Visiting the Berlengas: Tickets, Tips, and Easy Bureaucracy

The Berlengas archipelago is one of Portugal's wildest and most untouched natural treasures. Located off the coast of Peniche, this stunning ecosystem is classified as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It features towering cliffs, mysterious caves, and idyllic turquoise waters.
If you are planning a getaway to this paradise, proper planning is key to avoiding surprises. Discover in this practical guide how to issue your Berlengas Pass, where to park at the Port of Peniche, what to pack in your backpack, and the best vessel for your trip.
1. How to Get the Berlengas Pass and Pay the ICNF Fee
To protect the local fauna and flora, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) has limited access to the island to a maximum of 550 visitors at a time. For this reason, it is mandatory to issue an official access license called the Berlengas Pass.
The process is done online through the Official ICNF Platform. There, you will need to fill in the personal details of all passengers and select the day of the visit. The environmental fee is €3.00 per day for adults. Visitors between 6 and 18 years old, and those over 65, benefit from a 50% discount (they pay €1.50). Children up to 5 years old are exempt from payment.
Golden Tip: Do not risk leaving this bureaucracy for the day of the trip, as slots sell out very quickly during the summer.
2. Where to Park at the Port of Peniche
Your adventure begins at the Peniche Port Marina, the departure point for all vessels heading to the island. Finding parking during the high season can be a challenge if you do not know where to go.

Paid Zones: There are metered parking spaces right next to the boarding pier. They are practical if you arrive last minute, but they have high daily costs and time limits.
Free Parking: For a worry-free day, look for the unpaved parking lot next to the Peniche Fortress or the residential areas adjacent to the marina. Choosing these free options means you only have to walk 5 to 10 minutes to the BerlengaTrip counter. Make sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before the boat's departure time to check in calmly.

3. Catamaran vs Speedboat: Which One to Choose?
The sea crossing through the Atlantic can vary depending on the type of vessel you choose. Local operators are essentially divided into two categories.
For families, seniors, or people prone to seasickness, the modern catamaran from BerlengaTrip is the ideal choice. It offers smooth, stable, and eco-friendly navigation, as well as underwater vision windows to observe the seabed during the journey.
4. What to Pack in Your Backpack for Berlenga Island
The main island is a purely wild environment. Support infrastructures are scarce, and commerce is very limited. Prepare your backpack with these essential items:

Clothing: Light and comfortable clothes, but always bring a windbreaker jacket. The sea breeze on the boat and at the top of the island can be chilly.
Footwear: It is mandatory to wear sneakers or sports shoes with good grip. The trails leading to the iconic São João Baptista Fort are uneven and slippery. Leave flip-flops only for Carreiro do Mosteiro Beach.
Food: Bring plenty of water (preferably in a reusable bottle) and light snacks (sandwiches, fruit, energy bars). The island's restaurant operates seasonally and usually has long waiting lines.
Protection: High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat well secured to your head due to the constant wind.

5. Visiting the Berlengas with Children or Seniors
The trip to Berlenga is perfectly feasible for all ages, provided you take a few precautions. If you are traveling with young children or people with reduced mobility, opt for the catamaran without hesitation to avoid the physical impact of the speedboats.
Keep in mind that the island is not suitable for baby strollers due to the stone staircases and unpaved dirt paths. Opt for a baby carrier backpack instead. Walk the trails at a slower pace and enjoy the calm of Carreiro do Mosteiro Beach, whose calm, transparent waters are ideal for the little ones to swim.
Ready to explore Peniche's most famous island? Plan smartly, secure your legal access, and enjoy an unforgettable day in a unique ecosystem.