The lagoon and the ornithological reserve
In close relationship with the ocean, the Santo André lagoon offers the pleasures of bathing in warm, calm waters for adults and children. Possibility to rent kayaks at the restaurant.
The beach that connects the lagoon and the sea offers beautiful spaces for ball sports. Parasols and a bar complete the pleasure of a nap after swimming.
The reserve can be observed freely along the northern part of the lagoon. For athletes, a walk from “Passo a Passo” takes you to the sea, walking for a moment between the reeds and allowing you to discover the fishing “port” with its long boats hidden in the vegetation. Further on, the path goes up to reveal the entire lagoon, surrounded by the dunes and followed by the ocean. Especially in autumn and winter, Costa da Caparica, wrapped in blue, completes the perspective.
Access to the reserve itself is subject to conditions; reservation is required. Depending on the season, guides show a large number of birds, migratory or resident, some quite rare.
In early spring, on March 21, tractors open the dune that separates the sea from the lagoon. Spectacle not to be missed, because this gap creates a wave that allows you to surf.
From Santo André Lagoon to Melides Lagoon:
Although these two lagoons are quite distant by road, it is possible for those who like to walk to connect them in a very pleasant way. A sandy path runs through the pine forests, sometimes allowing a detour to the ocean, leads to Melides beach, where it will be good to quench hunger and thirst.
Badoca Safari Park
Open from March to October, the park is located 4 km from the property. It offers different activities and discoveries: safari, African rafting, tropical forest, primate island, feeding lemurs and hiking … A great day for young and old.
Horseback riding
The Centro Equestre de Santo André, conveniently located on the outskirts of the city of Vila Nova de Santo André and adjacent to a vast pine forest, beach and Nature Reserve of the lagoons of Santo André and Sancha, offers the possibility to practice horseback riding and also offers a “horse baptism”.
Santiago do Cacém
To visit: the Moorish castle and the viewpoint of the region, the old city built under its walls, the Roman ruins of Miróbriga and the windmill.