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Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff Protected Landscape

17 Rua Dom João V, Aroeira, Setúbal

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.

Meta review

These few kilometres of coastline are not well known and therefore not busy at all which makes parking fairly easy. People come here for the sunsets and ocean views or just for a casual walk (or run). The only recurring complaint is that the trails are not well-marked and maintained, probably because there is little foot traffic and promotion of the area.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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