Discover the vibrant birdlife of Portugal’s Lezírias region at EVOA. With observatories and photography hides, it’s perfect for bird enthusiasts and shutterbugs alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Average physical fitness needed for walking and standing
Wildlife
History
EVOA has been part of Portugal’s conservation efforts since its establishment by Companhia das Lezírias to promote ecological awareness.
Conservation
The area operates under strict sustainable practices, preserving habitats and ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife.
Companhia das Lezírias
Discover the vibrant birdlife of Portugal’s Lezírias region at EVOA. With observatories and photography hides, it’s perfect for bird enthusiasts and shutterbugs alike.
Companhia das Lezírias is a nature-focused operator based in Vila Franca de Xira, Lisbon, offering a range of guided and self-guided experiences that highlight the Tejo estuary and EVOA lagoons.
The organization runs year-round birdwatching activities, including short private visits (1.5 hours), three-hour private tours, guided searches for flamingos, and longer itineraries such as the eight-hour Grand Tour Aves, Vinho e Cortiça. Guided access frequently uses electric vehicles for comfortable, low-impact travel across lagoon and observatory areas. Self-guided visitors can use dedicated infrastructure at EVOA: four observatories, three photography hides, and multiple viewpoints for independent exploration.
Tours such as “Tour na Lezíria: Dos Arrozais ao Estuário” highlight seasonal landscape changes, rice-field ecology, and local horseback work by cowboys. The Grand Tour includes estuary viewing, a crossing of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, wine tasting at Catapereiro, and EVOA lagoon visits. The on-site Entrada Exposição is an immersive exhibit composed of 20 interactive modules that present the Tejo estuary’s habitats, migratory patterns, and conservation challenges through visuals and authentic sounds.
Selected tours offer practical transport from Vila Franca de Xira or Braço de Prata. Guided tours include personalized guidance in electric vehicles and on-foot options, ensuring comfortable access to habitats, seasonal bird migrations, and photographic opportunities across varied Lezíria landscapes. Booking and schedules are available through official channels and partners.
Tours Offered
9
Guided and self-guided experiences
Observatories
4
Year-round birdwatching viewpoints
Photo Hides
3
Dedicated wildlife photography hides
Exhibit Modules
20
Interactive Tejo estuary displays
Book a private birdwatching tour, join a full-day Grand Tour, or explore EVOA independently — discover flamingos, lagoons, and the living landscape of Companhia das Lezírias.
Bring binoculars and camera
Optimize your birdwatching and photography with quality optics and a good camera.
Arrive early or late in the day
Bird activity peaks during dawn and dusk, offering better sightings and lighting.
Wear neutral clothing
Blend into the environment to avoid startling wildlife and get better sightings.
Check weather conditions ahead
Clear days improve visibility and photo opportunities; plan accordingly.
Binoculars
For spotting distant bird species and wildlife detail.
Camera with telephoto lens
Capture high-quality images of birds and landscapes.
Comfortable walking shoes
Ease of movement around the observatories and viewpoints.
Hat and sunscreen
Protection from sun exposure during outdoor viewing.
summer