Espichel Cape: Uncover Dinosaur Footprints on a Jurassic Hiking Adventure

Embark on a thrilling Jurassic hiking adventure at Espichel Cape and uncover the ancient dinosaur footprints. Explore the rugged cliffs and immerse yourself in the mysterious and isolated beauty of this unique location.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Fortaleza de Santiago - Explore a historic military structure in Sesimbra and capture breathtaking photos of the stunning scenery. Enjoy a spectacular view of the salt pool.
  • Sesimbra - Stroll through the medieval streets of this charming fishing village, which boasts a wide variety of restaurants where you can savor the freshest fish and seafood in Portugal.
  • Cabo Espichel - Our journey starts at the sanctuary of Espichel Cape, where you’ll visit the small Memory chapel, the church, the old hostels, Casa da Ópera, the aqueduct, and Casa da Água. This site is a rare example of a monumental sanctuary designed for religious pilgrimages, featuring a unique architectural complex in Portugal. On the promontory, on a ledge of the Jurassic cliffs at the mysterious Espichel Cape, the second westernmost cape in Europe, discover incredible dinosaur footprints. These ichnofossils, left by sauropods and theropods about 150 million years ago, are found in a location that is both isolated and desolate. The area’s lush and vigorous vegetation is nearly impenetrable, and the promontory’s aridness makes it uninhabitable, yet people are drawn to its frontier-like and mysterious nature.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Qualified guide
  • Transport by private vehicle
Additional Information

Explore the uniquely intriguing Espichel Cape, positioned on the edges of Jurassic cliff. Being the second most western cape of Europe, it proudly showcases the astonishing dinosaur footprints. These are ichnofossils from tracks left by saurops and theropods, approximately 150 million years ago. A place that distinctly combines isolation and insulation, barrenness and roughness where the lush, thriving wilderness of the mountain is virtually impenetrable by humans. The sheer aridity of the promontory renders it uninhabitable. Yet, its enigmatic and frontier-like nature has drawn people towards it.

Location
Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa
Avenida da Liberdade
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(42 Ratings)
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Fossildave
Jul 26, 2024
Fantastic coastal locastion. Very interesting visit. - First of sall I have to thank Andre for his flexibility in organising, then having to re-orgainse, our trip. The coastal situation of Cape Espichel is very dramatic with the sauropod and theropd footprints (and tail drag markings!) combing to give a memorable visit. Afterwards Sesimbra castle is situated on a hilltop giving spectacular views especially to the south towards the small fishing resort of Sesimbra where you can take lunch. Andre was very enthusiatic and knowledgeable giving information on the plants as we walked the tracks towards the foorprints and was always keen to let us see the best parts in this area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
583servanec
Jul 24, 2024
Beautiful hike in the footsteps of dinosaurs on the coast of Portugal - Andre super accompanied us on the hike and explained a lot of interesting things about the region, the fauna and flora. It was beautiful! Servane
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey38833224838
Jun 1, 2024
Wonderful day in the surroundings of Sesimbra - I had booked a tour to Cabo Espichel. António picked me up directly at my accommodation in a cool 1988 jeep. We drove a beautiful route off the main road and he showed and told me a lot about the surrounding area. At Cape Espichel, he gave me all the time I needed in this peaceful place and planned the tour so that I could visit the lighthouse in the afternoon (it only opens for visitors on Wednesday afternoons). We ended the tour with a sundowner, it was a great day all round. António is a crazy cool guy and I can only recommend anyone to book a tour with him. @ António: Thank you again for everything
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tmmartin22
Mar 23, 2024
The Amazing Wild, Wild West - Andre showed us the Wild West and blew our minds. Must be experienced. Beauty to enlighten your senses, from the gorgeous wild flowers, the amazing cliffs and beautiful beaches. Words can’t do it justice. Andre, our guide, knows all the secret places. Although my husband and I hike regularly and generally do not hire a guide, we are extremely glad we went on this adventure with Andre. We would have missed a lot without him. We will book again with him on our next visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianarasmus
Nov 29, 2023
Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs - It's crazy to think that this gem of a landscape is only a short distance from Lisbon. The area is full of well-preserved culture from another time, and the nature itself makes it worth the trip. What a prospect! The highlight for us was of course the clear dinosaur footprints, which are immortalized in the rocks, and which we could get up close. A big thank you to our guide André for his knowledge and enthusiasm! There is no doubt that he is very passionate about nature and loves to share it with others. He also took a lot of good pictures of us while we were busy enjoying the experience. If you want to try something a little different from the usual tourist trips, we can highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
472vikkic
Oct 15, 2023
Fun in the countryside - We originally signed up for a tour to Espichel cape and several beaches, but the weather gods had other ideas. We were able to see Espichel cape and hike to see the dinosaur tracks. We then visited the chapel and castle grounds at Sesimbra before having an excellent lunch there. We then visited a tile factory before returning to our hotel in Lisbon. Our guide Andre was flexible and helped us make the best of the day. He is very knowledgeable about the countryside and on a nicer day we would love to do the beach tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca_s
Aug 10, 2023
Adventurous and stunning - We had a wonderful day with Andre. The hike had absolutely stunning views, and seeing fossilized dinosaur footprints was definitely unique and exciting. We then relaxed at the beach and swam, which was the perfect ending to the day. Andre was informative and considerate and helped us book fado for later in the night. We recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys hiking and wants to explore the more naturey side of Portugal!
Review provided by Viator
Jimby88
Jun 2, 2023
A journey in time - Magnificent and insightful trip to see the journey of the dinosaurs, some 220m years ago and we walked the same tracks. It was a wonderful day and I would recommend going, Andre was a delight and knowledgable tour guide. Thank you for the experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F2721ffnatashab
May 4, 2023
Best Dinosaur prints and nature tour! - Who knew you could see dinosaur footprints In Portugal? This tour not only took you to see the prints but we got to actually walk the steps of the prints! Definitely something I will never forget! Also, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the geography and wildlife!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob
Oct 5, 2023
Great views, interesting sites and a knowledgeable tour guide! This is a great trip. - We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Andre! Seeing the dinosaur footprints was a unique experience and the views of the coastline throughout the day were stunning! Andre was really personable and full of information about both the tour and local area. The restaurant we went to at the end of our trip was also excellent. Would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
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October 2024
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