Parques de Portugal

Presentation

  • The fossil cliff ("arriba fóssil" in Portuguese) with a dark yellow or slightly red colour rises abruptly above the so called "Terras da Costa" witness to the former coast line and the geological element that gives this Protected Area its name (1570 ha). The extension of the cliff, its geological characteristics and the erosive process which redesigns it through time, give it an undeniable landscape value. Its palaeontological interest lies on the abundant fossiliferous content with fluvio-marine origin in which the bivalves, gastropods and vestiges of miocene fish predominate.

    Next to the cliff there is a vast stretch of sand, dunes and bushland, namely the Mata dos Medos  (dunes woods) which was planted by order of king João V to stop the sands that were advancing towards the agricultural fields. Immediately south of the Protected Landscape is located the Albufeira Lagoon, with brackish waters embedded in the dune system, and an important refuge for birds. All of the area, due to its proximity to the capital, is subjected to a great stress from visitors, mainly during the summer season.

     

    Note:

    - the cliff is called fossil, not beacuse it has fossils but because today it is no more a cliff (high margin of a river or sea);

    - Medos means dunes.

  • Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)

  • Cliffs and beaches

  • Lisbon and Tagus Valley

  • Almada

    Sesimbra

  • Access coming from:

    - Lisbon heading towards the south through A2, exit in IC20 until Costa da Caparica, the protected area is south of this location.

    - Setúbal through the A12/IC3 and though the A2 heading to Lisbon, exit to Sesimbra to N378 and through the A33/IC32 towards Costa da Caparica, exiting to CM1014 until Fonte da Telha.

  • Yes

  • It's mainly the light that blinds the visitor when one observes this section of the Portuguese coast. On a clear day its worth while to climb to a high point and gaze at the strip of beach and the ocean. While on the beach, peek around. Then, get closer and discover the strange shapes of the cliff.

    To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. You may also take a cellphone (do not start a fire and don't dispose of cigarette butts incorrectly). If you want to enjoy the beaches do not forget your bathing suit.

    In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112.

  • The Protected Landscape has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.

  • Yes

    Walkways, ramps and adapted sanitary installations.

  • No

  • Mata Nacional dos Medos Botanical Reserve.

  • <p> Immediately south of the Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica, lies the lagoon of Albufeira consisting of two interconnected lagoon areas called &#39; Lagoa Grande&#39; (Great Lagoon) and &#39;Lagoa Pequena&#39; &#39;(Little Lagoon). We invite you to visit the <a href="http://www.cm-sesimbra.pt/lagoapequena/" target="_blank" title="Lagoa Pequena Interpretative Space webpage">Espa&ccedil;o Interpretativo da Lagoa Pequena</a>, with two walking routes that allow bird watching within walking distance thanks to its lush vegetation.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p>

    Immediately south of the Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica, lies the lagoon of Albufeira consisting of two interconnected lagoon areas called ' Lagoa Grande' (Great Lagoon) and 'Lagoa Pequena' '(Little Lagoon). We invite you to visit the Espaço Interpretativo da Lagoa Pequena, with two walking routes that allow bird watching within walking distance thanks to its lush vegetation.

     

Weather Conditions

Weather Conditions em Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica Protected Landscape :

What you can do

1. Visit the outcrop of fossiliferous benches.

2. Observe the flowers of aromatic plants.

1. Visit the outcrop of fossiliferous benches.

2. Observe the flowers of aromatic plants.

3. Do one of the routes and enjoy the flowers.

1. Go to the beach and stroll in the Botanical Reserve.

2. Visit Convento dos Capuchos and the viewpoint.

1. Know Malha cape.

2. Visit the viewpoints in Mata Nacional dos Medos Botanical Reserve.

1. Visit Olhos de Água

2. Visit Lagoa Pequena de Albufeira and observe the birds in the several observatories available.

3. Visit the beaches and see, how in winter, they are much more narrow due to erosion.

Best Season: All year long

Contacts

Paisagem Protegida da Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica (Headquarters) 

Centro de Interpretação da Mata dos Medos

Estrada Florestal da Fonte da Telha

2825-494 COSTA DA CAPARICA

Telephone: (00351) 212 918 270

E-mail: ppafcc@icnf.pt

MAP

; ;