Berlenga Islands
Berlengas Archipelago is a natural haven maintained in a virtually unspoilt state.
Constituted by three groups of small islands – Estelas, Farilhões and Berlenga – the zone maintains extensive undergrowth, including unique species such as the Armeria berlegensis and Herniaria berlengiana, whose names indicate their origin.
Berlenga, the largest island, is the only one with inhabitants throughout the year, limited to those persons required for indispensable services — operation of the lighthouse and surveillance of the Nature Reserve, thus living in absolute isolation. Between May and October there is daily maritime transport from Peniche. If this timetable does not suit you, or you would like to visit the islands during a different period of the year, there are small boats that can take you there, subject to seafaring conditions.
Many bird species find an ideal refuge here in order to nidify or as a stopping point in their migration routes. By far the most apparent presence is that of seagulls, which can be seen everywhere. Endangered species can also be seen such as the puffin, which resembles a small penguin and has been chosen as the symbol of a Nature Reserve. The protected area also covers an important 985-hectare marine reserve, with a highly diversified range of animal life.
Good to Know
Distance to Lisbon (by boat)
70 nautical miles
Time from Lisbon (sailing boat)
10 to 15 hours
Population
around 30 persons (fishermans and island legal keepers)
Area (km2)
1 km2
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How to get there?
With us: TagusLovers! We bring you there. Book your boat adventure and enjoy a day you never ever forget again.
