Discover Portugal’s rice fields and wetlands on a guided tour that combines culture, wildlife, and local traditions in Vila Franca de Xira. A perfect blend of land and water adventure, ideal for nature lovers.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, gentle walking and horseback rides involved
Wildlife
History
Lezíria has been an agricultural hub since Roman times, with traditional irrigation and farming techniques preserved to this day.
Conservation
The company actively participates in wetlands preservation and promotes eco-friendly tourism practices.
Companhia das Lezírias
Discover Portugal’s rice fields and wetlands on a guided tour that combines culture, wildlife, and local traditions in Vila Franca de Xira. A perfect blend of land and water adventure, ideal for nature lovers.
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
Enhance your birdwatching experience by bringing binoculars for closer views of the wetlands' diverse wildlife.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Walking or horseback riding requires sturdy footwear; prepare for a mix of terrain types.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water especially during warmer days to stay comfortable while exploring.
Respect Local Wildlife
Maintain a respectful distance from birds and other animals to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Binoculars
Useful for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Comfortable Shoes
Necessary for walking and horseback riding.
Sun Protection
Protect against sun exposure during outdoor activities.
spring;summer;fall
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour.