Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica protected landscape

Located south from the city of Costa da Caparica, this cliff abruptly rises at a 70m altitude along a 13km long area parallel to the coastline. The most sought-after beaches of Lisbon region are located here. Crossed by the ocean in the Quaternary period, the cliff has moved back from the coastline, presenting an unusually paleontological interest. The interior of the cliff is filled with vestiges of fossil fauna. The flora covers three different zones: spontaneous dune vegetation, an acacia area and the woods Mata dos Medos. The acacia zone covers a 200ha area, stretching from Trafaria to Fonte da Telha. It embraces the inner dune coastline, which was planted in the end of the 20th century to steady dunes and to dry the swamps. At the top of the cliff, you will find the national woods Mata Nacional dos Medos, classified as Botanical Reserve, covering a 5km long area. Albufeira Lagoon is an interesting spot for watching aquatic birds, located in the south limit of the protected area.

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