Where Are the Berlengas Islands: Location, Map and Distances

Where the Berlengas Islands are

The Berlengas Islands sit in the Atlantic off Peniche, in the district of Leiria, in Portugal’s Centro region. The nearest point of land is Cape Carvoeiro, about 5.7 nautical miles — a little over 10 km — to the east.

The archipelago’s coordinates are roughly 39°27′ North, 9°32′ West. It is the westernmost archipelago of mainland Portugal and, on clear days, visible with the naked eye from the coast at Peniche.

What the archipelago is made of

The Berlengas are not a single island. There are three distinct groups:

• Berlenga Grande — the largest, at around 78.8 hectares. It is the only one seasonally inhabited and the only one where landing is allowed. This is where the boats dock and where the trails, the beach and the fort are.
• Estelas — a group of islets and reefs to the north-east. No landing permitted.
• Farilhões-Forcadas — the most distant group, to the north-west, with tall, steep islets. Also closed to the public.

The whole archipelago is classified as a Nature Reserve and forms part of the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO.

Distances to Peniche

Since the only way to the Berlengas is by sea from Peniche, the first step is always getting to the town:

• Lisbon → Peniche: about 90 km, roughly 1h15 by car on the A8.
• Porto → Peniche: about 200 km, roughly 2h15 by car on the A1 and A8.
• Coimbra → Peniche: about 130 km, roughly 1h30.
• Peniche → Berlenga Grande: about 35 minutes by catamaran from Peniche Marina.

Read the detailed guide on getting there

Where you board

All crossings leave from Peniche Marina. The BerlengaTur stand is number 3, and we recommend arriving 40 minutes before your departure time. There is no other way to reach the island: no bridge, no air link, no departures from anywhere else.

The island’s geography

Berlenga Grande is an island of pink granite, a geological formation uncommon in Portugal, carved by the sea into cliffs, caves and tunnels. Its highest point is around 85 metres, where the Duque de Bragança lighthouse stands.

The coastline is jagged and full of cavities — which is where the sea caves come from, the best known being Furado Grande, a natural tunnel running through the rock. The north and west sides are more exposed and battered by the Atlantic; the south and east, more sheltered, hold the cove, the anchorage and the beach.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Berlengas Islands?

Off Peniche, in the district of Leiria, 5.7 nautical miles west of Cape Carvoeiro, at approximately 39°27’N 9°32’W.

How far are the Berlengas from Peniche?

About 10 to 12 km in a straight line, which works out at roughly a 35-minute catamaran crossing.

How many islands are in the Berlengas archipelago?

Three groups: Berlenga Grande, the Estelas and the Farilhões-Forcadas. Only Berlenga Grande can be visited.

How big is Berlenga Grande?

Around 78.8 hectares, which makes it easy to walk in a day.

Can you see the Berlengas from Peniche?

Yes. On days with good visibility the archipelago is visible with the naked eye from the Peniche coast, particularly from Cape Carvoeiro.

Can you reach the Berlengas from anywhere other than Peniche?

No. All authorised crossings depart from Peniche Marina.