15 January 2024

Guide to visiting the Lagoa de Santo André and Lagoa da Sancha

Situated on the Alentejo coast, the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve it stretches for 16 km and integrates two lagoons: the Santo André Lagoon, the largest on the Alentejo coast, and the Sancha Lagoon, of smaller dimensions. It also includes some “poços” (small pools in dune depressions) and an adjacent marine strip.

The great natural beauty, the landscape surrounding the lagoons is mainly made up of reed beds, rushes, willow groves, Atlantic scrubland, pine forests, dunes, and extensive white sandy beaches.

The lagoons have significant biological importance, attracting numerous birds, and it's common to find concentrations of waterfowl, among which is the Zitting Cisticola, which is the symbol of the Reserve. In terms of Flora, this protected area is also quite rich and diverse, with 510 plant species identified.

Visit the Lagoas de Santo André and Sancha Nature Reserve

Where is On the Alentejo coast, north of the town of Sines
Distance from Lisbon | Around 1 hour 30 minutes
When to visit In our opinion, any time is a good time to visit the Nature Reserve. In spring, however, the landscape is even more beautiful, because the vegetation is in bloom. Summer, on the other hand, is ideal for those who also want to go to the beach.

Here's what you can do at the Lagoas de Santo André and Sancha Nature Reserve: * Birdwatching: This is a prime location for observing a wide variety of bird species, especially migratory birds, due to the lagoon's importance as a stopover point. Bring your binoculars! * Nature Walks and Hiking: Explore the marked trails that wind around the lagoons and through the surrounding pine forests and dunes. It's a beautiful way to experience the landscape and discover hidden spots. * Photography: The scenery is very picturesque, with diverse flora and fauna, making it a great place for photographers. Capture the lagoons, the coastline, and the wildlife. * Picnicking: Enjoy a meal amidst nature. There are designated areas where you can relax and take in the views. * Enjoying the Scenery: Simply sit back, relax, and appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the lagoons and the coast. * Beach Access: The reserve includes access to the beach, which is a great place for a stroll or to simply enjoy the sea air. * Educational Visits: Learn more about the importance of the wetland ecosystem and the species that inhabit it. Information points are often available. * Cycling: Some of the paths may be suitable for cycling, allowing you to cover more ground and explore the area. Remember to respect the environment, stick to marked paths, and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Visit the Monte do Paio Interpretation Centre
Beaches
Walking routes
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and canoeing
Birdwatching
Watching the opening of the Lagoa de Santo André to the sea

Visit the Monte do Paio Interpretation Centre

Aimed at promoting knowledge of the Natural Reserve, it is a good starting point for gathering information, while also providing one of the best panoramic views of the Santo André Lagoon.

Beaches

There are three beaches integrated into the Natural Reserve area, namely:

Costa de Santo André Beach | A long stretch of sand: the sea on one side; the calm waters of the lagoon on the other. Even if you don't go by the beach, you can stroll along the lagoon, observing the scenery and the various species of birds that nest there.
Monte Velho Beach A little further south, this beach (unsupervised) is usually the quietest of the three. It is also known as Praia do Porto das Carretas or Praia da Vacaria.
Fonte do Cortiço Beach Further south, this beach (which is supervised) has, like the previous ones, an extensive sandy area and is bordered by dunes and a pine forest.

Walking routes

There are five marked trails in the Nature Reserve:

Poços do Barbarroxa Circular, 4 km, 2 hours;
Lagoa da Sancha Circular, 3.6 km, 3 hours;
House of Fish Linear, 3 km, 1h30 (return trip);
Poço dos Caniços Linear, 1.8 km, 1 hour (return);
Salgueiral Circular, 1.7 km, 1h30m (access conditional).

Tips

Don't be fooled by the reduced mileage of each walking route, because it's much harder to walk on sand;
Consult the excellent Map of the Lagoons of Santo André and Sancha Nature Reserve and the marked walking routes, by ICNF.

Where to eat

At Daniel's Specialities: fresh grilled fish; lagoon eels; black beef and pork;
The Cascalheira Specialities: Buzio stew, eel stew, pork migas, lizards, or tomato and egg soup with fish.