Best natural monuments around Nadadouro are centered around the significant Óbidos Lagoon, Portugal's largest coastal lagoon, which borders the parish. This area is characterized by its diverse natural features, including extensive beaches and unique geological formations. The landscape offers a blend of aquatic environments and coastal terrain. These natural areas provide opportunities for various outdoor activities and appreciation of the region's natural heritage.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Penedo Furado dates back to the Jurassic period, when the sea bathed this inland area, close to Nadadouro. It is now a huge rock, light brown in colour and on the side facing the Óbidos Lagoon, signs of erosion are visible, with deep cavities and one of them ended up going through the rock, forming a passage.
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The coast is spectacular and there are some paths leading next to the coastal cliffs. It's beautiful there!
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Salir do Porto has a river beach, on the bank of the Tornada River, which flows into the bay of São Martinho do Porto. Salir beach is famous for its sand dune about 50 meters high. Once the largest in Europe, the Salir Dune stands out in the dune landscape of São Martinho Bay. The core of the Dune is partly made up of red sandstone, a vestige of an older dune – a fossil dune. There are other rock beaches in the coastal area that are locally called Quebradas. It was in the Ruins of the artisanal Customs House of Salir that the caravels that participated in the discoveries and conquests were built during the reigns of D. Afonso V and D. João II. The extinct parish was made up of the towns of Salir do Porto, Casais de Salir do Porto and Bouro.
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Climbing up the sand dune and sliding down from the top is the highlight for everyone
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Be sure to go up there from the top, great view and slide down on your bum. Large dune that clings to the rocks there, perfect for hiking. At the foot of the dune, the Tornada river flows into the sea.
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The Óbidos Lagoon is a fascinating combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure activities. This coastal lagoon with its unique ecosystem
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Praia de Salir do Porto is next to the mouth of the Rio Tornada or Rio Salir on the south bank. The sand is very extensive, it is wider in the south and narrows as we walk north. This beach is known for its huge dune about 50 meters high, the highest in Portugal.
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Beautiful long stretched beach with steep cliffs behind. Often deserted because there are no restaurants, toilets, etc. Of course, therefore also unguarded. Parking is possible either at the end of an unpaved road that is easy to drive on or on paved ground above the cliff.
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The region is dominated by the Óbidos Lagoon, Portugal's largest coastal lagoon, which offers a vibrant ecosystem. Additionally, you can explore significant coastal features like the Salir do Porto Dune, recognized as the tallest sand dune in Portugal, and ancient rock formations such as the Penedo Furado Rock Arch.
Yes, several natural monuments are family-friendly. Foz do Arelho Beach is ideal, offering both ocean waves and the calm, shallow waters of the Óbidos Lagoon, which are very suitable for children. The Salir do Porto Dune also provides an exciting experience for families, with a wooden staircase to the summit and opportunities to slide down the sand.
For breathtaking panoramic views, ascend the Salir do Porto Dune. From its 50-meter summit, you can see the São Martinho do Porto Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Another excellent spot is the View of the Coastal Cliffs, where paths lead alongside spectacular coastal formations.
The Óbidos Lagoon is excellent for various water sports due to its consistent winds. It's an ideal location for kitesurfing, and you can also enjoy stand-up paddle or kayak tours. The lagoon is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during autumn and winter.
The Penedo Furado Rock Arch is a notable geological formation dating back to the Jurassic period. It features a huge rock with deep cavities, one of which forms a natural passage visible from the Óbidos Lagoon side.
Yes, Praia dos Covões is a beautiful, long-stretched beach often deserted due to its lack of facilities like restaurants or toilets. It features steep cliffs behind it and offers a more tranquil experience.
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and road cycling. For example, there are challenging MTB routes like the 'Ponta da Lagoa de Óbidos – Óbidos Lagoon loop' and easier cycling options like the 'Óbidos Lagoon Cycleway'. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Nadadouro, Cycling around Nadadouro, and Road Cycling Routes around Nadadouro guide pages.
Yes, the Óbidos Lagoon is a significant spot for birdwatching, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Its rich biodiversity makes it an excellent habitat for various bird species.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse experiences offered. The combination of ocean waves and calm lagoon waters at Foz do Arelho Beach is highly appreciated. Climbing the Salir do Porto Dune for its views and sliding down is a highlight for many, as is exploring the unique Penedo Furado Rock Arch.
The Óbidos Lagoon is particularly good for birdwatching during autumn and winter. For water sports, the consistent winds make it suitable throughout much of the year. Generally, spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the beaches and dunes.
Yes, the PR7 – Óbidos Lagoon Route, which starts in Nadadouro, is a popular trail offering picturesque views of the lagoon and is suitable for both walking and cycling. This route allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.


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