These sunny days may make you want to go on a getaway outside Lisbon. If you like river beaches and “natural treasures”, then you’ll enjoy discovering Portugal’s largest dune.
Salir do Porto, in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha, has a river beach bathed by the River Tornada , which flows into the bay of São Martinho do Porto (municipality of Alcobaça). Salir do Porto beach is famous precisely for its 50-meter-high dune.
The largest dune in Portugal
The Salir do Porto dune is currently considered the largest in Portugal. However, it is said that, at one time, it was also the largest on the European continent. Incredible, right?
This dune is a true “natural pearl” that deserves to be appreciated. What’s more, the surrounding area invites you to take a stroll.
If you prefer the salt water of the sea, you can always go to Salir do Porto to get a closer look at Portugal’s largest dune. But after that, you can enjoy the sea at São Martinho do Porto (where the dune stretches), right next door.
Part of the Salir do Porto dune is made of granite, and its size is thought to have been reached around 100,000 years ago.
Curiosities
We’ve already mentioned the size of this dune, but there are other curiosities associated with this place. For example, there are other rocky beaches around here, known locally as Quebradas.
In addition, for those who like to admire ruins, there are also some in the area, next to the sand. More specifically, the ruins of the Alfândega de Salir, which were also shipyards and ship repair workshops.
It is said that in the time of the monarchs Afonso V and João II, caravels were built here .
Address: Rua Dom Fernando 50 (Salir do Porto)
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