North Dunes Tocha Beach

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Coimbra > Cantanhede > Praia da Tocha > Dunas Norte

Location:

The North Dunes are located at the northern tip of Tocha Beach, in the municipality of Cantanhede. This area is characterized by its extensive stretch of golden sand, naturally protected by a dune system that shapes the coastal landscape. The position of this area offers an unobstructed view of the Atlantic, providing a tranquil environment and direct contact with nature.

Bathing Quality and Natural Environment:

The North Dunes area benefits from the same recognition of quality that Tocha Beach has consistently maintained for over thirty years, attested by the attribution of the Blue Flag. This continuous distinction underscores the care taken with the environmental preservation of the site and the excellence of its bathing conditions. The vastness of the sandy beach and the clarity of the waters invite visitors to fully enjoy the Atlantic and the natural beauty of a well-preserved coastal ecosystem.

Fishing Heritage and Local Identity:

The identity of Tocha Beach, and consequently the North Dunes area, is intrinsically linked to its rich fishing heritage. Visitors to this region will encounter traces of an ancient fishing community, where the art of 'xávega', an ancestral artisanal fishing technique, still persists. This practice involves manually pulling nets onto the beach, a sight that still marks the landscape today with the presence of traditional boats and nets spread out in the sun, awaiting ideal conditions for another maritime endeavor.

Along the coast, it is possible to observe some of the old palheiros, the typical constructions that once served to store fishing equipment. Although some have been adapted, their permanence evokes the history and resilience of this community connected to the sea, contributing to the characteristic and serene atmosphere that envelops the entire place.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt