Berlengas: island tours, Peniche and boat trips
Off Peniche in Portugal's Oeste region lies the Berlengas archipelago. Its main island is Berlenga Grande.
Berlengas island tour
Berlenga Grande extends 1.5 km from end to end and is 0.8 km wide. The archipelago has no permanent residents; people live there temporarily, and only on Berlenga Island. In the early 16th century, Hieronymite monks settled on Berlenga Grande.
Remains of an earlier monastery were used to build the fort. In 1666 a Spanish fleet besieged the fort during the Restoration War; it was then repaired and strengthened, and completed in 1678. During the Liberal Wars, liberal troops used the fort in their advance on Peniche, which they took in 1833.
The private Berlengas Islands day tour from Lisbon with Óbidos and Peniche lasts 9 hours and includes transport from Lisbon and back, a professional guide throughout the day, a guided visit to São João Baptista Fort and a nature trail walk on Berlenga Grande.
Berlenga and Peniche
The islands fall under the administration of Peniche municipality in the district of Leiria. Tourism, fishing and activities connected to them account for much of Peniche's economy. The Berlengas Biosphere Reserve brings together islands and rocks with the mainland city of Peniche.
Berlengas became a natural reserve in 1981. Marine waters make up more than 98 percent of the natural reserve's 95.6 square kilometres. It has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011.
Berlengas boat trip
The Berlenga Island boat tour with caves and a snorkeling kit includes the return boat crossing between Peniche and Berlenga Island, a cave tour in a boat with a glass bottom lasting approximately 25 minutes, and a mask, snorkel and fins, with a skipper, sailor and guide throughout.
The return trip to Berlenga Island by fast boat and catamaran includes the crossing between Peniche and Berlenga Island in both directions, an experienced skipper and crew, and use of one of four vessels according to group size and availability.
The surrounding marine reserve is rich in fish.
Plants, seabirds and the lighthouse
Around a hundred plant species grow across the archipelago. The rocky ground has little soil, restricting the vegetation. Armeria berlengensis and Pulicaria microcephala are among the plants endemic to these islands. Within the biosphere reserve, cliffs with sparse vegetation provide nesting sites for seabirds.
Completed in 1841 and first lit in 1842, the Berlenga lighthouse is also known as the Duque de Bragança lighthouse. Its square tower rises 29 metres.
Where are the Berlengas?
The archipelago is off Peniche in Portugal's Oeste region and is administered by Peniche municipality in the Leiria district.
Does anyone live on the Berlengas permanently?
There are no permanent residents, and temporary residence is confined to Berlenga Island.
What does the private tour from Lisbon include?
The 9 hour tour includes return transport from Lisbon, a professional guide throughout the day, a guided fort visit and a nature trail walk on Berlenga Grande.
What is included in the boat tour with caves?
It includes a return crossing from Peniche, approximately 25 minutes touring caves in a boat with a glass bottom, snorkeling equipment, and a skipper, sailor and guide throughout.
When did Berlengas become a natural reserve?
Natural reserve status began in 1981. It has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011.
Frequently asked questions
