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Tavira Saltpans

Algarve  >  Portugal

The saltpans are excellently adapted to the landscape of the Ria Formosa natural reserve. Its a humanized environment for birds and a good place for birding.

Added* by Quintamar Algarve
Most recent update 21 marts 2026

Description

The large Tavira saltpans (Sítio das Quatro Águas) are a great place to see several species of seagulls and waders. The site is especially good for Audouinsmåge, Rovterne, Stor Flamingo, Dværgryle, Skestork and Blåhals. Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons to visit. The areas are best seen on foot. Other birds you can see are Hvid Stork, Stylteløber, Klyde and Biæder. Loads of them!

The tides can affect the birding along the river - low tide exposes mudflats that are completely covered at high tide (see a link to the tide table below). But the saltpans are not affected much, and can be great birding at any time of day.

Details

Access

You can park at Quatros Aguas near the ferry to Tavira Island. Press P on the map for directions. It is also very easy to walk from the main square Praça da República (1) of Tavira to the Quatro Águas saltpans. Just follow the river 1.2 km/15 minutes and you're right amongst the pans. You can keep walking all the way to the sea - another 1 km/15 minutes if needed.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea , Lake , Wetland , River

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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