Parques de Portugal

Presentation

  • The 364 ha of Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos Protected Landscape are home to a permanent lakeside system, subject to different degrees of flooding throughout the years. On a depression of the land crossed by the Estorãos river and once occupied by natural pastures and rice fields, S. Pedro and Mimoso lagoons and the final section of Estorãos River, are bordered by riparian vegetation galleries. Surrounded by natural pastures with compartment hedges, and in the hills adjacent to the lagoons, by spots of forest, the agricultural practice still subsists on the flood plain and on neighbouring areas, there are curbstone vineyards and scattered olive groves.

    The habitat mosaic favours the presence of 508 species of plants, including some rare or threatened ones, and promotes conditions for refuge and nourishment for fauna species, there are 9 species of freshwater or migrating fish, 13 amphibian species, 11 reptile species, 41 mammal species and 144 bird species identified.

  • Município de Ponte de Lima

  • Rivers and marshes

  • North

  • Ponte de Lima

  • Access coming from:

    - Viana do Castelo or Ponte de Lima the access to the protected area is made through the N 202 (road that connects both locations). Exit Braga through the A3/IP1 heading to Ponte de Lima, head to IC14 in the direction of Viana do Castelo, exiting on the Estorãos/Arcos intersection, you should follow the Arcos and the "Lagoas Protected Area (indications).

  • Yes

  • Take advantage of the network of land trails inside the Protected Area and quickly visit Ponte de Lima through the Lima river Eco-way. We recommend that you start your visit in the Environmental Interpretation Centre, where you can find all the available information about the area. If you choose to stay at the Pentieiros farm, you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful Azenha de Estorãos and Souto de Bertiandos leisure areas.

     

    To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. You may also take a cellphone (do not start a fire and don't dispose of cigarette butts incorrectly). Take precautions and use insect repellent. 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.

  • The Protected Landscape has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.

  • Yes

    Walkways, ramps and adapted toilet.

  • Yes

    Activities and field trips only by previous booking.

  • PTCON0017 Litoral Norte (North Coast)

    PTCON0020 Rio Lima (Lima River)

    PTCON0039 Serra de Arga (Arga Mountain)

  • RAMSAR Site – Lagoas de Bertiandos e de S. Pedro dos Arcos.

Weather Conditions

Weather Conditions em Lagoas de Bertiandos e S. Pedro de Arcos Protected Landscape :

What you can do

1. Enjoy the view to Lagoa de S. Pedro (St. Peter's lagoon) covered in water lilies and see the wildflowers dotting the meadows. Notice how the frogs croak in symphony.

1. Try to photograph butterflies, dragonflies and small winged insects that fly from flower to flower, indifferent to the heat. If you can, try to photograph the birds, that take refuge in the trees shadows, and the cattle, grazing.

1. Notice how the ponds gain more color and life, while the leaves wither and fall off. Note the mushrooms that sprout everywhere.

1. Estorãos river floods the land. Observe waterfowl that now occupy the renewed waters of the lagoons.

Best Season: All year long

Contacts

Paisagem Protegida Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos (Headquarters)

Centro de Interpretação Ambiental

4990–530 ARCOS - PONTE DE LIMA 

Telephone: (00351) 258 240 201

E-mail: lagoas@cm-pontedelima.pt

SITE

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