Stretching north from São Jacinto, between the sea and the lagoon west of Aveiro, is this supremely peaceful 6.7-sq-km wooded nature reserve, equipped with trails and birdwatching hides. A meandering 7km loop trail with information boards runs through the pines and dunes and can be walked at any time. At the trailhead, 1.5km north of the ferry on the N327, is a map, as well as a small helpful interpretative centre . The best birdwatching is from November to February.
To get here, take a bus from Aveiro to Forte da Barra (single/return €2.50/4), where there is a ferry to São Jacinto (passenger/car return €3/5). Schedules for boats are at www.moveaveiro.pt; bus schedules are at www.transdev.pt. Drivers can also circumnavigate the lagoon and arrive from the north via Ovar, but it’s a much longer journey.
