Fossilized coral reef (Mareta beach)
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On Mareta beach, in front of an abandoned building, is a large stone, more or less buried in sand (depending on the tide and time of the year). In fact, these are the remains, in its original position, of a coral reef that would have existed here, a proof that climate has been warmer and that was here a sea of shallow water. Subsequently, sediment layers were deposited over the reef, and you can see strata. Later, the reef has been out of water (when sea have retreated) and has been eroded so it can be seen either longitudinal and cross sections of coral polyps (organisms that form reefs).
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On Mareta beach, in front of an abandoned building, is a large stone, more or less buried in sand (depending on the tide and time of the year). In fact, these are the remains, in its original position, of a coral reef that would have existed here, a proof that climate has been warmer and that was here a sea of shallow water. Subsequently, sediment layers were deposited over the reef, and you can see strata. Later, the reef has been out of water (when sea have retreated) and has been eroded so it can be seen either longitudinal and cross sections of coral polyps (organisms that form reefs).
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Algarve
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Vila do Bispo
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Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Nature Park
Identification and Access
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No
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Access to Mareta beach, near Sagres, from:
- Lagos / Vila do Bispo - N125. Continue to N268. Near Sagres, turn left onto street N Sra. da Graça. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Mareta beach street. Turn right.
Base Characterization
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On the beach.
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Public
Tips
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In the early morning and late afternoon, when the beach has fewer people enjoy the cliff from the geological point of view.
Rua da Mareta - Praia da Mareta
8650-361 SAGRES
