Mata dos Medos (“Scary Forest”) is situated not far away from the shore and from the town Costa da Caparica. According to the legend, King Dom João V (1706-1750) ordered to plant a pine forest on the top of the cliff. The afforestation of this flat area was intended to protect agricultural areas. Protect from what?
The word “medo” in Portuguese means “fear“, but in this case “medo“, “médão” means “dune“. The clever king wanted to protect agricultural fields from the progressive invasion of the dunes. Mata dos Medos was classified as a botanical reserve in 1971. The forest stretches for about 5 km between Descida das Vacas and Fonte da Telha, occupying an area of 340 ha. Several paths lead through the trees, including wooden walkways which take you to the cliff’s edge from where you can admire Costa da Caparica from the viewpoints.
Location: Mata dos Medos is located 2o km south from Lisbon. The easiest way to get there is by car. MAP
🌼 In March, yellow acacia (Acácia-mimosa) blooms abundantly near the beaches in this area.
🥘After a successful walk, you have to jump to one of the restaurants on Fonte da Telha for lunch. I recommend you Kailua MAP.