Established in 1975, this nature reserve is Portugal’s oldest, covering 20 sq km of marshland and salt pans bordering the Rio Guadiana north of Vila Real. Important winter visitors include greater flamingos, spoonbills and Caspian terns; in spring it’s busy with white storks.
The park headquarters is 2km east of the N122 from a signposted turnoff 1.5km north of Castro Marim. Here there's a 500m walking trail with faded interpretative signboards.
Birdwatchers should also head to Cerro do Bufo, 2km southwest of Castro Marim, another rewarding area for spotting the park’s birdlife.
