Natural Reserve of Berlenga
The archipelago of Berlengas is located almost 6 miles West from Península of Peniche and is constituted by the islands of Berlenga, Farilhões, Estelas and Forcados.
Its importance has been recognised by the European Council, having given it the status of Bio-genetic Reserve. Protected by law since 1981, on the whole the Natural Reserve embodies a terrestrial area of nearly 80 hectares and a seaside area of about 1000 hectares.
This is a privileged location for bird nidification such as the airo, the dark-wing-seagull, the argentea seagull, the yellow-beak sea-sparrow and the crested-sea-crow, amongst others. Its flora compounds over 80 specimens out of which 4 are endemic (Arméria berlengensis, Herniaria berlengiana, Pulicaria microcephala, Echium rosulatum).
Area of Protected Landscape in Serra de Montejunto
The hill of Montejunto is an integrate part of the “Maciço Calcário Estremenho” and here you find the
highest point on the “Oeste” Region. Its geological structure provides the existence of dozens of coves and gullies distributed throughout the hill. Having the risks evolved in consideration its exploration it is reserved to specialists.
Fauna and Flora on this hill are very distinct from the involving ecosystem dew to the characteristic microclimate and the transitions between seaside and land influences, as well as the Geo-morphological conditions. For that reason, the vegetation communities of wild chestnut trees, oak grove and pine forest, where stone pines are at most (Pinus Pinea), are of extreme importance. Montejunto is nevertheless rich in ornithological specimens, having been already identified 115 species of birds.
Cliffs of the “Oeste”
The high river banks between the beaches of Santa Cruz and of S. Bernardino are extraordinary testimonies
of the profound geological transformations. In 200 millions of years they have originated the separation of Pangeia giving origin to the actual continents.
Resulting from these convulsions are the propitious natural and environmental conditions for the existence of large groups of dinosaurs leading the “Oeste” Coast in having today a very valuable depository of palaeontological clues.
At the reddish-grey layers of clay, resulting from sedimentary deposits, investigators have found numberless fossils. A special reference is to be made in detachment of a set of teropodes eggs, in exposition on the Museum of Lourinhã today.
Swamp of Tornada
Close to the borough of Tornada, five kilometres North from Caldas da Rainha, is an extent humid sweet-water zone that constitutes Paúl da Tornada. This swamp, formed by various lagoons surrounded by damp lands, is one of the last swampy areas existing in the region. Numberless species of Birds, reptiles, amphibious, insects and mammals coexist on a complex biological equilibrium.
A perfect place for bird nesting. The royal -duck, the water-hen, other water gallinaceous birds, among others, find shelter, food, and life conditions here. From the 122 species counted at the swamp, 66 are internationally protected and 15 are part of the list of the threatened species in Portugal, namely the other and the slit-shield-tortes.
Óbidos Lagoon
Lagoa de Óbidos is one of the most beautiful spots of the west coast in Portugal and has a fragile ecosystem where diverse species find a privileged habitat. There are many migratorywater birds to be observed here,but it is mostly the seashell fish that give the importance to fauna in this area.
The scarce natural equilibrium is constantly threatened by the urban pressure and especially by the sanding of the sandbanks that result from eutrophia (reproduction in excess of sea-weed that consumes the waters´ oxygen).
Up until the end of the Middle Age, the laogon had an extension till “Vila de Óbidos” but the evolution of the coastline, at constant mutation, has substancially limited its perimeter. Still, the lagoon is an exceptional place for various water sports, such as row, wind-sail and windsurf.