Cabo Carvoeiro

Cabo Carvoeiro is the western point of the Peniche peninsula, and the interest is geological: the cliffs are Jurassic limestone and marl in strongly marked horizontal bands, tilted and folded, so the whole headland reads as a diagram of layered rock, and the sea has cut it into caves, arches and free-standing stacks. The best known is the Nau dos Corvos, a large stack just offshore that from certain angles looks like a ship. There is a lighthouse of about twenty-five metres, a small chapel, the Furninha cave where finds point to occupation since the Neolithic, and viewpoints along the cliff road running back towards Papôa on the northern side. On a clear day the Berlengas islands are visible ten kilometres out. Peniche itself is a working fishing port and one of the main surfing towns in Europe, with Supertubos beach south of it. The cliff edges are undercut and unprotected in places.

The landscape

• The layered cliffs - Jurassic limestone and marl in strongly banded strata.
• Nau dos Corvos - the large stack offshore that resembles a ship.
• The lighthouse - the marker at the peninsula's western tip.
• The Berlengas - the island group visible ten kilometres out on clear days.

When to go

Year-round; winter storms make the sea spectacular here. One to two hours. Sunset is the standard time and the busiest.

What to expect

Constant strong wind. Cliff edges are undercut and unfenced in places. Parking is limited at the point. The surrounding area is industrial in parts, being a working fishing port.

Nearby

Peniche and Supertubos are east; the Berlengas boats leave from the harbour.

Key facts