A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, this place nestled in the crystalline waters of the Atlantic consists of three islands. During your stay you can relax by the sea, go trekking and visit splendid caves.
If you are in vacation in Portugal and you want to spend a quiet day, do some healthy trekking and fully enjoy nature without the excesses of the metropolis, then take a car or a bus and head towards Peniche.
Here you can enjoy the splendid sea and the naturalistic beauties of the Berlengas Reserve.
Berlengas Reserve, where it is located
THEBerlengas archipelago, immersed in the crystalline waters of the Atlantic, it is not far from Lisbon - about 90 km - and 10 km from the city of Peniche. From here you have to take the boat to reach them.
It is advisable to visit them from April to October.
In fact, during the winter / autumn, due to wind and bad weather, they remain isolated.
Also know that visits are limited in number to prevent endless and irrepressible crowds of tourists from altering the delicate balance of the ecosystem that reigns in the islands.
Remember that in the Atlantic Ocean it is very easy to see sudden changes in the weather: you can go from sunny to cloudy to rainy in a few minutes.
It certainly happens more frequently at Azores, but also the Berlengas, although closer to the Portuguese coast, have a different microclimate from the Continent. Therefore, at least equip yourself with a jacket and comfortable shoes for trekking, but also a beach towel and flip-flops to get wet in the emerald waters from which, no doubt, you will be attracted.
How to reach us
To get to Peniche you can rent a car or use the buses of the Portuguese company Rede Expressos which connect perfectly all of Portugal: from Lisbon take the Sete Rios Terminal.
Once in Peniche (it will take more or less an hour and thirty minutes) head towards the marina where you will find several operators: at least 3/4 will offer you tickets for the crossing.
Usually the boats are medium / small, suitably equipped rubber dinghies are also used, the sea journey takes about 40/45 minutes.
By the way, if you are lucky, you can spot groups of dolphins.
Generally the boats leave around 9: 00/10: 00 in the morning with returns from 14:00 to 18:30 and have a price that is around 20/30 euros.
In addition to transport, you have the opportunity to buy some excursions, such as a canoe or kayak ride, to see the different sea caves.
Berlengas Reserve, what to know
Natural reserve since 1981, these lands are included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011 and are formed by 3 islands: Berlenga Grande, Islas Estelas e Farilhoes-Forcadas (the last 2 are uninhabited).
Great Berlenga is your final destination and is theonly one that can be visited. It is mainly inhabited by fishermen and you will notice it upon arrival when you see an endless series of small boats for fishing.
You can also bring a tent and a sleeping bag and spend a night camping.
Arrived at the pier, relax with a coffee in the nearby restaurants and then decide the path to take. Don't worry, you won't get lost!
The island is really small: about 1.5 km long by 800 meters wide.
Among the main paths do the one that leads you to Fort of São João Baptista, the seventeenth-century building, with an octagonal shape, built on an islet and connected to the island by a stone bridge.
The passage is very wide but there are no protective barriers so watch out for children. Today it is used as a hostel and is run by the Associação dos amigos da Berlenga.
You will also meet the Lighthouse of the Duke of Bragança which since 2001 is powered by solar-powered batteries.
After or before you can opt for the "dolce far niente" by lying on the golden sand of the Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro which is located a stone's throw from the dock, to enjoy the Caribbean colors of the Atlantic.
The caves to visit
On board small fishing boats you can instead go and see the caves of which the island is very rich.
To report Big Furado, 70 meters long, the Blue Cave which is located under the Fort, the elephant rock formation and the cliff of the Cathedral so named for its shape.
For enthusiasts it is possible to practice diving e bird watching, especially to see theUria aalge, the bird symbol of the archipelago that almost resembles a penguin.
