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Description
The natural monument of Portas de Ródão is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature in the region of Central Portugal. River Tagus flows through two gigantic quartz rocks, truly reminding of “doors”. On the north top of Portas de Ródão, that can be easily reached by road, you will find the small castle of King Wamba (named after a Visigoth king), also known as the “Castelo de Ródão”. From this viewpoint you will have a wonderful panoramic view over the Tagus valley and you can find threatened birds, such as Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Rüppell's Griffon, Golden Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle, European Honey-buzzard, Red Kite and Black Stork. Within the soaring birds, the Griffon Vulture are the one that stand out, as this natural monument is home to the largest colony in the country. Portas de Ródão is also a good spot to detect Eurasian Nightjar, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Scops Owl, Long-eared Owl and the extraordinary Eagle Owl. The best way to prospect the crags is taking a boat trip. Not only allows you to observe the Griffon Vulture more closely, but also allows you to detect other rupicolous birds, such as Blue Rock Thrush andAlpine Accentor. The boat trip also allows you to observe Common Kingfisher, Mallard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Eurasian Moorhen, Common Sandpiper, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret; and other birds that are in the river bank like White Stork, Common Raven, Carrion Crow, Northern Lapwing, Iberian Magpie and Magpie. A walk through the surrounding lands also allows the detection and observation of Common Quail, Red-legged Partridge, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Hoopoe, European Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Grey Shrike, Western Orphean Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Rock Sparrow and Linnet. In the skies you can also see several swifts: White-rumped Swift, Alpine Swift, Common Swift and Pallid Swift.
Details
Access
You can start the visit next to the bridge over the Tagus River and drive to “Castelo de Ródão”. You can also take the boat trip in the village of Vila Velha de Ródão or explore the surrounding areas on foot. See the map bellow.