Paisagem Protegida da Arriba Fóssil da Costa de Caparica, Nature reserve in Setúbal, Portugal.
Paisagem Protegida da Arriba Fóssil da Costa de Caparica is a protected coastal area featuring prominent cliffs and woodlands along the western edge of the Setúbal Peninsula. The site combines high rocky cliffs with the woodland belt behind them, creating a layered landscape where geological features and forest merge.
The site was established as a protected area to preserve fossil-bearing rock layers dating back to the Miocene period. Reforestation efforts in the 18th century introduced trees to stabilize the shifting sands and protect inland territories.
The wooded area known as Mata dos Medos was created through deliberate planting efforts and has become an integral part of how locals and visitors experience the coastline. The forest offers a natural buffer between the sea and the inland landscape, shaping how people interact with this corner of the peninsula.
The Centro de Interpretação da Mata dos Medos serves as an information point for visitors exploring the area. Sturdy footwear is recommended when walking the cliff-edge paths, as the terrain can be uneven and requires good footing.
The rock cliffs contain numerous preserved shells, snails, and starfish from the Miocene era embedded in the stone layers. These fossil remnants tell of a time when warm seas covered this region and supported a diverse ocean community.
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