Did you know that the Viana do Castelo Coastal Geopark has just won the Geoconservation 2016 Award from the European Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (ProGEO)? The newest national geopark tells the story of the evolution of the coastal north area of Viana do Castelo through six geosites of exceptional scientific importance. Here, you can find “drops” of magma, ichnofossils, and rock engravings, such as those visible at the Montedor Cliff. The landscape is shaped by various geological moments and features that date back over 500 million years. It is also shaped by medieval humans, who constructed “pesqueiras” (fishing weirs) in the gaps between rock formations using loose stones that allowed fish to pass during the rising tide and trapped them during low tide, as well as salt pans carved into the rocks.
The journey begins with a visit to one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Portugal: the Montedor Lighthouse, situated at the top of the cliff, along with the Petisco Windmill, one of the typical windmills in the area. The route includes some of Portugal’s most stunning beaches, such as Vila Praia de Âncora, Moledo, and Camarido (as well as other nearly deserted ones), and coastal defense structures like the Forte de Paçô and the Forte do Cão. There are plenty of points of interest. Come along and join us!
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