Birdwatching in Lagoa de Santo André

The Lagoa de Santo André, is one of the coastal lagoon systems of Portugal more ornithological importance. These systems, as well as being the local playback ameazadas for several species of waterfowl, are a fundamental point of também scale migratory routes that some of them are between the European and African continents. Other than that, they are also an essential winter refuge for many thousands of native birds of northern and central Europe. Here is a comprehensive guide that will serve you in the event that you feel like to give you a break for this wonderful place:

Medieval Alvalade

The event "Medieval Alvalade - Commemorations Foral" is a living history classroom, the only event of the kind in the Alentejo Coast, and that every year brings thousands of visitors and tourists to the Villa de Alvalade.

During these days, the daily life of the man of the Middle Ages is recreated in Alvalade to the full extent, through a program that includes the completion of a historical procession where representatives of all social classes of the time, and a Medieval Fair animated minstrels, jousting, theater, shows and exhibition of weapons, medieval dances, product sales and also a medieval restaurant menu.

Launch of the first stone at Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences

Last Monday 30th May, the Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort & Residences started the first stage of its construction with a symbolic ceremony to lay the first stone. Presents where Bernardo Trindade, Secretary of State for Tourism, Carlos Beato, Mayor of Grândola and Dionísio Pestana, President of Pestana Group.

“This day marks a new phase in this project which began with a dream about 10 years ago. Today, after many obstacles and some challenges, we launch the first stone of this unique potential reality of what is called Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort”,said Dionísio Pestana.

Including all phases of the project:  the plot, infrastructure, the 2 touristic resorts and the Aparthotel the project represents a total investment of more than 90 M€. The Pestana Tróia Eco-Resort is starting the first phase of construction of this unique and ambitious project having as main differential feature the sustainability which includes real estate, hotels, shopping and leisure areas.

Birdwatching: Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha

Alentejo: Santiago do Cacém and Sines (Beja)

Geographical coordinates: 38º04’N 08º49’W

Area: 2,672 ha

Altitudes: 0-48 m

Description

The site extends along a coastal region and includes two coastal lakes - Lagoa Santo André and Lagoa da Sancha - and a system of small, freshwater lakes formed in dune depressions. Lagoa de Santo André and Lagoa da Sancha lakes are representative examples of Mediterranean-style coastal lakes, one of the most vulnerable types in wetlands. Lagoa de Santo. The lake vegetation includes extensive patches of reeds and rushes.

Empty promise: Portugal's Alentejo region

This article appeared on p10 of the Travel section of the Guardian on Saturday 21 May 2011. It was published on guardian.co.uk at 00.05 BST on Saturday 21 May 2011. It was last modified at 00.09 BST on Saturday 21 May 2011.

Portugal's Alentejo region is poor, uncrowded, wildly beautiful – and now linked by direct flights to Heathrow

Gavin McOwan

The Guardian, Saturday 21 May 2011

In these environment-conscious times the opening of a new airport is not normally cause for celebration. But I think the world will forgive tiny Beja airport for putting up the bunting and letting the band strike up tomorrow to celebrate the inaugural landing of flight BD1234 from Heathrow.