Portugal.

Get ready for your trip to Berlenga Grande with this guide covering the island's top activities, what essentials to pack, and how to arrange your visit.

Explore the Berlenga Trails

The ideal way to discover Berlenga Grande is by traversing the trail that hugs the coastline. Starting from the pier, the initial segment of the path begins near Carreiro dos Cações, the island's narrowest point, and stretches 1.5km (1 mile) along the eastern side, known as Ilha Velha. Along this dirt track, you'll encounter local fishing spots and panoramic views of the neighboring islands: Estelas and Farilhões.

Return to the viewpoint overlooking Carreiro dos Cações, where the next section of the trail begins. This more frequented path leads to Farol da Berlenga and Forte de São João Baptista, the two primary structures on Berlenga Grande.

The ascent to the lighthouse is steep, taking you to the island's highest elevation, 92m (300ft) above sea level. Commissioned by Marquês de Pombal in 1758, the Farol da Berlenga has been operational since 1842, but is not open to the public.

From there, follow the signs to Forte de São João Baptista, a 16th-century military structure built to protect the Portuguese coastline from pirate assaults by Spain and France. It later served as a base for British forces during the Napoleonic Wars. The view from the cliff above the fort is one of the island's most stunning, especially on clear days. You can descend to explore the fortress's interior and take a swim from the small pier nearby.

If you prefer to skip the descent to the fortress, you can continue along the trail to the island's westernmost point. This less-traveled path is perfect for birdwatching among the Berlengas' inhabitants. If you visit in late spring or early summer, you’ll witness thousands of black-winged gulls with their chicks.

Embark on a boat trip to explore the caves, then relax on the beach.

An alternative way to explore Berlenga Grande is by taking a boat ride to discover the various caves that have naturally developed over time.

The journey begins at the pier and winds along the island's contours, entering caves that captivate with their stunning formations and vibrant colors, complemented by the turquoise waters. Your imagination will be tested as you spot shapes in the rocks resembling a whale's body or a human face, including the famous Elephant's Trunk rock formation.

The boat tour also offers a glimpse of the Forte de São João Baptista from a different angle and continues to Cova do Sonho (Dream Cave), named for its reputation as a favored overnight spot for fishermen, thanks to its calmer waters.

Famous for its rich marine life, Berlengas is also an ideal location for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or canoeing.

Set aside an hour during your visit to unwind at Carreiro do Mosteiro beach. This small stretch of sand fills up quickly but is perfect for a refreshing dip in some of Portugal's clearest and most beautiful waters.

There are three accommodation options available on Berlenga.

Day trips to Berlenga typically last four hours, but you have the option to extend your stay overnight or even for several days.

The Bairro dos Pescadores, located near the pier, offers one serviced accommodation option — Pavilhão Sol e Mar — which also features the island's sole restaurant. It's essential to book in advance (+351 262 750 331/+351 919 543 105) as it has only six rooms available.

For a unique experience, consider staying at the Forte de São João Baptista. You'll be sleeping in a former cell and need to bring all your supplies, including bedding. Reservations can be made directly with the Associação Amigos das Berlengas.

Lastly, camping is another option. To secure a place for your tent, reach out to the Peniche Tourist Office. Be aware that space is limited.

It's advisable to bring your own food and water with you.

Berlenga Island has limited resources, with few options for supplies. Besides the restaurant at Pavilhão Sol e Mar, there’s only one café called Castelinho, located within a small fortress, offering light meals.

Given the limited availability of food, prices tend to be quite high, so it's best to bring your own meals and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Getting to Berlenga

Visiting Berlenga Grande and exploring this nature reserve takes just a morning or afternoon. To reach the island, book your round trip by boat from the Port of Peniche with one of the local operators. Make sure to check the sea conditions before you depart, as the waters can get rough past Cabo Carvoeiro.

Additionally, obtaining the Berlenga Pass is essential; this is a mandatory permit established by the Portuguese government to regulate visitor access to the island. Due to the island's limitations, it's wise to book both your trip and the Berlenga Pass well in advance, particularly if you plan to visit on weekends or during the peak months of July and August.

Driving your own car is the most convenient way to reach Peniche, offering you greater flexibility with your schedule. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lisbon's Campo Grande station operated by Rodoviária do Oeste.