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Praia do Cavalo


Praia do Cavalo is now a popular summer bouldering spot. But long before the boulder problems were established, a number of traditional routes were developed in the 1990s by Sérgio Bruno, along with José Miguel Antunes and Rui Rosado.

More recently, around 2022, Fernando Pereira and João Gaspar opened a couple of new routes.


Praia do Cavalo

HOW TO GET THERE

Drive to Praia da Adraga (near Almoçageme) and park in the large parking lot by the beach restaurant. The lot is located just before the end of the road and is paid during the summer months.

APPROACH

At low tide, cross the sand from Praia da Adraga to Praia do Cavalo. At high tide, take the trail above the restaurant up to the top of the cliff, then head south along the crest. From there, follow the trail down to Praia do Cavalo. Be careful of loose rocks and old fisherman’s ropes along the way.

COMMENTS

Bolts condition These traditional routes were initially established, ground up, using hand-drilled carbon steel spits, which were later replaced by Rui Rosado and Mário Pires (2006)  with 304 stainless steel bolts (nou suited for marine enviroments). Rui Rosado, with the help of Paulo Santos, return in august 2025 and rebolted all routes with 316L stainless steel (except route #1 - still in bad condition). Route height 20 - 35 m aprox. Restrictions Accordingly to Carta Desporto Natureza PNSC - A maximum of 12 climbers is allowed in this sector.  Other comments Facing north (except for those on the opposite wall), these climbs and boulders are ideal for hot days with low humidity. Be mindful of the tides, as during high tide the sea can sometimes reach the base of the wall. The height of the boulders can vary seasonally—the sea may deposit or wash away sand, turning a sit start into a stand start or vice versa. Around 2020 -22 a group of highliners rigged some lines on this beach. A line of bolts near routes #2 and #8 was placed to set up the anchors for the highlines (some of these bolts (M12) are missing the hangers, (removed by the highliners).
#
Sub Sector
Route Name
Grade
Quality
Style
Type
Rock Type
Opened by
Date
Bolt Conditions
Rebolted
1
Praia do Adraga
Arco da Praia da Adraga
?
3
Boulder
Boulder
Limestone
?
?
No bolts
No
2
Praia do Adraga
Arco da Praia da Adrga
?
3
Boulder
Boulder
Limestone
?
?
No bolts
No
1
Praia do Cavalo
Placa Negra da Descida
V+?
1
Adventure
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Bad
No
2
Praia do Cavalo
Fissura Larga
6a
1
Traditional
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
3
Praia do Cavalo
À direita da fissura larga
6a+
1
Traditional
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
4
Praia do Cavalo
?
6a+
1
Traditional
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
5
Praia do Cavalo
?
6a
1
Adventure
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
6
Praia do Cavalo
?
6a+
1
Traditional
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
7
Praia do Cavalo
?
6a
1
Adventure
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
8
Praia do Cavalo
?
V
1
Adventure
Single
Limestone
Sérgio Bruno
90's
Good
Yes 2025 (316L) RR/PS
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