The Lagoa dos Salgados and surrounding area is home, seasonally or all-year-round, to a remarkable number and variety of birds. With reason this severely threatened IBA (important bird area) has become one of the most rewarding and sought-after birding hotspots.

Also known as ‘Pera Marsh’, Lagoa dos Salgados is one of the most important freshwater wetlands in the Algarve. Despite being much smaller than Ria Formosa or even the Alvor Estuary, Lagoa dos Salgados is nonetheless inhabited by a numerous rare species. Waders, waterfowl and other aquatic birds, as well as raptors and passerines can be found here, some rare or endangered.

The lagoon plays an important economic role in eco-tourism in the Algarve. The revenue and attention that is generate in the area help the conservation process. However it is impossible to place a value on a seeing a flock of 200 Greater Flamingos, Black-winged Stilts busily feeding at close range, or much more secretive Little Bitterns and Purple Gallinules skulking in the reed beds.

The Algarve is rife with wildlife so nature fans can be spoilt for choice but no matter whatever else a twitcher has seen Lagoa dos Salgados should be on their itinerary.