White Stones Beach

Category: Nature > Beach

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Lavra

Location:

It is located in the parish of Lavra, in the municipality of Matosinhos, along the Atlantic coast. It is situated on a stretch of sand that continues with other beaches to the north, but it maintains a certain privacy thanks to the surrounding dunes and its distance from the urban center.

The surrounding area is marked by coastal vegetation fields and old fishing paths, giving it a more preserved character, less impacted by urban amenities.

Natural Landscape

The sandy beach extends in a strip of fine sand, dotted with limestone blocks that give it its name. The sea line alternates between moderate and calm waves, depending on the wind conditions, providing a scene that varies throughout the day.

Behind the beach, small cliffs and dunes covered with plants adapted to salt and wind are formed, creating a mosaic of soft colors between the brown of the sand and the pale green of the vegetation.

Atmosphere and Sensations

Wooden boardwalks run along the entire length of the beach, facilitating access to the sand and inviting leisurely strolls by the sea. The cool breath of the ocean brings the characteristic scent of sea air and enhances the feeling of openness.

The frequency tends to be moderate, even in the busiest months, which allows one to enjoy the landscape in silence or with limited company, without large concentrations of bathers.

Heritage and Curiosities

The name "Pedras Brancas" (White Stones) is due to the limestone rocks scattered on the sand, which are more visible when the tide is low. These formations give the beach its own rhythm and serve as support points for those who enjoy exploring the seashore.

In a significant episode of World War II, the German submarine U-1277 sank nearby. This event is still remembered today, forming part of the local memory and arousing the curiosity of those who visit the Atlantic coast.

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