Monte Gordo is part of the natural heritage of this region. In its surroundings there are several heritage areas designated by authorities.
Marshland Nature Reserve of Vila Real de Santo António
Lovers of birds and plants in this reserve have prime locations for you to visit - Birdwatching Hotspots. The marshlands of Vila Real de Santo Antonio were the first nature reserve established in the Portuguese mainland. They are also recognised as an Important Bird Areas). They are places of international importance for bird conservation on a global scale
Natural Reserve of Mata de Vila Real de Santo António
The cool shade of the pines of the National Forest, which connects
Vila Real de Santo António to
Monte Gordo is an invitation for leisurely walks to observe its flora and fauna.
Ponta de Santo Antonio
The name is due to construction in the vicinity of Vila de Santo António de Arenilha, a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony in the sixteenth century.
Natural Park of Ria Formosa
This is characterised by the presence of sandy coastal dunes (beaches and dunes) that protects a lagoon area. A portion of the lagoon system is permanently submerged, while a significant percentage emerges during low tide. The average depth of the lagoon is 2 metres.
This large lagoon system - which extends from the beach
Ancão to the beach of
Manta Rota - includes a wide variety of habitats: barrier islands, marshes, sand dunes, salt marshes, freshwater ponds and brackish watercourses, farmland and forests. Such variety immediately suggests an obvious diversity of fauna and flora, being one of the focal points for birdwatching enthusiasts.