Berlenga Islands Attractions Ilhas Berlengas
The Ilhas Berlengas, 12km/7.5mi northwest of the rugged and imposing Cabo Carvoeiro, rear out of the shimmering green sea as bleak and bizarrely shaped masses of granite apparently cast asunder from the mainland. This little archipelago consists of the main Ilha da Berlenga (4.5km/ 3mi long and up to 800m/0.5mi wide), the neighboring islands of Estelas, Forcadeas and Farilhes, and numerous reefs and isolated rocks, offering magnificent opportunities for scuba divers. The main island can be reached by boat from Peniche in about an hour (regular services in summer).
Blue Grotto
Particularly fine is the Blue Grotto below the castle, which can stand comparison with the better known Blue Grotto on Capri.
Boat Trip
A boat trip around the island (inquire at the harbor or the inn) is highly recommended for the many fine views.
Ilhas Berlengas - Forte de Sao Joao Baptista
Below the lighthouse, on a crag above the sheltered bay on the southeast side of the island, is a castle built in the reign of Joao IV, now containing an inn (the only accommodation on the island apart from the campsite).
Ilhas Berlengas - Furado Grande
To the south of the castle is the Furado Grande, a natural tunnel 70m/75yd long which leads to the Cova do Sonho, a tiny rocky cove.
