Private Tour: Berlenga Grande Island Day Trip from Lisbon

Begin your day with a pickup from your central Lisbon hotel by private minivan, and then travel to the charming fishing village of Peniche where you’ll take a boat to Berlenga Grande, a tiny island composed of twisting rock formations and secluded caves. Relax on deck with your guide and ask any questions you have about the day’s itinerary; one of the advantages of a private tour is that the commentary is entirely tailored to your interests.

After around 40 minutes, arrive at Berlenga Grande. Pick up refreshments from one of the beachfront cafes (own expense), and then hop aboard a small boat and lap up the island scenery and coastal views as you cruise to the nearby St John the Baptist Fort (Forte de São João Baptista).

Explore the site with your guide and discover how the 17th-century stronghold was constructed from the ruins of the island’s old monastery. Hear about the pirate sieges and foreign invasions that forced the monks to flee, and learn about the thousands of sea birds that nest in the Berlengas Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas).

Next, stretch your legs during a stroll along the reserve’s scenic paths with your guide. Search the skies for guillemots and other bird species and admire the UNESCO Biosphere Heritage–listed scenery. Then, back at the island’s port, make the most of free time for lunch (own expense). Choose to dine on fresh seafood and fish at a local restaurant or, if you’ve brought a picnic with you, enjoy lunch on the beach.

After eating, perhaps ask your guide for one of the provided snorkeling masks and dive into the calm waters for a look at life below sea level. Then, should you wish, join in on an included kayak excursion to explore the island’s caves. Alternatively, choose to see the caves in a small, glass-bottom boat.

When the time comes, begin the journey back to Lisbon, where your day trip concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.