Geology Tour - South

Percurso
5.0 km
Tempo
90min
Dificuldade
Easy
Description

The Early Cretaceous sedimentary series, about 145 million years old, can mostly be viewed, in very good condition, in sections along the coastal cliffs to the south.

The southern coastline between S. João do Estoril and Carcavelos features fluvial sandstones, lagoon-marine nodular limestone and compact limestone reef. There are also basalt veins and tectonic faults. The large limestone slabs are the substratum of the enormous biodiversity of the Avencas Marine Protected Area.

A deposit with dinosaur footprints has been preserved on Parede Beach.

There are Miocene outcrops with highly fossiliferous rocks on the eastern cliff of Carcavelos Beach. 

There are several outcrops worth seeing in detail, areas with fossils, amber, coal and pyrite, which provide an understanding of the palaeogeographic evolution of the outcrops in Cascais municipality.

Find out about guided tours and more information at the Pedra do Sal Environmental Interpretation Centre.


Warnings:  

The suggested coastal route is of great scenic beauty and very rich in scientific content, but as on any other geological route, certain precautions must be taken:
1. Visits to certain sections can only be made at low tide.
2. Avoid approaching the base of the cliffs, as there is always the possibility of rock falls.
3. Do not collect fossils as this may damage the outcrops.
4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
5. The route is not suitable for toddlers or people with reduced mobility.
 

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