Geosite Ana Ferreira Peak

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Madeira > Porto Santo > Vila Baleira > Lapeira

Location

The Ana Ferreira Peak Geosite rises to an altitude of 283 meters, situated in the Lapeira area, a part of the locality of Vila Baleira, in the municipality of Porto Santo. Its prominent position in the landscape allows for a comprehensive observation of the insular territory, integrating itself in a peculiar way into the surrounding natural scenery.

Notable Geological Formations

The most distinctive feature of the Ana Ferreira Peak lies in its peculiar rock columns, which are presented in a prismatic format. These vertical formations, with a predominantly grey hue, stand out in the surrounding relief, creating a singular visual element. The type of rock that composes them is Mugearite, a material known for its particular resistance to erosive agents.

Memory of a Volcanic Past

The unusual columns observed at Ana Ferreira Peak are the product of a specific geological phenomenon: the slow and progressive cooling of magma. This process occurred deep within the earth, inside an ancient volcanic structure. The site thus serves as a clear vestige of the intense volcanic activity that, over millions of years, shaped the island of Porto Santo, providing a perspective on its formation and geological evolution.

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