Dunes
Faísca Dunes
Dune field north of Gamboa, already in Paulo Lopes, with views of the beach all the way to Guarda do Embaú.
From the Residencial: About 2.8 km on foot, 37 min
Open route in Google Maps (opens in a new tab) Waze (opens in a new tab)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Photos: Diorgenes Pandini/FECAM, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr (opens in a new tab); Residencial Costão da Gamboa.
The Faísca Dunes, also called Gamboa Dunes, are in Paulo Lopes, reached through the Praia da Gamboa village. The sand is more yellow near the beach and whiter inland, and the highest point is the Faísca Dune. From the part closest to the sea you can see the beach all the way to the mouth of the Madre River and Guarda do Embaú.
Points of interest
- Faísca Dune: the highest point, overlooking Gamboa and Praia da Faísca.
- Pedra da Faísca: the rock formation that separates the two beaches.
- Praia da Faísca: the beach on the other side, up to the Madre River mouth.
- Gamboa - Guarda do Embaú crossing: the walk that passes the dunes.
Getting there
On foot along the beach from the north end of Gamboa, or by a road before the village that leads to the highest point of the dunes.
Features
A preserved dune field just behind Pedra da Faísca, with yellowish sand near the sea and whiter sand inland, surrounded by coastal scrub. The highest point is the Faísca Dune.
Things to do
Walk the dunes, take photos and look out over Gamboa on one side and Praia da Faísca on the other, all the way to Guarda do Embaú. The dunes are on the walking route from Gamboa to Guarda.
Safety tips
Preserved natural area: leave no trash and do not step on the vegetation. Bring water and sunscreen.
Source: Histórias da Bicicleta e Portal Municipal de Turismo de Paulo Lopes (opens in a new tab).
