What it is really like inside this abandoned fortress

IT is the island you’ve never heard of. Welcome to Berlenga Grande, home to a chilling, yet stunning, ancient military fortress ... you have to see it to believe it.

You’re welcome to sleep here if you bring your own sleeping bag. Picture: Flickr rucativava

WELCOME to Berlenga Grande, the prettiest island you’ve never heard of.

You’ll find it in the Berlengas archipelago, which is a string of islands about 11 kilometres off the coast of Portugal. The star attraction is the Fort of São João Baptista, an old military fortress tacked onto the island by a snaking, narrow causeway.News_Image_File: The super pretty island of Berlengas. Picture: Thinkstock

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You can book a stay in the fort, which is described as a “bare bones hostel” with a major “lack of modern life.” It’s a sunny island paradise by day, but so dark at night that you’ll need to bring a sleeping bag for warmth and a torch for light.

Inside Japan’s abandoned island News_Image_File: If you’ve dreamt of staying in a fort, here’s your chance. Picture: Thinkstock

How stunningly, chillingly awesome is that?!

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Most visitors take day trips to Berlengas from mainland Portugal — boats make the journey from May through September. The island is known for being rich in sea life — it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — and the swimming is equally pristine.News_Image_File: Swim then sleep here if you’re brave. Picture: Thinkstock

From the looks of things, you can pitch a tent on the cliffs above the ocean if (aka when) you fall in love and decide to stay awhile. We can’t wait till things warm up so we can take an impromptu trip to Berlengas!News_Image_File: Not quite luxury accommodation, but still very cool! Picture: Thinkstock News_Image_File: The view from above. Picture: Flickr ruvativava News_Image_File: It does look a little creepy when no-one is around ... Picture: Flickr rucativava

This story first appeared in Huffington Post.