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Sado Estuary Natural Reserve

Estrada de Santo Ovídio Mourisca, Setúbal, Setúbal

Description

Sado Estuary Natural Reserve (Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado) is a conservation area with over 200 bird species as well as dolphins and otters. The wetlands are separated from the sea by the Tróia peninsula and consist of a mix of marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies, and reed plantations. There is an ethnographic museum at the Mourisca Water Mill (Moinho de Maré da Mourisca)

Access & Transport

The wetlands are 10km east of the town of Setubal and 50km southeast of Lisbon.

Instructions & Recommendations

One of the best ways to discoverer the reserve is to take a boat tour; those depart from the Moinho Marisco. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching, if you have some.

Meta review

Not a regular entry in travel guidebooks and blogs so this is not a busy area. Online reviews are positive but not ecstatic, especially those who mistime their visit. Indeed, the wetlands are best experienced at high tide, when the wildlife gets closer to the shores. The boat tours are recommended.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly attraction. Socially marginally positive thanks to the small economic activity derived from tourism

Conclusion

The nature reserve of the Sado Estuary is interesting for outdoor enthusiasts generally and a must-see for birdwatchers in the Lisbon region. Otherwise, the landscape is pleasant but not exceptional. Try to arrange a boat tour ahead of time if possible.

Key positive

Wide range of bird species and some dolphins

Key negative

Information is difficult to come by

Suitability

Only partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (boat tours won't be able to handle wheelchair users)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 50m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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