Avencas

This is a beach dominated by the presence of cliffs, with landscape features of great interest, given the rocky strata that develop like a natural staircase, allowing the observation of the coastal area. The Avencas Biophysical Interest Zone (ZIBA), known as such since the rocky platforms and the sandy beach of Praia das Avencas obtained this classification in 1998, became, in 2016, designated as the Avencas Protected Marine Area, through the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 64/2016. The area was extended, having as limits the beaches of São Pedro do Estoril and Parede. The limit at sea has been adjusted to other existing regulations, having been reduced to a distance of ¼ mile from the coast. This is the 1st locally managed marine protected area in the country. This beach owes its name to a plant – Avenca – with a long tradition of medicinal use in Portugal. During the bathing season it is a guarded and signposted beach, with a Medical / First Aid Station.