Hidden Paradises

kathy1981 on the Berlengas Islands, Portugal

Swimming in the ocean is always a big load fun! This was my very first time putting myself into the ocean... It was really great, and Berlengas Islands are great options to visit! :

The Berlengas archipelago is a group of very small islands off the Portuguese coast near the city of Peniche, at 10 to 15 km. In the larger island (Berlenga Grande) there is an ancient fort and a lighthouse.

Nowadays, the archipelago has no permanent population. The fort is now partially converted into a resthouse. As the archipelago has been declared a reservation area due to the local fauna (sea birds, mostly), it is only visited by scientists and, in the summer, by a small number of tourists.

Berlenga Grande (or Ilha da Berlenga) is 1500 metres per 800 metres at 85 metres high. In this small island there are beaches and several caves, its waters are very clean with barrier reefs and vibrant marine life. Part of the island was ripped off in the past, forming a separated part of the island called Ilha Velha (Old Island). In the summer, the island becomes filled with various sorts of flowers.

There are other groups of islets known has Estelas islets and Farilhões-Forcados islets.

Coordinates: 39°26′59″N, 09°30′57″W

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