Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve

Category: Nature > Nature Reserve

District: Faro > Castro Marim > Castro Marim

Location:

Situated in the Eastern Algarve (Sotavento algarvio), the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Nature Reserve covers a vast area extending through the municipalities of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António. Its territory marks the meeting point between the Guadiana River and the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a flat and humid landscape, shaped by the influence of tides and the estuary.

The site offers a unique perspective on the interior of the Algarve, contrasting with the coastal hustle and revealing an environment of tranquility and vastness. Its position allows for the observation of an interconnected aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem, with extensive channels and creeks winding through the plain.

A Protected Natural Legacy:

This wetland of exceptional characteristics was the first to be designated a Nature Reserve in mainland Portugal, created with the aim of preserving its valuable ecosystem. It is a vital space for the reproduction and shelter of numerous species, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which find ideal conditions here for their development before venturing out to sea.

The Reserve is a refuge for avifauna, where a wide diversity of birds can be observed throughout the year. Notable birds include the white stork and the flamingo, but it is the black-winged stilt that has been chosen as the symbol of this place, given its numerous population that nests here. The serene environment is often punctuated only by the natural sounds of wildlife.

The Salt Landscape:

A significant part of the Nature Reserve is dominated by the historic Castro Marim salt pans, which occupy about one-third of its total area. These salt pans represent a cultural and economic heritage, having been one of the main sources of wealth for the region over the centuries. The art of salt production dates back to ancient times, with traces indicating the introduction of fish salting techniques for preservation as early as the 8th century BC.

Currently, in many of these salt pans, salt continues to be extracted using artisanal methods, a process that ensures a high-quality product, certified by the Nature Reserve itself. The sight of salt crystals drying under the sun, in tanks that reflect the sky, creates a distinctive and photogenic landscape, a testament to an enduring tradition.

Routes and Discoveries:

For those wishing to explore the Reserve, there are delineated routes that invite discovery of its different environments on foot or by bicycle. These trails cross the varied landscapes of the marshland, salt pans, and drier areas where rainfed agriculture predominates. The experience of traversing these paths offers an immersion in nature and an opportunity to observe wildlife without the fast pace of more touristy areas.

In the higher agricultural plots, it is possible to find characteristic Algarve trees such as the carob tree, the fig tree, and the almond tree. These trees provide the fruits that are the base of many regional sweets, linking the natural landscape to the traditional flavors of local gastronomy. A visit to the Reserve reveals a distinct Algarve, where calm and natural richness manifest in their full splendor.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt