Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff Protected Landscape
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Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff - by Jose Paiva Wolff on Google
Description
Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff is a protected landscape or conservation area that roughly covers the coastline between the Fonte da Telha beach and the lagoon and beach of Lagoa de Albufeira. The cliffs, formed by erosion, show strata of sedimentary rock dating from the Pliocene period (10m years ago). Next to them, there is a vast stretch of sand, dunes, and bushland called Mata dos Medos that were planted to prevent the dunes from advancing and covering the agricultural fields.
Access & Transport
From Lisbon, the cliffs are about 25km by car across the Ponte 25 de Abril, near the Belem district. Head towards Costa da Pacarica and Fonte da Telha.
Instructions & Recommendations
The cliffs are best experienced in the evening light, when the sunset reflects off the stones with a reddish glow.
Environmental & Social
Green attraction and socially neutral
Conclusion
The Fossil Cliff makes for an enjoyable half-day out, best combined with some time at one of the beaches along Costa da Caparica. Not the most dramatic coastline in Portugal by any measure but easy to get to from Lisbon.
Key positive
Gorgeous seaside landscape
Close to Lisbon and not busy
Key negative
Trails not well maintained
Suitability
Partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Most trails will require some assistance to get to the viewpoints.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo