Berlengas Islands Special Protection Area

Berlengas Islands Essential Discoveries

The Berlengas Islands, located off the coast of Peniche, comprise a granite archipelago known for the 17th-century Forte de São João Baptista and the Duke of Braganza Lighthouse. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the area features dramatic cliffs like Cabo Carvoeiro and unique geological formations such as the Cerro da Velha islet. The islands serve as a critical nesting site for seabirds and contain historical infrastructure including stone cisterns and ferry connections to the mainland.

Cabo Carvoeiro

Cabo Carvoeiro is cape which lies on the Atlantic coast, along the westernmost point of the Peniche Peninsula, in the civil parish of …

Cerro da Velha

A small rocky islet located within the Berlengas archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.

Berlengas

The primary maritime arrival point and ferry terminal providing seasonal transport links between the Peniche Peninsula and Berlenga Grande.

Forte de São João Batista

A 17th-century coastal fortification built on the site of a former monastery, connected to the main island by a narrow stone bridge.

Forte de São João Baptista

A prominent maritime fortress featuring vaulted ceilings and stone corridors, originally constructed to defend the archipelago from pirate raids.

Farol da Berlenga

Also known as the Duke of Braganza Lighthouse, this 29-meter tower has guided ships through the archipelago since 1841.

Berlenga

The highest point on the island of Berlenga Grande, offering views across the granite cliffs and the surrounding Special Protection Area.

Cisterna

A historical water storage reservoir used to collect and preserve freshwater for the island's residents and garrison.