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A town drawn with a ruler, the flamingo salt pans and the castle that watches Spain.
A journey to the border, along the Guadiana. The town laid out with a ruler in Pombal's time, the salt pans where flamingos feed and the castle that has watched over Spain for centuries, all in a full day with your driver taking you between viewpoints. Entry fees are extra. For lovers of history and birds.
The day, stop by stop
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Vila Real de Santo António
Vila Real de Santo António was laid out from scratch in the time of the Marquis of Pombal, on a grid of straight streets leading to a large central square with radiating cobbles. The promenade runs along the Guadiana, with Spain just across the water. It is a calm town, good for a stroll and a coffee in the square. If time allows, the ferry to Ayamonte is a short hop and is paid separately. Remember that Spain is an hour ahead.
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Reserva do Sapal (flamingos)
Around Castro Marim, the salt pans and marshes of the nature reserve are home to flamingos, storks, herons and many migrating birds. There are short, flat paths between the pans, with the castle always in view, and your driver can take you from one viewpoint to the next. The best light and the most birds come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bring binoculars, and before you leave pick up some flor de sal harvested right there.
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Castelo de Castro Marim
Castro Marim castle sits on a hill above the town, looking out over the Guadiana and across to Spain. It was the first seat of the Order of Christ, and within its walls you can still make out the old medieval village. From the top you see the international bridge, the salt pans and the sea in the distance. Entry is paid separately. Climb up in the late afternoon, when the heat eases, and pair it with a walk in the marshland reserve just below.
The essentials
- Duration
- 8 h · Full day
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Lovers of history and birds.