Punta do Limo
Where the Earth's mantle kisses the ocean
The cliffs of Punta do Limo, sculpted by wind, water and saltpetre, reveal a particular geological rarity: they are formed by peridotites and pyroxenites, which once formed part of the Earth's mantle, dozens of kilometres below the surface, thus showing us a deep section of the Earth's lithosphere. These dense rocks, rich in iron and magnesium, emerged as a result of the formation of the Variscan mountain range. The origin of these cliffs is therefore largely tectonic, caused by the break-up of this supercontinent approximately 200 million years ago.
The contrast between the dark rock and the blue sea creates a breathtaking landscape, ideal for reflecting on the titanic forces that shaped the Earth. A coastal path allows visitors to admire these rocks, whose rough texture and shiny veins of pyroxene and amphibole reveal their origin in the deepest layers of the Earth's crust. The area around Punta do Limo remains one of the most isolated places on the Iberian Peninsula. The descent down its cliffs is extremely dangerous and only suitable for specialists. Extreme caution should be exercised when walking on these landscapes.
