Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
priority over human visitors: the only development that has been allowed includes hous-
ing for a small fishing community and a lighthouse. Paths are clearly marked to stop day
trippers trespassing on the birds' domain.
Linked to the island by a narrow causeway is the 17th-century
Forte de São João Baptista
,
now one of the country's most dramatic (but barren) hostels.
Sleeping & Eating
If you want to sleep on the island, you'll need to book well ahead. The two park facilities
can only be reserved starting in May. Most places are already booked solid by the end of
May.
There's a small grocery store on the island for self-catering.
Berlenga Campismo
( 262 789 571; turismo@cm-peniche.pt; 2-/3-/4-person tent sites €11/16/20; May-Sep)
This simple
camping area is just above a pretty beach near the boat dock; book in advance at the
Peniche
turismo
.
CAMPGROUND
€
Forte de São João
Baptista Hostel
( 912 631 426;
www.facebook.com/aaberlenga
; s/d/q €22/44/80; Jun-Sep)
This was once a fine his-
toric inn but was abandoned for many years - and you can feel it. It's a dramatic but dead-
basic hostel, with limited water supply and antiquated bathrooms; you need to bring your
own sleeping bag and cooking equipment, although there is a small shop and a bar. Ad-
vance payment by wire transfer is required. Bring a torch, as the generator goes off at
midnight.
HOSTEL
€
Mar e Sol
( 262 750 331;
www.restaurantemaresol.com
;
tw/f €100/140; mid-Apr-Oct)
The decent, if simple,
rooms here would seem overpriced anywhere else, but when you consider the location just
a few steps above Berlenga's boat dock and directly adjacent to its only restaurant, things
appeal more. Prices halve at beginning and end of the season.
HOTEL
€€
Getting There & Away
