Cabo Espichel, Protected headland in Setúbal, Portugal
Cabo Espichel is a protected headland at the southwestern tip of the Setúbal Peninsula, featuring steep cliffs that rise more than 130 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. A lighthouse and a religious sanctuary complex sit near the clifftop, surrounded by open grassland and coastal views.
A chapel was built here in the 17th century following reports of religious visions at the site. The lighthouse was added later and became crucial for guiding ships safely past this dangerous stretch of coast.
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora contains an 18th-century church and a small chapel that commemorates reported sightings of the Virgin Mary.
Visit on clear days when winds are calmer, as this exposed headland experiences strong Atlantic gusts and can be slippery after rain. The site is reachable by car in about an hour from Lisbon, with free parking available near the sanctuary.
Fossilized footprints of sauropod dinosaurs from the Jurassic period are visible in the rock formations at Pedra da Mua and Lagosteiros. These ancient tracks reveal that gigantic creatures once roamed this coastal area millions of years ago.
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