At Porto das Barcas Beach, the rocks on the cliffs are around 150 million years-old (Upper Jurassic). Over thousands of years, these rocks have been eroded by the Atlantic Sea and atmospheric agents, exposing new fossils of various ancient creatures. Noteworthy is the discovery of a nest containing Torvosaurus dinosaur eggs, with the bones of the embryos preserved inside.
The name Porto de Barcas says a lot about the history of this beach. It was a sheltered spot ("porto") for small fishing boats ("barcas") (8-10 metres) to anchor. Before setting out to sea, fishermen would usually pray on the ramp leading down to the harbour, asking for protection on their journey.
At high tide, the fruits of their labour were unloaded, with 20 to 30 small boats arriving each day. People from all over the region came to this port to watch the fish being unloaded.
Eat like a local
@ Associação dos Amigos da Atalaia - seasonal restaurant
In 1994 , Mário Jorge Filipe, son of Porto das Barcas, offered this spot to the Association of Atalaia Friends.
He still remembers around 30 boats that unloaded absolutely fresh seafood every day at high tide, one at a time.
And he recalls fish markets from the past.
But the history of this place began in 1942 with José Filipe, who had a small tavern, an inn, and seafood nurseries here, and helped build the breakwater.
A welcoming laid-back friendly place by the sea full of authenticity and mouth-watering seafood flavours!
