JUST off the coast of Portugal is a tiny archipelago that very few tourists visit, or even know about.
The little-known collection of Berlenga Islands consists of three islands – Berlenga Grande, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcado
Berlengas is primarily a nature reserve, home to lots of birds like the yellow-legged gull, guillemot, and sea life which you might spot while snorkelling.
Due to it being protected, and reasonably small, the islands have a daily limit of 550 visitors – and it can only be accessed between March and October.
With the weather this time between 18C and 25C, it’s the perfect time to visit and spend time on its beach – which is one of the prettiest in Europe.
This is Praia da Berlenga Grande, which is also the most famous beach on the island and ideal for relaxing on the golden sands.
It’s also a good spot for swimming with one visitor saying the clear waters reminded them ‘of the Caribbean‘.
Just be prepared for it to be chill, seeing as the islands are in the Atlantic Ocean.
National Geographic called it one of Portugal’s best beaches with ‘desert vibes’.
One visitor advised to visit in September as it was quieter and they had the beach all to themselves for an hour.
Another popular way to explore the island is by boat with plenty of tours throughout the day.
Bobbing around on the water means you can see the caves that have naturally formed into the cliffside.
One of Berlengas’ most famous rock formations is the Elephant’s Trunk – which literally looks like an elephant’s head and trunk which dips into the ocean.
Another is Dream Cave, or Cova do Donho, which is where fishermen used to spend the night because of its calmer waters.
Visitors can actually stay on the island if they wish and enjoy quieter evenings when the daytrippers leave.
There’s a hotel called Berlenga Bed & Breakfast which has just five rooms and sits on the clifftop so it has incredible views across the ocean.
You can check them out from the hotel’s pretty terrace bar and restaurant.
Anyone feeling brave and wants to sleep within nature can camp out at Forte São João Baptista.
The island’s fort has camping spots and is said to give an “immersive, authentic experience”.
Visitors can sleep in an old cell and have to bring their own sleeping bags or bedding.
There’s a campsite too where visitors can literally pitch up with their own tent with rates from €8 (£6.92) per night – pitches must be booked in advance with the tourist board.
As for how to get there, ferries go to the island three times from Peniche.
The journey between the mainland and the island takes around 30-minutes with tickets costing between £15 and £35.
Get Your Guide has tours on offer to explore the island, like a Cave Tour from €41 (£35.48).
There are also catamaran tours with snorkelling stops from €42 (£36.35) and round-trip boat tours of the islands from €29 (£25.10).
Peniche is a just over an hour’s drive from Lisbon which has direct UK flights for as little as £15.
For more islands, here are some of the most beautiful in Europe with direct UK flights and some of the world’s best beaches.
And check out the world’s best island in Greece with restaurants right on the beach.