This marine protected area covers a total area of 1,090 hectares, stretching along 13 km of the coastline of São Pedro da Cadeira and Silveira, where you can spot rocky cliffs, flat sandy areas, dunes and estuaries.
It is home to a rich marine biodiversity, with an intertidal zone and tide pools, particularly notable on the beaches of Praia Azul and Assent, 15 km from the city of Torres Vedras. The mouth of the River Sizandro, the dune field of Praia Azul, cliffs and sea cliffs are essential nesting areas for bird species.
Here you can observe interesting geomorphological phenomena, such as the Marmitas de Gigante (Giant's Pots) and the Marine Abrasion Platforms, as well as fossil remains of dinosaurs of the genera Allosaurus, Sauropod, Brachiosaurus and Turiassaurus.
It is also an area rich in traditions linked to the sea and fishing, with evidence of ancient lobster pots, nets, traps, shrimp pots, crab pots, octopus pots, bags and handmade boats in the fishing port of Assenta.
The coastline of Torres Vedras has one of the most important records of Upper Jurassic palaeoenvironments, clearly visible in the sequence of geological layers representing transitional environments. Its wealth of vertebrate fossils, particularly dinosaurs, is well known.
Foz Azul Local Natural Reserve Route (PR13)
This is a 7.5 km long route connecting Assenta and Praia da Foz do Sizandro.
The biological and geological diversity of the area where this route is located is noteworthy, particularly the cliffs and sea cliffs. The scenic beauty along the route is also noteworthy, inviting visitors to enjoy the views of Praia de Cambelas and Praia das Peças from the viewpoints. At this location, when the tide is low, it is even possible to observe species such as sea urchins, anemones, limpets and starfish.
Foz Azul Local Nature Reserve Route (PR13) connects with the Atlantic Route (PR2), the Great Route of the Lines of Torres (GR30), as well as the Sizandro Eco Trail.
Departure and arrival spots:
Assenta: Interpretation Center of Foz Azul Local Natural Reserve Centro de Interpretação da Reserva Natural Local Foz Azul
Foz: Sizandro beach
Distance: 7,5 km
Total elevation gain: 210 m
Duration: 2h30
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended season: All year round
The starting point is at Foz do Sizandro Beach, continuing south to the cliff overlooking Porto Chão Beach. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the Berlengas archipelago and notice the geological and biological richness that surrounds it. Also keep an eye out for the remains of dinosaur species of the genera Allosaurus, Sauropod, Brachiosaurus and Turiassaurus, which can be seen along the coast. In Cambelas, in addition to tropical sea corals, fossilised bones of the almost complete foot and tail of a carnivorous dinosaur, which would have been over three metres long, have been discovered.
Take advantage of this opportunity to take a short break at the Cambelas viewpoint, located near the typical awnings of the area, and admire the wild beaches, where you may want to return for another peaceful stroll. After seeing Praia da Horta and Praia do Baio, the path continues towards Assenta, continuing to the Praia das Peças viewpoint. If the tide is low, you can see species such as sea urchins, anemones, limpets and starfish in the tide pools.
Interpretation Center of Foz Azul Local Natural Reserve
The Interpretation Centre of Foz Azul Local Nature Reserve aims to develop and promote environmental awareness activities and cultural traditions linked to the sea in the region.
The interpretation centre is directly associated with the project to create a marine reserve between Praia Azul and Assenta – Foz Azul Local Nature Reserve – and aims to promote the sustainable enjoyment of this natural area by organising activities that seek to increase local ocean and coastal literacy, based on an integrated approach focused on training, education, awareness and sensitisation of visitors and residents.
This facility is a privileged space for deepening knowledge about coastal ecosystems, palaeontology, geomorphology and the culture and traditions of coastal communities.
