The Berlengas are a small archipelago composed of three groups of islands, Berlenga, Estelas and Farilhões. They are located on the Portuguese continental shelf, almost 6 miles (about 10km) from Cabo Carvoeiro.

     The Archipelago presents a biological heritage of a high conservation interest, encompassing several reefs, plants, protected habitats and sheltering the nesting of several species of endangered seabirds, such as the cory’s shearwater, the band-rumped storm-petrel, the european shag, the yellow-legged gull, among others.

     It has a very vulnerable marine ecosystem, so when you visit the island, pay attention to garbage or objects so that they do not get lost as they are carried away by the tide or left at the mercy of the animals that reside there.

     Observation: Some birds have the habit of stealing objects or food. Be careful and you better look over your shoulder.

     Gathering factors of great relevance such as the importance of the island in terms of marine birdlife, all its biodiversity, heritage wealth, among other examples, the Berlengas were classified, in 1981, as a Natural Reserve. Almost 20 years later, in 1999, it was classified as a Special Protection Area for Wild Birds and, in 2011, as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

     Berlenga is the only habitable island. Some inhabitants live in the Bairro dos Pescadores (the fishermen’s neighborhood), however, from December to March it is only inhabited by the guards of the Reserva and the lighthouse keepers (at the Duque de Bragança lighthouse).