Entre a Ria e o Mar - Trilho Natureza

The harmonious blend of
nature and tradition, colors and
images of a land rich in
history, is the main feature
of the "Between the Estuary and the Sea" trail.
In addition to the pleasant sensation
of a refreshing walk,
this trail offers an
engaging experience of deep
connection with the environment,
as you discover the big and
small secrets this place
has to offer.
The trail begins along the beach,
offering the chance
to come into direct contact with
a complex, fragile
yet fascinating ecosystem,
transforming into an authentic
journey through colors, sounds, and
scents. Here, the dune landscape
is undoubtedly the star of the show: the
wonderful balance between the
action of the winds and the tenacity
of the numerous species of
plants have, over the course of
centuries, shaped this coastline, creating the
dunes.
And while the flora is directly
responsible for the creation,
maintenance, and natural development
of the dune system, it also constitutes
an optimal habitat for
certain animal species: from
sandpipers and plovers, which can be
seen running swiftly
along the beach, to the various
mammals adapted to these
very specific conditions.
As we walk inland, we are
surprised by the stunning
landscape where the
sea meets the estuary: on one side, the waves
of the sea, which, with all the force
characteristic of them, crash
against the coast; on the other, the
calm waters of the estuary, which
mirror the blue of the sky.
Along the Beira Ria (Costa
Nova), the scene before
our eyes changes completely: the
vegetation, typically
riparian; the fauna, similar
to that of estuaries and large
lakes; and, finally, the tranquility of the
Ria, where the sun’s rays shine
producing thousands of sparkles
on the water’s surface.
It is an ecosystem that is extremely
rich in biodiversity and full of
life.
Set against this landscape of
harmonious contrasts,
we also find
evidence of tradition,
history, and the culture of the people who
inhabit these places, such as the Barra
Lighthouse, which, at 62
meters above sea level
sea level, has played a fundamental role for more than
a century
in controlling maritime traffic
in this area.
In Costa Nova, where the typical
haystacks—the town’s hallmark—
will tell us about the origins of this
historic settlement, the
hiker can also
experience the frenetic
and picturesque atmosphere of the fish market;
with the fascinating sight of
the bows of the boats
reflected in the waters of the estuary at
the fishermen’s pier; and with the
flavors of the local cuisine.
But the rich history of this region
still holds
countless surprises for its visitors, such as the
evidence of
an ancient,
large ship (15th century) and
its precious cargo at the bottom of
the estuary’s waters.
The route offers a
unique experience and is also
designed for
sports, particularly
hiking, fitness,
jogging, and is properly
marked and signposted.