Descripción
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 Alimoche Común, Buitre Negro, Buitre Moteado, Águila Real, Águila perdicera, Culebrera Europea, Águila calzada, Abejero Europeo, Milano Real and Cigüeña Negra. Within the soaring birds, the Buitre Leonado 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 Chotacabras Europeo, Cárabo Común, Lechuza Común, Mochuelo Europeo, Autillo Europeo, Búho Chico and the extraordinary Búho Real. The best way to prospect the crags is taking a boat trip. Not only allows you to observe the Buitre Leonado more closely, but also allows you to detect other rupicolous birds, such as Roquero Solitario andAcentor Alpino. The boat trip also allows you to observe Martín Pescador Común, Ánade azulón, Zampullín Común, Somormujo Lavanco, Gallineta Común, Andarríos Chico, Cormorán Grande, Garza Real, Garceta Grande, Garceta Común; and other birds that are in the river bank like Cigüeña Blanca, Cuervo Grande, Corneja Negra, Avefría Europea, Rabilargo Ibérico and Urraca común. A walk through the surrounding lands also allows the detection and observation of Codorniz Común, Perdiz Roja, Críalo Europeo, Cuco Común, Abubilla común, Abejaruco Europeo, Oropéndola Europea, Alcaudón Común, Alcaudón real, Curruca Mirlona, Curruca Zarcera, Gorrión Molinero, Gorrión Chillón and Pardillo Común. In the skies you can also see several swifts: Vencejo Cafre, Vencejo Real, Vencejo Común and Vencejo Pálido.
Detalles
Accesso
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.