Photography at Berlenga Island: Guide to Capturing the Island at Its Best

The Berlenga Island is one of the most photogenic destinations in Portugal — and one of the least photographed. Caves of impossible blue, honey-coloured cliffs, a medieval fortress over the ocean and seabirds in low flight. This is the guide for photographers who want to arrive prepared.

Why is the Berlenga special for photography?

Three reasons make the Berlenga unique from a photographic point of view: the Atlantic light (especially at sunrise and sunset), the deep-blue crystal-clear water of the caves and coves, and the absence of human construction across much of the island — the backgrounds are always ocean or granite rock.

The limit of 550 visitors a day means you rarely have people ruining a frame.

The best spots to photograph on the Berlenga

1. Gruta Furada — the absolute icon

This through-tunnel cave, crossable by boat, is the most iconic shot of the Berlenga. To photograph it properly, go by glass-bottom boat (included in Pack 2 and above) — the perspective from inside the cave, with the light coming through the opening, is cinematic. Best time: mid-morning (10am–12pm), when the sun lights the interior directly.

2. São João Baptista Fortress at dawn

The 17th-century fortress, linked to the island by a bridge over the ocean, is spectacular with the first light of day. Those who stay overnight at the hostel inside the fort have exclusive access to this scene. Best angle: from the main pier, with the bridge and fort in the background and the reflection on the water on a windless day.

3. North cliffs — wildlife in flight

The cliffs of the north coast are home to colonies of Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis), great black-backed gull and tern. With a 200mm lens or longer, you can capture birds in flight with the honey-coloured cliffs as a backdrop. Best season: June to August, when the colonies are most active.

4. Carreiro do Mosteiro Beach — turquoise water

The island’s only sandy beach has water so clear it looks like the Caribbean. With an underwater camera or waterproof case, snorkelling photos with the rocky seabed and fish are of high quality.

5. South viewpoint — view over the Farilhões

From the highest point of the island accessible on foot, you have a view over the Farilhões and Estelas islets — uninhabited, rocky and dramatic. With good late-afternoon light, the contrast between the golden granite and the deep blue of the ocean is extraordinary.

Recommended gear

• 📷 Main camera: any DSLR or mirrorless with an APS-C or full-frame sensor
• 🔭 70–200mm or 100–400mm telephoto: essential for birds and fortress details
• 🌊 16–35mm wide angle: for the caves, cliffs and overall landscape
• 💧 Underwater camera or waterproof case: a must for caves and snorkelling
• ⚡ Power bank: the day is long and there’s no way to charge on the island
• 🎒 Polarising filter: reduces water glare and intensifies the ocean blue
• 🛡️ Waterproof bag: the boat spray during the crossing can soak your gear

Rules and photographic ethics in the Biosphere Reserve

• 🚫 Don’t fly a drone without ICNF authorisation — the fines are heavy
• 🚫 Don’t approach the birds’ nests — it disturbs the breeding cycle
• ✅ Respect the marked trails — leaving them damages the endemic vegetation
• ✅ Leave zero waste — including equipment packaging

Post-production tips

The Berlenga’s natural colours are already intense — you don’t need excessive saturation. In editing, work mainly on:

• Exposure and highlight recovery (the Atlantic sun can blow out the sky)
• Clarity in the granite textures
• Blue and teal in the ocean — a slight push in the HSL works wonders

Book your photography trip

For photography in the caves, Pack 2 is essential. For those who want snorkelling and underwater photography, Pack 4 is the right choice. For a photo session without time constraints, consider a private tour.