A small island off the coast of
Portugal, 11 km away from the town of
Peniche. Part of the Berlengas archipelago, together with the Farilhões, Estelas, and Forcadas islands, Berlenga is about 800 m long by 1.5 km wide, and has a maximum altitude of 85 meters. It consists entirely of pink
granite.
Many thousands of
seagulls live on Berlenga, as well as several
rabbits and a handfull of
rats. There are a score of
huts for
fishermen who sleep there between days fishing, an ancient fort, and a small hotel. A beautiful
beach is nestled in between the cliffs adjacent to the fishermen's huts, drawing a steady stream of summer tourists, as well as a famous cave called the Cave of Dreams. Occasionally phosphorescent algae mobs the ocean, creating fabulous night-time displays.
Camping permits are available from the tourist center in
Peniche.