The measures to control tourism have begun because it was discreet, but have become more tight in recent years. It was from June 2022 that those who wanted to visit this Portuguese island needed a special license, obtained online, and the payment of a tourist fee was required. Input is limited and the ecosystem is protected with rigid rules.
This is Berlenga Grande, the largest island in the Berlengas archipelago, located about 15 kilometers from the coast of Peniche. Since 2011, Berlengas have been part of the UNESCO World Reserve and, due to its environmental fragility, access is conditioned.
Compulsory license to land
According to the Holiday Portal, the Institute of Nature and Forest Conservation launched the “Berlengasspass” platform to manage the number of visitors. From June 1, 2022, all tourists had to get a digital license before visiting the island.
According to the same source, the registration is mandatory and should be presented at the time of boarding in Peniche, where the boats go to the island depart. The measure aims to ensure compliance with the daily limit of visitors, established in 550 people.
Tourist rate helps in maintenance
Another recent rule is the collection of a tourist fee worth three euros per visitor. Write the vacation site that this amount reverses in favor of improving local infrastructure, affected by the growing number of tourists in recent years.
It refers to the same source that there are discounts applicable to visitors aged between six and eighteen and for those who are over 65, who pay only half the amount.
How to get to Berlengas
To visit Berlenga Grande you need to take a boat at Peniche Marina. Explains the 20 minutes newspaper that the route to the island lasts about 30 minutes and can be done on organized excursion or independent transportation.
According to the same source, some excursions include guides in English and visits to the island caves, such as the Blue Cave and the St. John Baptist Cave, in a glass background boat.
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What to do and see on the island
Berlenga Grande is the only archipelago island that can be visited. Adds the publication 20 minutes that in addition to walking through the island’s rails, it is possible to practice snorkeling, bird observation and even dive.
The marine fauna is rich and the color of the water, predominantly emerald green, is one of the great attractions of the place. There are no trees, just low vegetation, which contributes to the preservation of the natural habitat.
History and Heritage
According to the tourism of downtown Portugal, the island welcomes one of the most emblematic historical buildings of the Portuguese coast: the Fort of St. John the Baptist. Built in the seventeenth century, it was restored in the 1950s and currently acts as a house-abigo.
It underlines the same source as this strong, linked to the island by a bridge, was originally built to protect the coast from pirate attacks. Today it offers an accommodation experience in a nature reserve, overlooking the ocean.
A small community
In addition to the fort, there is also a small housing nucleus. Explains the tourism of downtown Portugal that the first house was built in the 1940s by a commander of the port of Peniche. Today, the set consists of 20 dwellings, mostly belonging to fishermen.
These houses replaced ancient pits in the rocks, where the first inhabitants sought shelter. According to the same source, they are now the only permanent housing nucleus of the Berlengas Nature Reserve.
A heritage with centenary protection
The ecological value of Berlengas has been recognized for centuries. Since 1465, when D. Afonso V has banned hunting on the island, which seeks to protect this ecosystem. According to this, this granitic archipelago is considered the first protected area of the country.
The confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates created a rare biodiversity, both in fauna and in the flora. According to the same body, the Berlengas Nature Reserve was officially created for over three decades.
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