From Figueira da Foz to Nazaré

A prestigious beach resort for many decades, the inviting coastal city of Figueira da Foz continues to seduce its visitors with its unique flair and welcoming beaches.

The involving region is characterised by stunning landmarks, such as the 15 m-high Lighthouse of Cape Mondego, in Boa Viagem Mountain, dating back to 1922, between the wild beach of Murtinheira and Figueira da Foz.

The Natural Monument of Cape Mondego is the only cliff spot of the central Portuguese coast. An impressive set of wrinkled limestone rocks invading the sea. This is actually the place to understand the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.

Also worth highlighting: Morraceira island, inhabited by elegant flamingos, or the Salt Museum, paying homage to an ancestral local tradition.

Figueira da Foz is a great surf destination, owner of “Europe’s best right”. Cabedelo beach is a true reference in terms of surf, including adapted surf. Gliding Barnacles is “the” surf event, taking place every year between the end of August and beginning of September in Cabedelo beach. Just as barnacles live their lives clinging on to ship hulls, surfers live theirs cling on to their surfboards!

Leaving Figueira da Foz, we follow the course of the Atlantic Road (cycling path between Porto and Lisbon) across incredible natural landscapes, charming beaches and welcoming towns!

At the north-most spot, this Atlantic cycling path crosses Osso da Baleia beach (in Pombal), along the beaches of Vieira de Leiria and Pedrógão. These beaches are outstanding examples of the ancient fishing traditional “arte xávega”, so typical of this region.

On low wooden stilts, Praia Velha is an unpretentious, come-for-the-afternoon, stay-all-night spot.

São Pedro do Moel is tiny and pretty, nestling between enormous pine forests and the noisy ocean, and is proud of its 500-year-old aristocratic heritage. In the charming beach of São Pedro de Moel, time for a stop to contemplate the magnificent 55-m high Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse, a fascinating landmark that dates back to 1912.

Paredes da Vitória is also a great surf spot, with a huge rock formation called “the castle” that has been shaped by the wind and the sea, creating a sleeping lion who rests in front of the Atlantic Ocean.

Vale Furado beach, ideal for fishing, is a beautiful place between eye-catching cliffs.

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