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Circuit 15/ E - Algarve - Guadiana River, Nature Reserve of Castro Marim, Monte Gordo |
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Discover the salt marshlands, wetland zones of international importance in the middle and eastern parts of the Algarve, especially the protected Nature Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, and in contrast the beautiful beach of Monte Gordo.
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The stunning wetlands of the River Guadiana, between Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, contain salinas, meadows and marshes.
This humid zone, known as the Marshland Nature Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, was the third zone to be declared a Nature Reserve in Portugal and is a privileged site for the reproduction of fishes, crustaceans and shellfish, who find shelter here in order to grow before they venture forth into the sea. It is possible to see birds throughout the year, such as the white stork, flamingo and the black-winged stilt that is the most common species in the zone and was therefore chosen as the symbol of the Nature Reserve.
Following the itinerary proposed by the Interpretation Centre you will discover a different Algarve, far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, where the silence is only disturbed by bird cries. On foot or by bicycle, the trails lead us to the salt pans that occupy around one third of the protected area, and which for many centuries constituted the main source of riches in the region. Salt continues to be produced in many of the salt pans, in accordance with artisanal processes, delivering a product whose quality is certified by the Nature Reserve.
In drier zones, agriculture is the main activity, including typical trees from the Algarve such as the carob-shrub, fig tree and almond tree that provide the ingredients for delicious regional desserts such as D. Rodrigo and Morgado.
Frogs, toads, newts, lizards – all accompany you on your trip along the banks of the River Guadiana. And in the water live bream, bass and mullet.
In the skies, white storks, waders and herons fly by. On land, there are foxes, hares and timid wild rabbits.
The large swathes of marsh on the wetlands provide a contrast to the dry agricultural areas, where cereals, peanuts, figs, carob-beans and olives are grown. And higher up, seek out the shade of boulders and pine trees.
A relaxing way to enjoy the tranquillity to be found in this part of Portugal is to take one of the regular cruises on the Guadiana River.
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Castro Marim - Igreja Matriz |
Finally explore the landscape of the Castro Marim saltpans, with their white hills of salt amidst the green of the fields and the blue of the river, and plunge back in history at the archaeological remains of the ancient people that once lived here. Castro Marim is dominated by its massive hilltop castle built by King Afonso III in the 13th century. Within its walls are the remains of a smaller castle, which was once the headquarters of the Order of Christ. The fort of São Sebastião nearby was built in 1641 to further defend the country against Spanish invasions.
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3 km south is the town of Vila Real de Santo António, across from Spain and next to the mouth of the Guadiana river. Submerged by the sea in the 17th century, it was subsequently rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal in just 5 months in 1774 along a grid system; the town features a perfectly rectangular street pattern reminiscent of Lisbon's downtown Baixa district.
Paved with a dramatic radial mosaic design, Vila Real de Santo António's main square - the Praça Marquês de Pombal - is surrounded by orange trees and elegant 18th-century town houses. On the eastern side of the square, the Manuel Cabanas Museum commemorates the artist whose works, especially woodcuts, were the foundation for its collection of art and ethnography. Lining the riverbank, a long esplanade on the Avenida da República offers an impressive view of Ayamonte in neighbouring Spain. |
Lying just 3 km to the west of Vila Real de Santo António, the once sleepy fishing village of Monte Gordo has developed into a holiday resort in recent years, catering for Portuguese and foreign visitors alike.
Its fishing tradition lives on as wives in housecoats emerge from newly-built houses to receive the best of the fresh catch from local fishermen, who still ride bicycles through the streets to deliver their orders.
Opened in July 1996, the town's glittering casino features a modern gaming room, more than 200 slot machines and a nightly floorshow. Monte Gordo Bay boasts the largest beach and warmest waters in the Algarve, thanks largely to its Mediterranean climate and favoured geographical location near the mouth of the River Guardiana.
Studded with pines and lying open to the sea, its wide golden beach stretches as far as the eye can see.
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