Nature
Sphinx Rock (Pedra da Esfinge)
A rock formation shaped like a sphinx, on the headland between Silveira Beach and Ponta do Casqueiro, on the trail named after it.
From the Residencial: About 18.9 km by car
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Photos: Ilustração do site, não é foto do local.
Pedra da Esfinge, also called the Guardian of the Sun, is a rock formation on the coast between Silveira Beach and Ponta do Casqueiro, whose shape recalls a sphinx. It is considered a natural monument and lies inside the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area.
The stretch of coast from Silveira to the rock is known as the Sphinx Trail and is part of the Casqueiro Trail, which continues to Praia da Vigia. Near the rock are the Ponta do Casqueiro shell mound and stone-tool workshops and the Casqueiro natural pools.
Points of interest
- Casqueiro Trail: the trail passes above the rock; the stretch from Silveira to it is the Sphinx Trail.
- Casqueiro Natural Pools: about 280 meters away, toward Vigia.
- Pedra do Galeão: the rock wall split by a crack, on the same stretch.
- Praia do Silveira: the north end, the closest starting point.
Getting there
On foot along the Casqueiro Trail: from the north end of Silveira Beach, follow the headland toward Vigia. To see the rock face-on you need to climb down a steep stretch to the edge of the rocks. You can also get there from Praia da Vigia, along the whole trail.
Features
A rock on the headland facing the open sea, in a stretch of low vegetation and rock formations.
Things to do
Walk along the coast to the rock, take photos and continue to the rock inscriptions and the Casqueiro natural pools. Guided tours leave from Silveira and cover this route in about 4 hours.
Safety tips
The way down to the edge of the rocks is steep: wear sturdy shoes and do not go down in rough seas or on wet rocks. This is a protected area: stay on the trail and leave no trash.
Source: Komoot e passeio guiado da Ao Sul Natural (opens in a new tab).
