Travel Guide Alcochete

It is the gateway to the Tagus estuary nature reserve, an important area of 14,192 hectares, particularly as regards migratory birds: more than 100,000 birds winter there, and this figure can rise to 120,000 during periods of migratory flow. Indeed, the flat relief of the Straw Sea being subject to the tides that rise from the ocean, the mudflats and swamps, which can be seen for kilometres at low tide, constitute a vast ecosystem in their own right. The fish come here to reproduce, which offers the birds plenty of food. In the old town, a small information centre offers its documentation, as well as a video, but it is best to go directly to one of the observation points, open to the public. Coming from Lisbon, turn right after the Firestone factory; returning to Lisbon, turn left after the Canto do Pinheiro coffee shop. Follow the road all the way to the end, it's a dead end. A hundred yards ahead, take the dirt road, it's at the end. A strike is set up with a watchtower. Even without binoculars, you will be able to observe storks, flamingos, egrets, oxen and spatulas. In the foreground, a few coloured boats at anchor or stranded on the mud are posing for photos. From there, the paths invite you to take a stroll. Be careful, this area of swamps is quickly covered by the tide as for the "praias" indicated; they are rather fishing sites