Varandas sobre o Mar

This route covers the most spectacular stretch of rocky coastline in the municipality of Portimão. We walk along the top of a cliff composed of Miocene limestone (23 to 5 million years old), already quite eroded by seawater, rain, and runoff, as well as by the action of wind and plants. The reddish hues are due to the oxidation of the limestone.

The rocks sculpted by erosion are home to numerous bird species, particularly the gray-necked rooks and rock pigeons, ancestors of domestic pigeons. In summer, at various points along the route, we are surprised by the noisy dance of flocks of red-rumped swifts, which nest in the ledges and crevices of the cliff. In winter, cormorants patrol the coast from the rocky outcrops.

During this walk, you will encounter Mediterranean scrub with mastic trees and scattered stone pines, where you may also encounter various birds, such as the marsh warbler and the red-breasted robin.