Top 8 Natural Monuments around Salir De Matos
Best natural monuments around Salir De Matos offer a varied landscape, from coastal features to ancient geological formations. The area is known for its significant natural features, including Portugal's tallest dune and sites with Jurassic fossils. These landmarks provide insights into the region's natural history and diverse terrain.
Best natural monuments around Salir De Matos
- The most popular natural monuments is Salir do Porto Dune, a natural monument that is approximately 50 meters high, making it the tallest dune…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Salir do Porto Dune
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Fonte Pena da Colvina
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Dinosaur Footprints
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Penedo Furado Rock Arch
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View of the Coastal Cliffs
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Penedo Furado dates back to the Jurassic period, when the sea bathed this inland area, close to Nadadouro. It is now a huge rock, light brown in colour and on the side facing the Óbidos Lagoon, signs of erosion are visible, with deep cavities and one of them ended up going through the rock, forming a passage.
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At this exact spot there is only a turning circle for cars - and Google Maps also shows the spot a few 100m further to the southwest: so there is nothing right here!
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The coast is spectacular and there are some paths leading next to the coastal cliffs. It's beautiful there!
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The Pena da Gouvinha fountain used to serve the locals. There was a queue to fill the bottles, so much so that it was decided that each resident could only take eight bottles of water and would have to “give others a chance”. Today it serves as a stopping point to cool off during the walk and, if you wish, you can take advantage of the place to eat whatever you have prepared at home. There is a picnic area next to the fountain. The place name Pena da Gouvinha suggests that barbarians passed through here. Gouvinha is a personal name of Germanic origin, still documented in the 12th century as Gaudina.
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Salir do Porto has a river beach, on the bank of the Tornada River, which flows into the bay of São Martinho do Porto. Salir beach is famous for its sand dune about 50 meters high. Once the largest in Europe, the Salir Dune stands out in the dune landscape of São Martinho Bay. The core of the Dune is partly made up of red sandstone, a vestige of an older dune – a fossil dune. There are other rock beaches in the coastal area that are locally called Quebradas. It was in the Ruins of the artisanal Customs House of Salir that the caravels that participated in the discoveries and conquests were built during the reigns of D. Afonso V and D. João II. The extinct parish was made up of the towns of Salir do Porto, Casais de Salir do Porto and Bouro.
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Climbing up the sand dune and sliding down from the top is the highlight for everyone
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Be sure to go up there from the top, great view and slide down on your bum. Large dune that clings to the rocks there, perfect for hiking. At the foot of the dune, the Tornada river flows into the sea.
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Praia de Salir do Porto is next to the mouth of the Rio Tornada or Rio Salir on the south bank. The sand is very extensive, it is wider in the south and narrows as we walk north. This beach is known for its huge dune about 50 meters high, the highest in Portugal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prominent natural monuments to visit around Salir De Matos?
The region is home to several significant natural monuments. Don't miss the Salir do Porto Dune, which is Portugal's tallest dune at approximately 50 meters high, offering panoramic views of São Martinho do Porto Bay. Another notable site is the Penedo Furado Rock Arch, a Jurassic formation with deep cavities and a natural passage formed by erosion.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for families with children?
Yes, several natural monuments are family-friendly. The Salir do Porto Dune is popular, with visitors enjoying climbing and sliding down. The Fonte Pena da Colvina offers a pleasant picnic area and BBQ spot, ideal for a family stop. The Penedo Furado Rock Arch is also accessible for families to explore.
Where can I find ancient geological features or fossils in the area?
The region is rich in ancient geological history. You can visit the Dinosaur Footprints site, located on the coastal plateau of Serra do Bouro, where Jurassic fossils, including dinosaur footprints, have been discovered. The Penedo Furado Rock Arch also dates back to the Jurassic period, showcasing significant erosion features.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments?
The natural monuments offer diverse and spectacular views. From the top of the Salir do Porto Dune, you'll get breathtaking vistas of the São Martinho do Porto Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the View of the Coastal Cliffs provides stunning perspectives of the dramatic coastline.
Are there hiking opportunities near the natural monuments?
Yes, the area around Salir De Matos offers various hiking trails. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Fonte Pena da Colvina – Abandoned Guard House loop' or the 'Salir do Porto Dune – View of the Coastal Cliffs loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Salir De Matos guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near these natural sites?
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy gravel biking and running. There are several gravel biking routes, such as the 'Lagoa de Óbidos Gravel Trail', detailed in the Gravel biking around Salir De Matos guide. For runners, trails like the 'Lago do parque loop' are available, which you can explore in the Running Trails around Salir De Matos guide.
What makes the Salir do Porto Dune unique?
The Salir do Porto Dune is unique because it is the tallest dune in Portugal, reaching approximately 50 meters in height. It's located next to the extensive sandy beach of Praia de Salir do Porto, near the mouth of the Rio Tornada, and offers a wooden staircase for access to its summit, providing exceptional views.
Is there a good spot for a picnic or rest during a visit?
Yes, the Fonte Pena da Colvina is an excellent spot for a picnic. It features a dedicated picnic area and even a BBQ spot, making it a convenient place to cool off and relax during your exploration of the natural monuments.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Salir De Matos?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning coastal scenery and the unique geological formations. Climbing the Salir do Porto Dune and enjoying the panoramic views, as well as the fun of sliding down, is a popular activity. The historical significance of sites like the Dinosaur Footprints also captivates many.
Are there any natural features related to water, like beaches or rivers?
Yes, the Salir do Porto Dune is situated next to the extensive sandy beach of Praia de Salir do Porto, where the Rio Tornada (or Rio Salir) flows into the sea. This area offers a beautiful combination of dune, beach, and river estuary.
How accessible are the natural monuments for visitors?
Access varies by monument. The Salir do Porto Dune has a wooden staircase for easier access to the top. Some sites, like the Dinosaur Footprints, can be a bit challenging to locate due to a lack of clear signage, requiring some exploration and imagination to find the tracks.
Most popular attractions around Salir De Matos
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