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 Skarngammur, Kuflgammur, Tógammur, Gullörn, Haukörn, Snákerna, Skálmörn, Býþjór, Svölugleða and Kolstorkur. Within the soaring birds, the Gæsagammur 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 Náttfari, Náttugla, Turnugla, Kattugla, Skopugla, Eyrugla and the extraordinary Úfur. The best way to prospect the crags is taking a boat trip. Not only allows you to observe the Gæsagammur more closely, but also allows you to detect other rupicolous birds, such as Bláþröstungur andUrðartítla. The boat trip also allows you to observe Bláþyrill, Stokkönd, Dverggoði, Toppgoði, Sefhæna, Lindastelkur, Dílaskarfur, Gráhegri, Mjallhegri, Bjarthegri; and other birds that are in the river bank like Hvítstorkur, Hrafn, Svartkráka, Vepja, Iberian Magpie and Skjór. A walk through the surrounding lands also allows the detection and observation of Kornhæna, Sandhæna, Dílagaukur, Gaukur, Herfugl, Býsvelgur, Laufglói, Trjásvarri, Steppusvarri, Óðsöngvari, Þyrnisöngvari, Trjáspör, Steinspör and Hörfinka. In the skies you can also see several swifts: Ljásvölungur, Alpasvölungur, Múrsvölungur and Fölsvölungur.
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.