Just over an hour away from the Portuguese capital, there is a natural reserve in an archipelago composed of three small islets: the Berlengas.
A heavenly place and definitely in your bucket list when in Lisbon!
And guess what, we’ve got just the tour for you! *wink*
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Source: Sophie Laurent on Unsplash
This is an area protected by the Portuguese government since 1465 and was declared by UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve in 2011.
The archipelago consists of small Atlantic islands 10 to 17 kilometres (6.2–10.6 miles) off the coast of Peniche. These islands were traditionally known to British mariners as “the Burlings”. The only inhabited island is its largest island, Berlenga Grande, although there is currently no permanent habitation in the archipelago. The other islands are grouped into two groups of islets: the Estelas Islets and the Farilhões-Forcados Islets.
On The Cooltours’ full day tour to the Berlengas, you will have the opportunity to visit Berlenga Grande, the largest island, walk along its trails with a local guide, visit some of the caves on a boat trip and visit the Fort of S. João Baptista, which defended the seafarers of this archipelago for centuries. Be dazzled by its crystalline and wild waters and by the natural beauty of this remote place on the Portuguese coast!
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Source: Yvonne Einerhand on Unsplash
The geomorphology of the archipelago plays a fundamental role as a unique ecosystem with a very rich biodiversity, both in terms of plant and animal life.The Berlengas archipelago is subject to enormous environmental and anthropogenic pressures, which affect its characteristics, endangering its protected habitats (degradation) and endemic species (extinction).
In order to promote sustainable management and mitigate existing threats (such as climate change, excessive tourism, waste, and invasive species) the Berlengas archipelago has been placed under different protection programs over the years, including the Berlenga Nature Reserve and the World Biosphere Reserve.
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Source: Yvonne Einerhand on Unsplash
When preparing for this tour, don’t forget:
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for the season and bring a jumper or a cardigan.
- Choose sports shoes.
- Bring a bathing suit and slippers in your backpack in case you want to go for a swim.
- We advise wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- The São João Baptista restaurant and Fortification are not open to the public all year round. Please confirm that they are in operation if you are travelling outside the summer months.
- Always bring a water bottle with you, preferably a reusable one.
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Source: Andras Kovacs on Unsplash
As a visitor, you also have a few responsabilities, to make sure future generations will also be able to visit this beautiful island.The Berlengas Nature Reserve has a unique natural heritage, and it is up to all of us to protect this very rich ecosystem. In order to preserve its habitats, animal species and flora, it is essential to keep the Berlengas free from non-native species, thus supporting the work of the LIFE Berlengas project.
- Check your luggage before boarding in order not to carry insects, mammals or seeds, pay special attention to camping equipment.
- If you see any rats or rabbits on the island, please inform nature’s watchkeepers.
- Do not tamper with, remove or damage the traps placed on the island.
Your tour will include:
- Central Meeting Point – 08:00 Praça da Figueira (Front of the statue) (hotel pick-up upgrade available)
- Drop-off at one of 2 centrally located points: Restauradores / Marquês de Pombal
- Small-group tour (8 people max.)
- Professional local guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Live commentary on board
- Transfer by boat from Peniche to Berlenga Grande
- Tour to the caves
- Tour with local guide through Berlenga Grande
- Insurance according to Portuguese law
