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Berlengas Archipelago

Berlengas Archipelago: Our most recommended tours and activities

Peniche: Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour

1. Peniche: Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour

Discover the archipelago of Berlengas on a day trip from Peniche. Cross the sea in a glass-bottom boat, explore the caves on a tour, and relax on the beach. Begin your day with a ferry ride to the Berlegnas archipelago on a glass-bottom boat. As you ride, enjoy views beneath the waves of flitting fish. When you disembark, stroll on the warm beaches and enjoy the sounds of the waves calmly lapping at the shore. Join a local hiking tour to learn about Berlenga’s cultural and historical significance. Explore the island's geography. After your hike, go into the mysterious caves of the area before returning by ferry.

From Peniche: Fast Boat Berlengas Archipelago Round-Trip

2. From Peniche: Fast Boat Berlengas Archipelago Round-Trip

With calm beaches, clear waters, and an unspeakable beauty, the archipelago of Berlengas is the perfect day trip from Peniche.  Located approximately 7 miles away from Cape Carvoeiro, in Peniche, the archipelago consists of 3 island groups: Berlenga Grande, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcadas. The archipelago is also considered part UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The ferry will take you from Peniche to Berlengas, where you will be able to enjoy and explore the island on your own. You will have close to 4 hours to explore the archipelago before boarding the return ferry to the starting point.

Peniche: Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour

3. Peniche: Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour

Start your tour by meeting your captain at the harbor of Peniche. Take a ferry towards the Berlengas archipelago, where your glass-bottom boat trip will take place. Then, take a 30-minute cruise around Berlengas, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that includes various nature conservation sites. Look down into the clear waters and spot marine life. You will also enter some caves, such as the Blue Cave and the São João Batista Cave.

From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour

4. From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy the beauty of the natural reserve that includes the island of Berlenga Grande that has been protected by the Portuguese government since 1465 and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. See the sea caves and fortifications jutting out into the sea at the Fort of S. João Baptista. Start with being picked up by your friendly guide from your hotel in Lisbon. Travel to Berlenga Grande on a comfortable boat to explore some trails with an expert guide before heading to some dramatic sea caves by boat. Next, go to the Fort of S. João Baptista, which defended the seafarers of this archipelago for centuries. Be dazzled by the crystalline and wild waters and by the natural beauty of this remote place on the Portuguese coast before heading back to Lisbon.

Peniche: Berlengas Island Round-Trip Ferry

5. Peniche: Berlengas Island Round-Trip Ferry

The Berlengas archipelago is situated 16km west of Peniche, a powerful granite block which belongs to the parish of St. Peter, in the Peniche municipality. The archipelago is a protected area that includes various nature reserves and is considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011. Depart from the harbor of Peniche and enjoy a 30-minute ferry ride along the turquoise sea waters. Arrive at the Berlengas harbor from where you will be able to freely explore the archipelago. Start with a visit to the São João Baptista fort built in the 17th-century. This little fort is one of the most visually striking buildings in Portugal. After this, go for a swim at Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro, the only beach that is accessible and safe to swim from. Next, find the café and restaurant on the island before taking the ferry back to Peniche

Berlengas The Atlantic Frontier: Day Tour from Lisbon

6. Berlengas The Atlantic Frontier: Day Tour from Lisbon

On this full-day excursion you'll start at the city of Peniche, a traditional fishing village, where you'll find a boat waiting to take your group to Berlenga Island. After arriving at the island, you’ll then board a smaller boat in order to see St. John the Baptist Fort. Built in the 17th century, the fort was an important part of the shore defence system. Hear stories about the brave soldiers who defended it during the attack by the Spanish fleet. Take a walk back to the port along the authorized paths of the nature reserve, admiring the amazing views in this UNESCO Biosphere Heritage Site. At the port, you’ll have some free time for lunch (not included), or for a quick swim or snorkeling (equipment provided) at the beach nearby. There is just 1 restaurant on the Island, but it is of good quality and fresh fish is always available. If you bring a snack with you on the trip, you’ll find the island’s only beach just steps away. Snorkeling here is a good option, as undersea life is abundant and the waters are calm. After lunch, you’ll have a chance to kayak around the island if you like. The island cliffs are full of caves, and you can kayak through them. For the less active, there’s the option of touring the caves in a small glass-bottom boat. Afterwards, you’ll head back the mainland for the return trip to Lisbon.

From Óbidos or Caldas: Nazaré Giant Waves & Traditions

7. From Óbidos or Caldas: Nazaré Giant Waves & Traditions

The Nazaré canyon, a natural formation making a massively deep and large hole in the sea floor right next to the shoreline, creates massive waves that make this spot, Praia do Norte, a Meca for adventurous surfers all around the world. The canyon also hides a Nazi submarine, which was sunk there on purpose never to be found again... We will also visit the Sanctuary and Memory Chapel, and will be able to have a breathtaking view of Nazaré and a great deal of the Silver Coast shore (all the way to the Berlengas Islands). Last but for sure not least, you will also get to know Nazaré itself, a one-of-a-kind traditional fishing village, its narrow alleys facing the sea, and its old traditions like the “Dry Fish” and the puzzling “sights” of local women wearing their famous seven skirts.

Top sights near Berlengas Archipelago

Other Sightseeing Options in Berlengas Archipelago

Want to discover all there is to do in Berlengas Archipelago? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Berlengas Archipelago

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 853 reviews

Me and my partner did the Berlengas tour at the beginning of February and it was an amazing experience. The day was beautiful which help to have a nice trip but the team that went with us were amazing. The tour was fantastic and our guide Mira was very nice and helpful. He also explain about the island and the several elements that are a part of it in a very funny and clear way. We loved the tour and could not have chosen a better company to book it with. Definitely a place to return. Thank you very much for the amazing experience. I highly recommend everyone to book a tour and visit the Berlengas island.

The boat trip was fun and informative. Super helpful and friendly staff. We did the combination hike and extra boat ride. Knowledgeable/friendly guides made the day fun and interesting. Island is beautiful and we would definitely go again.

Nice people, nice views, great experience. Beware of tourist tax, this is not included in the travel price and can cause some discomfort if not handled correctly, but is inexpensive.

amazing excursion, was a top highlight on our trip to portugal. the boat ride itself was worth the money, so much fun in the big waves! Highly recommend.

Everything was great! But I you rather it last longer :)