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Sítio das Fontes Springs Park

A quiet municipal park at Estômbar where freshwater springs meet the tidal Arade, with a tide mill, boardwalks and a stone amphitheatre. Sítio das Fontes is where Lagoa locals go for Sunday picnics while visitors queue for boat trips a few kilometres downstream. Springs bubble into a pool beside the restored tide mill, boardwalk paths loop through marsh and woodland, and egrets and waders work the estuary flats. A small amphitheatre built into the hillside hosts occasional concerts. It is an easy, level wander rather than a hike, which makes it a good outing with children or grandparents in tow. Follow the signs from Estômbar village; late afternoon brings the best light over the marsh, and picnic tables sit under the trees.