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.
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.
Book with Companhia das Lezírias
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Companhia das Lezírias · Vila Franca de Xira, Lisbon
Vila Franca de Xira, located just north of Lisbon, offers a glimpse into Portugal's rich rural heritage and vibrant wetlands. The Tour na Lezíria by Companhia das Lezírias is a captivating 3-hour guided expedition through the lush rice fields and estuarine landscapes of the Lezíria region. This journey vividly captures nature’s seasonal shifts—from the golden hues of rice harvesters to the bustling bird migrations that flock the region during spring and fall.
What makes this experience stand out is the authentic connection to local culture, including horseback rides led by skilled cowboys, offering visitors a chance to see traditional Portuguese farming methods up close. The landscape itself is a living mosaic, featuring sprawling rice paddies, meandering waterways, and patches of native flora and fauna. Natural highlights include the white storks, herons, and flamingos that frequent the wetlands, providing perfect photo opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
This adventure reveals a part of Portugal where land and water converge in vibrant harmony. The company is a pillar of the local community, committed to sustainable tourism and supporting regional agricultural traditions. Convenient transport options from Vila Franca de Xira and Braço de Prata make it easy to access this captivating corner of Lisbon’s surroundings. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking an immersive cultural and natural experience, this trip balances adventure, education, and conservation, making it a memorable outing for all ages.
Whether you're interested in birdwatching, local history, or just a taste of rural Portugal, Companhia das Lezírias offers a unique window into the region’s heritage with a hands-on approach that keeps nature front and center.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, gentle walking and horseback rides involved
No, the horseback rides are suitable for beginners and led by experienced guides.
Bird species such as storks, herons, and flamingos are common sights during the trip.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children age 6 and above.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Yes, convenient transport from Vila Franca de Xira or Braço de Prata is available.
Meal options are not included, but local shops and cafes are nearby.
Lezíria has been an agricultural hub since Roman times, with traditional irrigation and farming techniques preserved to this day.
The company actively participates in wetlands preservation and promotes eco-friendly tourism practices.
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.
Book with Companhia das Lezírias