Seascape in the Atlantic Ocean, Berlengas Islands, Portugal

Seascape is beautiful everywhere we go. If your guess about this photo is Thailand or some tropical place of the south in a rainy day, you are totally wrong! This photo was taken in my way to a small group of islands known has Estelas, part of the Berlengas Archipelago. 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 ancient defense fort is now partially converted into a simple rest house. 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, mostly divers enthusiasts. Berlenga Grande, or just Ilha da Berlenga, is the most visited by all. It is a small territory with is 1500 meters per 800 meters at 85 meters high. In this small island there are two small 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 and birds. This territory is now under strict rules of preservation, once it a National Natural Park. I use to go there with my friends at least once per year when I was a kid. The ferry was really an adventure for all, since the Atlantic sea is strong. The most part of the time, after passing the protection of the Carvoeiro Cape, the famous Caboavelar Pessoa (the only old ferry) start moving with the waves and everybody get sea sick. Now is different, several companies are available to get to Berlengas, safe and comfortable. Last year I was lucky to go to the island with group of sea divers and visit the small Estelas, a place not easy to get by a common visitor.