White-sand dunes, pine woods and freshwater ponds between the Atlantic and the Aveiro lagoon, alive with ducks and herons.
About this place
The São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve lies in São Jacinto, Aveiro, where land and sea meet in a landscape of beaches, salt marshes, fresh and brackish water — home to natural species of great value. It is one of the protected areas officially designated in Portugal.
The reserve sits north of the lagoon channel, facing the ocean along wide beaches. Its vegetation is very distinctive: in the 19th century acacias and maritime pines were planted to hold the dunes in place.
Freshwater ponds created for the purpose shelter many species of ducks, herons and other water birds. The reserve's interpretation centre runs guided visits and invites you to follow its Nature Discovery Trail — and the beaches nearby are a well-known spot for surfers.
Location
Aveiro40.6865, -8.7316
Nearby
- Eco Stays
Vale do Rio Eco Hotel
- Nature Trails
Frecha da Mizarela Trail
- Greenways
Dão Greenway
- Craft Food
Nørre Bakery
- Organic Shops
Biobrassica
- Ecoparks
Pé Descalço Ecopark
- Traditional Crafts
Teciborda
- Ecoparks
Pia do Urso Sensory Ecopark
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