Picture this: a tiny Portuguese archipelago where the Atlantic meets ancient fortress walls, and the day-visitors wave goodbye as you settle in for what might just be the most magical night of your Portugal adventure. Welcome to Berlengas, my friends!
You know those travel moments that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret? That’s exactly what staying overnight on Berlenga Grande felt like for us. While most visitors hop on the last ferry back to Peniche (totally missing out!), we discovered that the island’s true charm reveals itself when the sun starts to set and the crowds disappear.
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Whether you’re dreaming of camping under the stars (yes, you can actually do that!), or fancy sleeping in a 17th-century fort (how cool is that?), I’m about to share everything you need to know about turning your Berlengas day trip into an unforgettable overnight adventure. Trust me, waking up to nothing but the sound of waves and seabirds will make you wonder why you ever considered just doing a day trip!
Chapters
Getting to Berlengas Island
Let me save you some head-scratching about transportation – this was honestly one of our biggest planning puzzles before the trip! While most visitors book round-trip tours (which won’t work if you’re staying overnight), we discovered a much better way to do it.
The Berlengas Ferry Options
Option 1: VIAMAR (The Budget-Friendly Public Ferry)
- One-way tickets:
- Adults: €12-20
- Kids (2-12 years): €8-15
Pro Tip: We chose this option, and it worked perfectly! The ferries are comfortable enough and fairly easy to book even on mobile. You’ll need to book TWO separate tickets on two different days. This means two different transactions as well. Luckily, you can also add an excursion! I originally booked the kayaking, but the winds were too high so they switched us to a cave tour instead.
Option 2: Nevada (Private Transfer)
- One-way transfer: €280
- Perfect for:
- Groups wanting flexibility with departure times
- Those seeking a more exclusive experience
- Anyone prone to seasickness (the smaller boat can navigate around choppy waters better)
Berlengas Transportation Pro Planning Tips
- Book your return first! Here’s a travel hack – secure your return journey before anything else. Spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season!
- The morning ferries tend to be more crowded with day-visitors. We found the afternoon departures much more relaxed.
- Keep an eye on the forecast – ferries can be canceled if the sea gets too rough. Having a flexible schedule helps!
From Lisbon to Peniche
Before you even get to the ferry, you’ll need to reach Peniche (where all boats to Berlengas depart). We drove from Lisbon, and it was surprisingly easy:
- Bus from Lisbon: About 1 hour
- Drive yourself: Also around 1 hour
Pro Tip: If you’re driving, arrive early to find parking near the harbor – it fills up fast in summer!
Recommended Schedule To Visit Berlengas Overnight
Based on our experience, here’s the sweet spot for timing:
- Day 1: Take an afternoon ferry (around 2 PM) to avoid the day-trip crowds. Have a late lunch, hit the beach, and enjoy as the island calms down.
- Day 2: Return on the midday ferry (we chose the 1:45 PM) to enjoy a peaceful morning on the island.
Money-Saving Tip: If you’re traveling as a group of 8 or more, compare the total cost of individual ferry tickets versus a private transfer – sometimes the difference isn’t as big as you’d think!
Berlengas Overnight Accommodation Options
Camping on Berlengas
Have you ever dreamed of falling asleep to ocean waves and waking up to seabird songs on your own little slice of Portuguese paradise? Well, grab your tent, because camping on Berlengas is about to potentially become your favorite travel story to tell!
When we first considered going to Berlengas, we wanted to camp there, but we didn’t find a spot. The spots fill quickly, and you actually have to book in advance. I emailed several times but was told to try later. By the time “later” came, everything was booked except weekdays in September when the kids were back in school. We opted to stay in the fort on a Friday night instead.
Berlengas Camping Booking and Prices
- Season: May 20th to September 15th
- Nightly Rates:
- 2-Person Tent: €10.30
- 3-Person Tent: €14.95
- 4-Person Tent: €19.60
How to Book Berlengas Camping
- Email camping.berlenga@cm-peniche.pt with:
- Your full name
- Tax ID (if a Portugese resident) and passport/ID number
- Phone number
- Tent capacity
- Dates (check-in and check-out)
- Complete address
- Wait for confirmation and payment instructions
- After payment, you’ll receive a reservation receipt with your assigned pitch
- Print the receipt and bring it along with ID documents for all campers
Berlengas Essential Camping Tips
- Bring plenty of water! The island’s water is salty, and public facilities have cold water only. Really, the water is not drinkable on Berlengas. You’ll need to pack water for your stay (or your beverage of choice). Go easy on the alcohol as the edges of the cliffs are near the campsite!
- Cooking is not allowed in the camping area, but there are restaurants and cafés nearby.
Berlengas Hostel in the Fort
We slept here, and it was it an experience! Bring your own sleeping bag, water and food. Sleeping in a 17th-century fort? How cool is that? I’m not a big fan of hostels with kids, and I was nervous. However, we had so much fun!
We did have to stay in two different rooms, which is common for us, but it worked out well. I enjoyed the community feeling of cooking in the shared kitchen and eating in the large dining area with other guests at other tables.
Showers are an adventure as you fill your bucket with warm water in the kitchen and then use an old-fashioned gravity method for showering. This was kind of fun in its own way, and our kids loved the adventure.
Berlengas Fort Booking and Prices
- Shared bathrooms (1 per 3 rooms). Only one room has a private bathroom with hot water.
- Prices are between €70 – €130/ room
How to Book a Room at the Berlengas Fort
- Send your request to this email: berlengareservasforte@gmail.com, and include:
- Your preferred dates
- Number of guests
- Confirm Your Booking. The fort staff will reply with:
- Room availability
- Total price
- Bank transfer details for your 50% deposit (The remaining balance you can pay when you arrive. They accept both cash and cards.)
Quick Tip: Save their email response once booked- it contains important arrival information you’ll need later!
Berlengas Fort Kitchen and Dining
- Communal kitchen available
- Each room gets:
- One cabinet for dry goods
- Refrigerator space
- These match your room number
- Pro tip: We arrived before our room was ready, but I needed to get our food in a fridge ASAP. Look for both a pantry and fridge number that is available and then pay attention if anyone asks about that one! I guessed right, thankfully, and put our food in our eventual fridge space.
- Available facilities:
- Gas stoves and pans
- Outdoor grills
- Basic kitchen utensils
- Serving bowls, plates, silverwear, water pitchers, etc.
- Limitations:
- Restricted microwave use
- No oven or toaster
- Limited electricity (solar/generator dependent)
Berlengas Bed & Breakfast
Want the island experience with a bit more comfort? The Berlenga B&B might be just your style! While we didn’t stay here ourselves, we checked it out for our next visit (because let’s be honest, sometimes you just want a proper bed and a hot shower!). The only actual hotel on the island? Talk about exclusive island vibes!
Berlengas Hotel Booking and Prices
Room Options:
- Standard Sea View Room (Double Bed) – Starts at €120/night
- Superior Room (Queen bed)- From €150/night
- Family Suite (Connects two rooms)- Starting at €200/night
How to Book the Berlengas Hotel
Use the booking section through their website, which makes it easy to reserve online. Keep in mind, they have a minimum stay requirement of 2 nights during peak season.
What To Expect for a Berlengas Overnight Stay
- More time for hiking and exploring at your own pace. Once the island day visitors leave, it gets nice and peaceful! I loved seeing the island in both the day and the night and feeling like we were almost there by ourselves.
- Breathtaking sunsets and sunrises (Instagram, get ready!).
- Stargazing like you’ve never seen before (zero light pollution, but depends on the clouds of course).
Food & Dining on Berlengas Grande
Let me tell you—one thing that really surprised me about staying on Berlengas was the food situation! Even though it’s a tiny island, you won’t go hungry. There are actually two charming spots to grab a bite, each with its own unique appeal.
This restaurant serves up fresh, local seafood that makes you feel like you’re living your best Portuguese island life! Think grilled octopus that melts in your mouth and catch-of-the-day specials that might just tempt you to extend your stay. During peak season (June-September), they’re open for lunch from 12:30-3:30 PM and dinner from 7:00-10:00 PM. In the shoulder season, they typically only serve lunch, so plan accordingly!
Pro Tip: If you’re staying for dinner, I highly recommend making a reservation—especially in summer. You can reach Susana at +351 969 395 763 or email her at berlengabedbreakfast@gmail.com. Trust me, you don’t want to miss those sunset dinner views!
Castelinho (or as locals adorably call it, “Little Castle Cafe”)
If you’re in the mood for something more casual, this is the perfect spot. We had lunch here, and it was ideal for a laid-back meal. This lovely little cafe serves fresh sandwiches and creative salads that hit the spot after a morning of hiking or swimming. They’re open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during peak season, perfect for late breakfast or lunch. You can reach Henrique at +351 910 881 601 or berlengalocals@gmail.com.
What About Campers?
If you’re camping, keep in mind that there aren’t any cooking facilities on the island. But don’t worry! Both restaurants welcome campers, and this setup actually encourages you to try the local cuisine. You can still bring snacks and breakfast items, though—fruit, bread, and coffee for a morning nosh with an amazing view!
If you’re staying at the Fort, here is what you need to know for dinner:
- Each room has a cabinet for dry goods and space for refrigerated items.
- Gas stoves and grills are available in the courtyard.
- Basic kitchen tools are provided. No need to lug your favorite spatula from home.
- The microwave use is restricted, and there’s no oven or toaster. Think of simple meals!
Pro Tip: If you’re using the communal dining room, bring a tablecloth.
Money-Saving Tip: If you’re watching your budget, consider packing a few easy meals, but treat yourself to at least one proper meal at Mesa da Ilha – the seafood is totally worth it!
What To Pack for Berlengas
Having a quick cheatsheet for your Berlengas trip is a lifesaver! There are a lot of different options, and it can be easy to leave something behind. Thankfully, toilet paper is provided in all options, but it still doesn’t hurt to bring some!
Essential Tips for a Berlengas Overnight Stay
- The Berlengas Fort has a small kitchen, and there are limitations on what appliances you can use. Plan your meals accordingly! You must wash all your own dishes and clean up any mess. Don’t leave your items out in the common spaces.
- Overnight spots are limited and book up months in advance. If you’re eyeing an overnight stay, start planning early.
- Cost varies widely depending on your choice of accommodation, but expect to pay anywhere from €70 to €150 per room per night. We paid around €230 for all of us 7 in the Berlengas Fort.
- Bring playing cards, books, or downloaded movies for evening entertainment.
- In The Berlengas Fort, you can charge a device in the main eating area. We left our phones charging there for a while (as did everyone else).
- For food planning:
- No grocery stores on the island
- Restaurants have limited vegan options
- Bring all necessary food supplies
- If you are cooking, plan simple meals due to appliance limitations
- I brought leftovers that I could warm in a pan with salad fixings. It worked well! We brought two 7-liter jugs of water and used both between the two days, water bottles, etc.
- Consider bringing extra water for drinking and personal use
- Pack layers – evenings can be surprisingly cool
- If you have any other questions about the camp site and want to talk to someone here is the full contact information:
- Tourist Office Phone: 262 789 571
- Tourist Office Address: Posto de Turismo de Peniche, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 2520-273 – Peniche
Pro Tip: Whether camping or staying in the fort, bring a power bank for your devices. Electrical outlets are limited, and you’ll want your camera ready for those stunning sunrise shots!
Our Final Review
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Remember, staying overnight on Berlengas isn’t just about having a place to sleep – it’s about experiencing the island’s magic when the day visitors leave. Whether you choose to rough it in a tent or sleep in a historic fort, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
Additional Reading
Your Travel Guide For Your Visit To Berlengas Islands, Portugal
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