Presentation
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On the Guadiana's right shore, a few kilometres from the river mouth, the Guadiana's waters spread through an extensive marshland area that, through the centuries has supported salinas and pastures. The Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve (RNCMVRSA), created in 1975 and covering an area of 2000 ha,is a wetland comprised by a complex system of marshland areas, channels, bodies of brackish water, salinas, agricultural dry lands, some spots of bushland and a small area of cork woods.
It is a nesting area, migratory passageway and wintering area for numerous bird fauna species with a predominance of aquatic birds, namely waders, with special mention for the black winged stilt which was chosen as the symbol of the protected area.
Castro Marim, in a castellated hill, was once probably an island accessible through walkways and was later made "land" through a progressive silting, witnessed several pasts - there are signs left behind by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthagineans, Romans and Arabs - being a privileged observation deck of this extremity of Algarve.
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Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)
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Estuaries and coastal lagoons
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Algarve
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Castro Marim
Vila Real de Santo António
Identification and Access
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Access coming from:
- Faro, through the A22/IP1, exit at the Intersection 18 - Vila real de Santo António/IC27 Beja and then at the sign for Beja/Alcoutim/Natural Reserve*;
- the north of Alcoutim, through the IC 27.*
In 'Monte Francisco' intersection turn on the first exit to the left on sign for the Nature Reserve, going through this dirt road for 450 meters, turn right under the A22 overpass, continue for another 1,700 km until the 'Centro de Educação Ambiental' (Environmental Education Centre) of the Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila real de Santo António Nature Reserve;
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Yes
Tip
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Climb up to the Castro Marim Castle and let yourself get lost in an intricate puzzle, a strange mix of land and sea and one of the most beautiful faces of the Leewards. Taste the famous "muxama" in Vila Real de Santo António and all of the cuisine associated with tuna fish and feast on fig truffles or the carob butter of Castro Marim.
We recommend that you start your visit in the Interpretation Centre, where you can find all the available information about the area. Beware of the tide if you want to see the waders. To observe the fauna (in general) leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Previously contact the Protected Area if you wish to use the Observatory near the Interpretative Centre During Spring a big number of aquatic birds nest on the Reserve, mainly waders. The "salinas" (saltpans), main biotope used, house important mating populations of these species. During this season it is crucial not to disturb the nesting areas.
Always pay attention to weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. Take precautions and use insect repellent. If you want to enjoy the beaches do not forget your bathing suit. Take special precautions when walking in moist areas, to avoid falling, and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others.
In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112.
Supports in place
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The Nature Reserve has directional and informative signs.
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Yes
Walkways, ramps and adapted sanitary installations. Adapted path.
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Yes
Activities and field trips only by previous booking.
Statutes of Conservation
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PTCON0013 Ria Formosa / Castro Marim
PTZPE0018 Sapais de Castro Marim (Castro Marim Sall Marshes)
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Mata Nacional das Dunas Litorais de Vila Real de Santo António
Mata Nacional das Terras da Ordem
RAMSAR Site - Sapal de Castro Marim - List of Wetlands of International Importance
near you
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The lower valley of the Guadiana, sparsely populated, surprising for its beauty and simplicity of small towns like the Foz de Odeleite and Guerreiros do Rio, among others, and can be traversed by the riverside road M507.
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Visit the town of Vila Real de Santo António, with its curious architecture and 'pombalina' style and take time to taste the typical sweets of Algarve. (Learn more).
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Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. In early Spring, grab the binoculars and camera and take time to appreciate birds diversity, fruit of pre nuptial dispersion, specially the breeding species.
2. Stroll and observe the fields explodind in colors and scents; scroll through them discovering the aromatic and medicinal species that occur in the area.
1. Observe the waders, ducks and coots, the most abundant species in post nuptial migration.
2. This is the time par excellence of the sea salt harvest. Visit the traditional salterns and produce your own fleur de sel. Preferably, choose the morning light or late afternoon for this activity.
3. It is the season of ripe fruit, take the opportunity to visit an organic farm and participate in harvesting and making of jam and fig chutneys.
1. In this post nuptial dispersion period it's time to go birdwatching.
2. Dive in the Atlantic to know the natural and artificial reefs off the coast of Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim and the English boat steam sunk in World War II.
3. From Vila Real de Santo António harbour or Castro Marim boarding pier sail in the Guadiana, in a small boat, and enjoy the beauty and calm of this river.
1. Observe the bird species with large populations, like the Black-necked Grebe, the Common-coot and flamingos.
2. The almond trees are in bloom! Take the opportunity to hiking or cycling using trails like Cerro do Bufo Trail.
3. Visit Casa do Sal (Salt House museum) in Castro Marim and make the route of the parapets existing on the facade of some old houses. Visit the cheese factory of Azinhal where you can not only taste and buy excellent goat cheese, but also see its production.
Best Season: All year long
Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António (Headquarters)
Sapal de Venta Moinhos
8950-285 CASTRO MARIM
Telephone: (00351) 281 531 257
E-mail: rnscm@icnf.pt
