Berlengas Nature Reserve

Ten kilometres off Peniche, the Berlengas archipelago is a stronghold of nature in an almost wild state. It is made up of three groups of islets — the Estelas, the Farilhões and Berlenga itself — and keeps a lush, low-growing vegetation that includes unique species such as Armeria berlengensis and Herniaria berlengiana, whose names reveal their origin.

Many bird species find an ideal refuge here to nest or to rest during migration. Gulls are everywhere, but you can also spot threatened species such as the common murre, a bird that looks like a small penguin and is the symbol of the reserve. The protected area also includes an important 985-hectare marine reserve with very diverse sea life — over 98% of the reserve is ocean.

To explore it, follow the footpaths that lead to the sea caves, to the Fort of São João Baptista, or simply to good spots for taking in the breathtaking views.