9. Praia dos 3 Castelos - Nascente E

Now observe the coastal arch that was formed on the cliff and the ledge that is located further to the west. See the two images provided. The formation process begins when the sea attacks small fractures in the headlands. The fractures gradually open and create small caves. When the caves, on one side and the other of the promontory, connect, a natural arch is formed. Further erosion could cause the arch to collapse, leaving the steep hard rock pillar jutting out from the coast: the leixão.