Category: Nature > Beach
District: Leiria > Alcobaça > São Martinho do Porto
Salir do Porto Beach is located in the São Martinho do Porto area, set within its distinctive bay, in the municipality of Alcobaça, district of Leiria. Its waters are fed by the Tornada River, also known as the Salir River, which flows into the bay here, which in turn connects to the Atlantic Ocean. Its sheltered position within the bay gives it generally calm waters, offering an environment distinct from the open sea. The sandy expanse of the beach is wider in its southern portion and gradually narrows as you move north.
The most striking feature of Salir do Porto Beach is its imposing dune. At approximately 50 metres high, this dune is considered the largest in Portugal, rising as a massive natural formation. This geological structure plays an important role in protecting the beach, shielding the sands from the Atlantic winds. From the top of the dune, one can enjoy a vast view over the Tornada River and the São Martinho bay, whose peculiar shape resembles a shell facing the sea. It is estimated that this impressive size was reached about 100,000 years ago.
Next to the beach's sands lie the ruins of the old Salir do Porto Customs House. This site played a significant role in the region's maritime history, functioning not only as a customs post but also as a shipyard and workshop for vessel repair. Local memory holds that, during the reigns of King Afonso V and King João II, caravels were built on this very spot, a testament to the importance this port once had for navigation and trade on the Portuguese coast.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.5040975,-9.1484354
Coordinates DMS: 39°30'14.8"N 09°08'54.4"W
Weather São Martinho do Porto
On-duty Pharmacy São Martinho do Porto
