Visit the Berlengas Islands, the Portuguese archipelago off Peniche

Discover the Atlantic Ocean! In this guide we take you to the conquest of the wonderful Berlengas Islands off Peniche to spend an unforgettable stay.

The Berlengas archipelago is located off the coast of Portugal. It is about 10 kilometres Cape Carvoeira, and the charming little town of Peniche. From the coast you can contemplate the largest island, Berlenga Grande of a length of 1.5 km and a width of 0.8 km and two small islands: Estela and Grande Farilhao .

If you are going to discover the Berlengas archipelago, you can enjoy an impressive natural reserve. Because there, the rocky landscape is lush vegetation. This is why the Berlengas Islands obtained the title of a biosphere reserve by Unesco in 2011. Therefore, if you pass through the village of Peniche, visiting the Berlengas Islands is a must-see!

But how do you get there? What are the excursions to do? Follow our guide to learn everything you need to know about the archipelago, and get all the practical information you need to get there.

Discovering a mysterious archipelago...

Close your eyes. Listen to the echo of the wind, which blows into the rocky cavities. Lose the gentle sound of the waves that splash the cliff. And finally, focus on singing rare species of birds or other seagulls that fly over this small Portuguese archipelago. Open your eyes: welcome to the Berlengas Islands, the country's first protected area since the 15th century.

If the stones of Fort São João Baptista could speak, they would bear witness to a painful past: big storms, attacks by pirates and mercenaries. The island also housed a monastery that hardly survived the invasions. The bridge is still holding!

The Naufragés were numerous: they came to ground on the cliffs of the island and found refuge in one of the few buildings on the island... In addition, the Berlengas archipelago was frequently joined by the Vikings.

Once considered inhospitable and weather conditions are often poor, Berlenga Grande is now inhabited. And she's most popular! It was even in 1000 BC, where it had adopted the island sobriquet of Saturn given by the geographers of the time.

Beyond that, it is the entire archipelago that welcomes visitors every year in search of a haven of peace in the middle of nature for a few hours or a day. So, to explore the Berlengas Islands is a fascinating adventure with lush nature: a natural heritage that must be discovered at all costs.

What to see and do in the Berlengas Islands

We recommend you to discover Berlenga Grande, which has unmissable sites like the famous São João Baptista fort we have just mentioned, as well as the charming viewpoint of Cova do Sono . Afterwards on Carreiro, you can enjoy a swim or snorkelling session.

The Berlenga lighthouse, which culminates in 92 metres above sea level, is also a must-see point to discover in the Berlengas Islands. Dating from 1842, this lighthouse has one of the most important optical systems in the world!

Then, simply admire the flowers, plants, cross the small paths, and remember to lift your eyes to the sky to enjoy the birds. Finally, you can discover the different beaches of the islands like the Praia da Berlenga Grande or the famous views of Buzinas and Melreu.

In short, in the Berlengas Islands, you can make a very pleasant hike or stroll along the beaches and gently plunge into the restless water in search of fish.

How to visit the Berlengas Islands?

There are two ways to visit the Berlengas Islands: by boat or by foot.

Visit the Berlengas Islands by boat

Go to the Berlengas Islands by boat! This excursion allows you to have another approach to the place, and to put you in the skin of the ancient navigators and other Vikings that have explored the archipelago from the Atlantic Ocean centuries ago.

During two hours , in group, you will discover the Berlengas Islands and can admire the entire west coast of Peniche.

In addition, this boat trip to the Berlengas Islands may allow you to see many marine species such as turtles and dolphins. Keep your eye open!

Your guide, expert in this field, will explain how the marine ecosystem works in the archipelago, and will return to the history of the Berlengas Islands over the centuries. This visit is therefore an excellent way to explore the archipelago in an original and playful way.

Visit the Berlengas Islands on guided hike

Some trails cross the Berlengas Islands. The place is therefore the opportunity for walking enthusiasts to make a complete guided tour to discover all the wonders of the archipelago!

With this excursion, you will go from Peniche to a small ferry, then join the farmland to learn more about this jewel of the UNESCO world network of biosphere reserves.

You will thus have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches of the island and its small coves, but also to visit places of interest. Among them: the fort São João Baptista or the lighthouse of the large island of Berlenga.

Your guide will have leisurely to tell you about the corsary attacks, the history of the ancient monastery, and what the island symbolizes today for Portugal. In addition, thanks to this visit to the Berlengas Islands, you can witness the richness of its fauna and flora, but also its geology.

After this hike, you will be brought to the caves through the cliffs. A strong moment in sensations!

Visit the Berlengas Islands under water

If you make this choice of visit, you will not necessarily have the opportunity to discover the historical heritage of the Berlengas Islands. Instead, it is a unique and enchanting world that opens to you: that of the seabed!

You can book your snorkeling session in Peniche and then go to the Berlengas Islands by boat, then dive into the mask and tuba near the archipelago.

You will have the opportunity to test several snorkeling spots around the main island, but also the two small islands. Experience can last up to 7 hours !

And if you want to go further, or rather dive deeper, don’t hesitate to book a dive course whose level is adapted to your experience. Accompanied by a certified guide, you will have the chance to admire the underwater life and to see, perhaps, some creatures... Indeed, fish, dolphins, but also turtles made the Berlengas archipelago their home.

How do I access the Berlengas Islands?

The islands are only accessible by Seaway . You can choose the ferry, off-board or go for a trip from the port of Peniche.

Getting to Peniche

Before you reach the islands, you will have to go to Peniche. From Lisbon , count about 1h20 by car to reach the city. You can also reach Peniche from Lisbon by bus via local companies Rede Expressos from station Sete Rios and Rodo Tejo from Campo Grande.

And at the start of Porto , about 2h30 by car . If you are not vehiculated, you must count 4-5 a.m. by bus.

Access to the islands by ferry

The ferries towards the Berlengas Islands depart from the port of Peniche. This is where you will find the operators responsible for the crossing. Count 45 minutes about to reach the Berlengas Islands, for a price growing around 20 € round trip .

We also recommend you sit on the right side of the boat from Peniche to enjoy the view!

Thanks to the offer of several agencies, you will have boats easily and quickly between Peniche and the Berlengas Islands. You can also buy your ticket in advance especially during the high season.

Also note that the weather is capricious on the archipelago side, and that your journey will be automatically cancelled in case of bad weather .

Access to the islands in the outskirts

These propulsion boats take you to visit the Berlengas Islands faster than ferries. Indeed, 20 minutes sufficient crossing to reach the archipelago.

As with ferries, boats are very common since there are several different companies that provide travel.

Access to the islands via a tower

A “ barco privado “Do you try? Take a mini-group ride on a private boat with a tour of the island.

Then count several hours of visit (including crossover) for a price of about 30 € per person . The agencies also adapt to the request: if you want a private tour, do not hesitate to contact them in advance.

The right addresses

The good addresses where to stay in the Berlengas Islands

If it is possible to sleep directly on the island, in a campsite or in the hotel, the places are precious. We invite you to stay in an establishment on the side of Péniche where you can then enjoy the Berlengas Islands by boat access.

Casa Berlengas

This hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Berlengas Islands! What do you say? In addition to this size, you can enjoy a functional apartment with kitchen and private bathroom. Ideally located, close to the beach and hiking trails, this pepit in Peniche is the place to be for a successful stay!

Peniche Praia

Test the bungalows at this place to stay in Peniche! You will enjoy a small, comfortable and functional home, but also access to the indoor pool and the garden.

Especially, Peniche Praia is located close to the beach : perfect, so, to take the boat and to join the Berlengas Islands. Count about 50 € per night .

Alojamento Nuno Moço

Do you prefer an apartment rather than a hotel? This residence is for you. Located in Peniche, the Alojamento Nuno Moço welcomes you by the sea for a relaxing stay. You will also have access to a charming terrace.

Notez that accommodation is approximately 3 km from the beach that takes you to the Berlengas Islands. Also, count one 100 euros per night to stay in this classic Portuguese apartment.

The good places to eat in the Berlengas Islands

We recommend that you plan a picnic for your day trips, or snacks, as the offer on the island is extremely limited. However, you can taste local delights to Mar e Sol !

If you want to eat in seafood restaurants, we recommend you look at the side of Peniche. Tasca de Joel or Toca do Texugo , for example, are affordable establishments highly recommended to eat very well.

Ready to drop the moorings to visit the Berlengas Archipelago? We wish you an excellent stay!