EVOA - Espaço de Visitação e Observação de Aves — Attraction in Vila Franca de Xira

EVOA provides the opportunity to do birdwatching just next of one of the biggest estuary of Europe. In any time of the year you can spot many different species. There are several observation huts, and I strongly advise to use a guided tour. It is suitable for children and our guide demonstrated special attentions to them. In the central office there is an extensive and complete exhibit, and you also are given the opportunity to witness a documentary. Carefully plan your trip, as it has some kilometers of dirt road, with some holes and bumps. As a rule of thumb just follow the boards, to not go over 40 km/h.

There are many ticks in the area. This is normal due to the animals that live there. So as an advise protect yourself. Using closed shoes and clear cloths make it easier to spot them in advance. Inspect your trouser legs every 200 meters.

It has all the potential for five star rating, except for some details. The EVOA is starting to show its age, so it is "the time" to start doing it so. There is a bar, but little service. We wanted to eat something (with the kids), and the (only) waitress was having lunch. So bring your own food.

Go and visit EVOA ASAP. It is well worth it. Take the first early hours so it does not become too hot...

I had some time before taking my plane back to Switzerland in the evening of the second Friday of January 2025 and had decided to go by this institution, located in the middle of the wetlands on the eastern side of river Tagus. Access is via a 12 km dirt road with pot holes and this rainy morning I was glad having a rental car rather than my own. Just when taking off from the main road I met a dove trainer with his birds being released to fly back home to his farm, which was a first for me. You thereafter pass saltwater ponds populated by thousands of birds like ibises, herons, storks, waders and various predators before arriving at the EVOA visitor's center. After having paid your entrance fee you can hike the paths in the area on yourself or participate in a guided tour. I did both and can clearly recommend the guided tour with very knowledgeable guides. There are waters with different, regulated depths allowing you to study the various species in their real habitat. If you plan to take photographs bring your longest lens, preferably at least 800 mm in full frame equivalent. For the hungry visitor there is a small restaurant. Overall a magnificent experience. I will...

This is by far the best birdwatching site in Portugal.

It is pretty easy to clock up 25 species or more just driving from the main road through the Lezírias estate to the EVOA centre, so it’s important to allow maybe an extra hour just for that 10km stretch, for frequent stops for Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Flamingoes, Waxbills and so on. The centre itself is excellent, with very helpful and knowledgeable staff and a great little café overlooking the principal lagoon. You can walk around the lagoons and visit the various hides or you can book a guide with electric buggy. The guides are outstanding - active professional zoologists/ornithologists; I highly recommend them.

At the right time of year (migration seasons early spring or autumn) you will catch a wide range of water birds: Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Avocet, Spoonbill, Shelduck, Snipe, Godwit (black- and bar-tailed), Purple Swamphen…and many more. Good for raptors too, including Osprey and Black-winged Kite.

I have frequently visited EVOA over the years and never been...