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Praia da Balança e Praia da Boneca

Praia da Balança e Praia da Boneca

Lagos

These small sandy bays lie at the eastern side of the very craggy Ponta da Piedade promontory. The relief here is remarkably diverse as a result of the effects of erosion on the carbonate rocks: rocky ledges, sinkholes, arches, caves and many rocky inlets. This part of the coastline is known as the Costa de Ouro or Golden Coast due to the intense ochre tone of the cliffs. Boat trips set off from the bay next to the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and from Lagos, giving you the opportunity to admire the outline of the coast and reach some of the sandy beaches nestling at the foot of the high, craggy cliffs. The rock formations close to these beaches take on all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes (like a set of kitchen scales or the body of a woman), as a result of which the beaches have been given names such as Balança (Scales) and Boneca (Doll). There are countless marine fossils in the cliffs above the beaches, and many large Mediterranean saltbush plants, which are well-adapted to the sea spray. A snorkelling outing in these tranquil bays offers a different, surprising and very colourful view of the marine environment.

More information

Note: The beaches are narrow and you should only go there at low tide. Given the risk of landslides and loose stones falling on to the beach, you are advised to keep a safe distance from the cliffs.

The best way to get there is by boat from either Lagos or Ponta da Piedade. There are no support infrastructures and no lifeguard on duty. Orientation: south-east.

Balança GPS: 37° 4'58.17"N 8°40'6.15"W

Boneca GPS: 37° 5'3.58"N 8°40'2.93"W

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