What to visit in Berlengas Portugal

For those who like nature tourism, visiting Berlengas is one of the most exciting experiences and places in Portugal since we are facing a landscape practically untouched by man and of great scientific interest since its fauna and flora are found in a purest wild state.

Since the fifteenth century, D. Afonso V referred to this set of islets as a protected area; then, it was declared a Natural Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Daily about 350 people can visit the island, and access is only by sea or air.

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Top 3 Berlengas

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São João Baptista Fort

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Berlenga Grande Beach

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Duque de Bragança Lighthouse

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Since the fifteenth century, D. Afonso V referred to this set of islets as a protected area; then, it was declared a Natural Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

About 350 people can visit the island daily, and access is only by sea or air.

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Site History

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There are human remains at Berlengas dating back to the 1st millennium BC when it is believed to have been considered a sacred site dedicated to the worship of Baal-Melkart.

The first historical reference is found later in Ptolemy’s Geography, dating from the 2nd century BC, and a little later, the Romans called Saturn the Berlengas.

Over time, Phoenician, Arab, Viking, and later French and English ships anchored here.

In the fifteenth century, some fishermen settled there, and one hundred years later, the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome created a monastery that, in addition to the confinement due to religious, had the intention of helping the victims of the numerous shipwrecks that happened there at that time.

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What to do in Berlengas

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For bird lovers, the Berlengas is an actual observatory, hosting colonies of herring gulls, crested cormorants, and peregrine falcons, among others.

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Weekend in Berlengas

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Tips to better visit the Berlengas

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1. When you arrive, visit the main monument of the island, the Fort of São João Baptista, which was built in the shape of an irregular heptagonal polygon, which is very important in defense of this very isolated place, and observe the lighthouse of Duque de Bragança, which stands It is located at the top of Berlenga Grande, 29 meters high.
2. The island has beautiful beaches, the most popular of which is Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro. It is ideal for enjoying this beach after a walk through the closed trails.
3. Also, visit other beaches, such as Praia do Forte or Praia Cova do Sonho, which, even with little sand, present an indescribable beauty.
4. While strolling around this beautiful island, take the opportunity to learn about the bird life in this natural observatory.
5. Do not forget the camera. You will have beautiful landscapes to record and remember later.
6. You can also take boat trips and visit beautiful caves (Gruta da Flandres, Greta da Inês, Gruta do Brandal, Gruta Azul, Gruta Muxinga, and Gruta da Lagosteira), as well as you can dive or snorkel in the beautiful green and clear waters. Like glass.
7. Also, visit the Visitor Center to understand better the habitat in the Berlengas and the work done by this team of biologists, who will always be there to tell you the history of these islands and their animals and plants.
8. You can go up to the lighthouse, get to the door and ask the lighthouse keeper.

Since mid-2019, there has been a limit to the number of people who can stay in Berlengas simultaneously. The possibility of regulating the number of visitors was provided for in the Berlengas Nature Reserve Planning Plan since 2008. Still, it was only in 2019 that it was decided to put the measure into practice.

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Tours in Berlengas

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You can book online to facilitate your trip to Berlengas.

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Berlengas Map

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Map of the Berlengas archipelago made by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests.

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Places of interest

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The main places to visit:

And secondary places to visit:

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Place of the Moinho

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In the Bairro dos Pescadores, on top of the hill, there is a curious ruin, which corresponds to what remains of a lighthouse and a watchtower built there in Roman times, dating from the period between the 1st and 2nd centuries. IV a.C.

The collection of archaeological artifacts is rich, consisting mainly of Roman pottery fragments.

The name of Sítio del Moinho is given to the top of the slope, probably due to the existence of a mill, which the locals refer to, identifying it with another ruin that can be seen there.

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El castelinho

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This enclosure is relatively contemporary. It is located on the north face of Cala Forte.

It is about 20 meters on each side, with a wall built with granite stone without traces of cement or mortar.

According to the memories of the old people, the fenced area was used for horticulture, safe from the strong winds and the voracity of animals.

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Figueiras Battery

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Next to the bay of Figueiras, there are relics of an ancient structure. The curious will wonder about its history and purpose.

It is one of the military structures built in 1812, according to a project by the sergeant major of the Royal Corps of Engineers, framed in the defense plan against Napoleonic invasions.

It would be a platform with artillery pieces uncovered, where the guns were lined up and ready to open fire on any imminent threat.

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Orchard of the retirees

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This enclosure is relatively contemporary and is located on the north face of Cala Forte.

It is about 20 meters on each side, with a wall built with granite stone without traces of cement or mortar.

According to the memories of the old people, the fenced area was used for horticulture, safe from the strong winds and the voracity of animals.

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Interpretation Center

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The Interpretive and Visitor Support Center is a small space of only 17 m2, located in Bairro dos Pescadores, where visitors will find an explanatory exhibition with various panels and audiovisual media. Admission is free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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