Fonte da Telha

The beaches of Costa da Caparica seem to be one long stretch of golden sand running from the river Tejo almost to the rugged promontory of Cabo Espichel. However, the miniature train (Transpraia) which drops visitors off at various points along this sandy coast only goes so far. 21 stops, and 8 km in fact which will drop you off at Praia da Fonte da Telha - the end of the line.

I have seen some guides giving the impression Fonte da Telha is still some sleepy fishing community with a few beach shacks - make no mistake the beach here is firmly on the tourist map and also very popular with locals from Almada and Lisbon. In the summer it is always busy and buzzing with activity.

As a beach Fonte da Telha is quite stunning; the golden sand meets the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean whist the backdrop is one of high, sculpted sandstone cliffs and a verdant landscape beyond. The beach is located on the edge of the Arriba Fóssil, an area protected both for its geological importance and the natural environment of its pine and eucalyptus forest. One unusual thing worth mentioning about the cliffs here is how they are strangely set back from the water's edge with an area of meadow in front. This is due to the movement of the earth here through tectonic events such as the 1755 earthquake.