A Boneca, Cave entrance in Lagoa e Carvoeiro, Portugal.
A Boneca is a cave in the limestone cliffs of Lagoa e Carvoeiro with two natural openings that frame views of the Atlantic Ocean. A passageway runs through the rock formation within the larger Algar Seco structure.
The cave formed during the Devonian period when limestone deposits created a foundation for the structure. Over millions of years, water and wind eroded the rock to shape the openings and formations visible today.
The cave is called A Boneca, meaning 'the doll' in Portuguese, because the rock formation resembles a face when viewed from the ocean. This name reflects how local people see familiar shapes in the natural cliff features.
Access is through the Passadiços do Carvoeiro boardwalk that descends from the parking area on Estrada do Algar Seco. The descent involves many steps, so come prepared for some physical effort.
Natural channels within the cave were carved by rainwater and seawater, creating colorful patterns in the red and orange limestone. These channels display different geological layers that reveal distinct periods of the earth's history.
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