In short: the Fishermen’s Quarter is the cluster of white houses beside the cove on Berlenga Grande, built to shelter the fishermen of Peniche who worked the island. It is the only inhabited part of Berlenga, occupied only seasonally, and one of the most photographed scenes in the archipelago.

The white houses of Berlenga

Arriving by boat at Berlenga you notice two things first: the fort on its islet, and a handful of white houses set against the slope beside the cove. That cluster is the Fishermen’s Quarter.

It was built to shelter the fishermen of Peniche who spent stretches of the season on the island during fishing campaigns, sparing them the daily crossing. The houses are small, plain, whitewashed and clinging to the slope, with no ambition beyond withstanding wind and salt.

The only inhabited part of the island

Berlenga Grande has no permanent population. The Fishermen’s Quarter is the only residential area and is occupied only seasonally, mainly during the months the island operates. Outside that window, Berlenga is left almost entirely to the birds.

This is also where the little support there is on the island is concentrated: the restaurant, the bar and the access to Carreiro do Mosteiro beach.

What to see there

The quarter takes only a few minutes to walk through, but it is one of the most interesting spots on the island from a human point of view — it shows the side of Berlenga that is neither nature nor fortress, but work. From the far end of the cove you get one of the best views of the Fort of São João Baptista, with its causeway crossing the water.

It is a scene photographers seek out: white houses, pink granite, turquoise water and the fort behind.

Read our photography guide to the Berlengas

Respect the residents: the houses in the quarter are private property and seasonally lived in. Stick to the public paths and avoid photographing interiors or people without permission.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fishermen’s Quarter on Berlenga?

It is the group of white houses beside the cove on Berlenga Grande, built to house the fishermen of Peniche during fishing campaigns on the island.

Does anyone live on Berlenga Island?

There is no permanent population. The Fishermen’s Quarter is occupied only seasonally.

Can you visit the Fishermen’s Quarter?

Yes, you can walk through it along the public paths. The houses are private, so please respect the privacy of anyone staying there.

Where is it in relation to the landing point?

Beside the cove, very close to the mooring and to Carreiro do Mosteiro beach.

Come and see the island from the inside

Our guided packages cover the history of the island and the people who worked it.

See our boat trips to the Berlengas

Fishermen’s Quarter of Berlenga: the Island’s White Houses