Medos National Forest
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At the top of the cliff, a fairly flat area, is the now called Mata dos Medos (National Forest of Medos) or Pinhal do Rei (King’s Pinewood), sown by order of King João V to protect the area from the sand brought by the wind. Classified as a Botanical Reserve since 1971, the forest extends for about 5 km from Descida das Vacas to Fonte da Telha occupying a surface of about 340 ha having beautiful stone pines and Juniperus turbinata subsp. turbinata both having there tree size.
Located in inland dunes of the former constitution, its altitude varies between 60 meters (on the cliffs crest) and 110 m (Malha cape).
Despite its artificial origin, it has today a great botanical and landscape interest. There prevails the Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), but there are also Maritime Pine (P. pinaster) and Aleppo Pine (P. halepensis). The invasive acacias (from Australia) are also present. Among the shrubs dominate, especially in the northern part, one Buckthorn (Rhamnus lycioides ssp. oleoides), Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), the Juniperus turbinata subsp. turbinata, reaching a considerable size, the Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera) and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). To the south, the predominant Salvia Cistus (Cistus salviifolius) and another rockrose (C. crispus), one Thyme existing only in Portugal (Thymus capitellatus), Helichrysum italicum ssp. picardii and the Portuguese Short-stalked Lavender (Lavandula luisieri). Among the typical vegetation of the area are the Firetree, (Myrica faya) and Spiny Thrift (Armeria pungens). In areas disturbed by trampling, is the invasive Cape fig (Carpobrotus edulis).
The forest serves as a refuge for many species of bats and other mammals, such as the fox, badger, genet and hedgehog. Amphibians (frogs and toads) and reptiles, ex. salamander- (Salamandra salamandra), can be seen here.
This Forest is a recreational place much sought by those who attend this coastal section of the Setúbal peninsula. It has some marked trails, picnic parks and viewpoints, so the observation of flora and fauna, the contemplation of the place aesthetics, trees, smells, sounds, textures and cool breezes can be experienced here.
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At the top of the cliff, a fairly flat area, is the now called Mata dos Medos (National Forest of Medos) or Pinhal do Rei (King’s Pinewood), sown by order of King João V to protect the area from the sand brought by the wind. Classified as a Botanical Reserve since 1971, the forest extends for about 5 km from Descida das Vacas to Fonte da Telha occupying a surface of about 340 ha having beautiful stone pines and Juniperus turbinata subsp. turbinata both having there tree size.
Located in inland dunes of the former constitution, its altitude varies between 60 meters (on the cliffs crest) and 110 m (Malha cape).
Despite its artificial origin, it has today a great botanical and landscape interest. There prevails the Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), but there are also Maritime Pine (P. pinaster) and Aleppo Pine (P. halepensis). The invasive acacias (from Australia) are also present. Among the shrubs dominate, especially in the northern part, one Buckthorn (Rhamnus lycioides ssp. oleoides), Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), the Juniperus turbinata subsp. turbinata, reaching a considerable size, the Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera) and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo). To the south, the predominant Salvia Cistus (Cistus salviifolius) and another rockrose (C. crispus), one Thyme existing only in Portugal (Thymus capitellatus), Helichrysum italicum ssp. picardii and the Portuguese Short-stalked Lavender (Lavandula luisieri). Among the typical vegetation of the area are the Firetree, (Myrica faya) and Spiny Thrift (Armeria pungens). In areas disturbed by trampling, is the invasive Cape fig (Carpobrotus edulis).
The forest serves as a refuge for many species of bats and other mammals, such as the fox, badger, genet and hedgehog. Amphibians (frogs and toads) and reptiles, ex. salamander- (Salamandra salamandra), can be seen here.
This Forest is a recreational place much sought by those who attend this coastal section of the Setúbal peninsula. It has some marked trails, picnic parks and viewpoints, so the observation of flora and fauna, the contemplation of the place aesthetics, trees, smells, sounds, textures and cool breezes can be experienced here.
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Lisboa e Vale do Tejo
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Almada
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Arriba Fóssil da Costa da Caparica Protected Landscape
Identification and Access
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No
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Access from:
- North after Costa da Caparica, head south by Forest Road. After OTAN deposits, just after ‘Poço Novo, the forest begins south of this location; or
- South - coming by Aroeira, take Av. do Mar just to the end (direction West - sea). Cutting right onto the N377 to the ‘Centro de Interpretação da Mata dos Medos’ (Medos Forest Interpretation Centre).
Base Characterization
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Botany Reserve of Medos National Forest or Pinhal do Rei, Decreto nº 444/71, de 23 de outubro.
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Natural
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On the top pf the fossil cliff.
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Public
Tips
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Stroll in the forest paths and observe the flora. Enjoy the sights and use the picnic parks.
Take note that part of Fonte da Telha Forest Road (passing through the woods) has forbidden access. Don’t take risks!
Abandoned dogs and cats are a problem for wildlife. Take care of your pets and do not feed stray or wild animals.
Centro de Interpretação da Mata dos Medos
Fonte da Telha
2825-494 CAPARICA
Phone: (00351) 212 918 270
E-mail: ppafcc@icnf.pt
