When talking about hidden paradises in Portugal, Berlengas Island is a destination that cannot be missed on the list. Located off the coast of Peniche, this small archipelago is a natural treasure full of stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters and unique biodiversity. If you are planning a visit, here is an account of an unforgettable day we had on Berlenga Grande, the main island of the archipelago.
Booking the trip
Peniche, located an hour away from Lisbon by car, is where you will embark on this adventure. It is important to know that the boat crossing from Peniche requires prior booking. Due to the popularity of this destination, especially during the summer months, seats on the boats fill up quickly. The boat crossing between Peniche and Berlengas Island takes approximately one hour. The boats operate at specific times, with departures generally in the morning and return in the afternoon, allowing you to spend a full day on the island! We left the hotel at 9 am and arrived in Peniche around 10 am. We went straight to the boat line and boarded at 11am and returned on the 4pm boat!
Arrival on the Island: The Adventure Begins
The adventure began early, with the boat crossing from Peniche. The sea was calm, and the trip lasted about 50 minutes. As we approached the island, its imposing beauty became increasingly evident – huge cliffs emerging from the blue waters of the Atlantic, with small caves carved by the force of the waves.
Exploration of the Fort of São João Baptista Upon disembarking, we decided to start our visit to the São João Baptista Fort, one of the most emblematic buildings on the island. The path to the fort, via a trail that winds through the rocks, offers spectacular views and is an excellent opportunity to take memorable photographs. Built in the 17th century to defend the coast from pirate attacks, the fort looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its stone bridge connecting it to the main island.
Lunch with Sea View At noon, we returned to the port and had lunch in the only restaurant on the island. The meal, simple but delicious, included a burger on super appetizing homemade bread with some delicious potatoes as a side dish. Eating with a view of the sea, while listening to the sound of seagulls and feeling the sea breeze, is an unparalleled pleasure.
Diving in Crystal Clear Waters With the heat of the afternoon, we couldn't resist taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Berlengas. Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro, with its golden sand and clear water, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. If you're a fan of snorkeling, you'll love exploring the rocky bottoms full of marine life.
Family Activities
In the afternoon we took advantage of the last few hours on the island to go kayaking.
In Berlengas, exploring the island by kayak is an unmissable experience. The calm, crystal-clear waters that surround the island make the trip safe and pleasant, even for the youngest. As a family, you can explore the hidden caves and coves together, observing marine life and enjoying moments of fun and complicity. It is an activity that combines adventure, contact with nature and, of course, many opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
Return to Peniche: The End of a Perfect Day
At the end of the afternoon, we took the boat back to Peniche, tired but with the feeling of having lived an unforgettable day. Berlengas Island is one of those places that, once visited, remain in your memory forever. It is a destination that combines adventure, history, and breathtaking natural beauty – an experience that we recommend to any lover of nature and tranquility.
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