Berlenga

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Before leaving the pier and walk this trail, make sure you’ll have time enough to catch the boat back to Peniche. Buy the tickets in advance. During the climb to the lighthouse plateau try to see one of the endemic plants of Berlengas Armeria berlengensis. It is impossible not to notice the space invaded by the Cape fig (Carpobrotus edulis) an alien plant from South Africa. It is the proof that each and every one must be aware of the importance of not introducing animals and plants in places where they do not naturally exist, because may become invasive and turn into a huge menace to biodiversity. Although its flowers create a beautiful impact on the landscape, the Cape fig covers the ground and competes with native vegetation expanding easily the island. To combat this problem the project LIFE Berlengas is undertaking the complete removal of the Cape fig from Berlenga Island and adjacent islets. Along the way it is likely to see some Carbonell Wall Lizard (Podarcis carbonellii berlengensis), on the track, bevause it is an endemic subespecie from Berlengas. At the top of the island, is the lighthouse of Duke of Bragança, known also as lighthouse of Berlenga. Built in 1841, was initially powered by liquid fuels (olive oil first and then petroleum), but in 1926 was electrified. Since 1985 is automatic and after 2001 it works on solar energy. From the Island plateau, you can catch sight of Estelas and Farilhões (belonging to the archipel of Berlgas) and on clear days, the Sintra hills to the south, the mountains of Montejunto just behind the town of Peniche, and the promontory of Nazareth in the north. This route gives access to the fort of S. João Baptista (St. John the Baptist), built in the reign of King João IV. The fort reminds us of the war episode with the Spanish fleet of Admiral Ibarra, in June 1666, in which Avelar Pessoa became known. Later, it served as the basis for the British during the Napoleonic wars and the troops of king Pedro for the conquest of Peniche fortress during the Liberal wars. In the 30s of the 20th century, the fort suffered some works and in the 50's was fully recovered and converted into a guesthouse. In 1938, the Fort was classified as a National Monument.