The extraordinary fossil cliffs that border the region’s exquisite beaches and coves - a zone extremely rich in dinosaur relics - are some of the many examples of the region’s geological history, that make the territory one of the world’s most interesting paleontological sites.

 

Visitors can embark upon many natural adventures, including pedestrian walks to Paul da Tornada; a day spent in the Berlenga Island nature reserve (Portugal’s only marine nature reserve), whose crystal clear waters and abundant sea life entice us to take a dip; a trip to the circuits of the Serra do Socorro, the Serra de Montejunto protected landscape and the Serra D´Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, that will delight all fans of speleology, mountaineering and mountain climbing; a walk through the Planalto das Cezaredas plateau, or taking part in a wide range of nautical sports in the Óbidos Lagoon.

 

 

The cliffs of the Oeste region and Serra de Montejunto offer excellent conditions for hang-gliding, paragliding, mountaineering, mountain climbing and even speleology.

 

 Nazaré offers one of the most spectacular views of the region. The Bay of S. Martinho do Porto, an almost perfect cove, has unique characteristics. Further south, the capricious and rugged coastline opens out over Baleal, Peniche and the Berlenga Island. Nature has been particularly generous in the Oeste region, blessing it with unique and spectacular landscapes, waiting to be discovered by visitors at each step of their journey.

 

In Peniche, visitors should walk along the maritime promenades that wind around the entire coastal perimeter of this distinctive peninsula, including picturesque rocky formations sculpted over the centuries by the forces of wind and sea erosion.

 

From the “Nau dos Corvos” (“Ship of Crows”), in Cabo Carvoeiro, a majestic promontory that seems to defiantly challenge the mighty sea, it is possible to see the outline of the Berlengas archipelago - a small but charming a group of islands, which in addition to serving as the main nesting zone of marine birds in the Iberian peninsula, also harbour unique species of fauna and flora.