The rough west coast with its fantastic cliffs begins at the well-known “end of the world”, the “Cabo de Sao Vincente”. The unique landscape of the west coast will fascinate you and is characterized by eucalyptus trees or forests of cork oaks. But it is not for nothing that almost the entire area of the west coast is a nature reserve and therefore building is prohibited, especially near the coast.
If you start a trip to this corner of Portugal, don't forget to take a sweater with you, because the wind whistles here even in the summer months and the beaches on the west coast offer excellent conditions for flying kites or all other sports where wind is needed. The beaches in this region also offer fantastic surfing opportunities. Both beginners and professionals will get their money's worth here.
On windy and stormy days, the west coast offers fascinating wave formations that crash powerfully on the cliffs.
Praia do Amado
Praia do Amado is a wide, versatile and varied beach that stretches across three valleys. Purple and ocher cliffs tower up in the north, while rock faces made of gray slate dominate in the south. Praia do Amado is famous for its extraordinary waves, which also explains the constant presence of surf schools on site. National and international championships also often take place here. Despite its popularity, you can still find quiet places to sunbathe and relax on the extensive beach.
Praia do Bordeira at Carrapateira
An access road leads from Praia do Amado along the cliffs north towards Praia do Bordeira, past the curious fishing huts of Zimbreirinha, whose fishing boats are stowed on wooden platforms high above the cliffs waiting to be used. [nbsp]This route offers several interesting viewpoints from which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this stretch of coast.
After about a 30-minute drive you reach the Praia do Bordeira, whose natural sand dunes stretch all the way to Carrapateira and are interrupted by a lagoon into which the mouth of the Ribeira da Borderia flows.
The Praia do Bordeira is huge, more than 3 km long, and very exposed to the sea winds. The cliffs of Bordeira are famous for their almost inaccessible fishing grounds and are very popular with seabirds as a nesting area. A network of hiking trails allows you to walk around the river mouth up to the cliffs with wonderful views over the coastal landscape.
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