BioRia, in Estarreja, is a space known nationally and internationally for its conservation of nature and biodiversity, where it is possible to make several routes (on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented at spot) and spotting several animals, being especially known for birdwatching activities.
BioRia has eight different trails (which can be consulted on the initiative's own website, here.). Firstly, as the main route, whose beginning is marked by the existence of an Environmental Interpretation Center, is called Salreu Route..
Having so many options of routes, and little time to do them, we decided that we would have time to make the main route, indispensable for those who visit BioRia, and an additional route, shorter and different from the previous one, the Riven Garden Route.
Salreu Route (pr1)
This trail is located in Salreu (Estarreja, Aveiro). First, is important to know that this route is circular, and about 7.7km long. The time for its accomplishment varies, frequently, between the 1h30 and 2h30and being medium difficulty.
The trail called the Salreu Trail starts and ends at the Environmental Interpretation Center.
The route has landscapes marked by flora, with emphasis on the rice fields, and fauna, where you can see different types of birds.
Although it is not a very long route, it is done on dirt and there are not many shadows, so it ends up being a tiring route. There are, however, several resting places along the route.
Around the middle of the route there is a house that, despite being private property, offers a rest space and bathrooms for public use. On this route, it is also worth mentioning the dozens of scarecrows, located in the fields of cultivation, which are personalized, offering a funny scenario for those who are doing the route.
For those who wish to know BioRia, this is a mandatory trail. On the other hand, we only recommend that, because of the heat and the existence of few shades, you avoid the hottest hours. You can check the flyer here..
River Garden Trail (pr2)
In the same way as the previous one, this route is located in Salreu, despite starting at a different point (coordinates: 40.723796, -8.564331). Tem forma circular sendo, ao contrário do anterior, notavelmente shorter, com apenas 1.8km long.
Consequently, it is also a faster route to take, taking between 0h30m to 1h15m, classified as easy.
Despite the beauty of the route previously presented, our favorite route was this one, since it presents landscapes that appear to be out of a painting. To reach this route it is necessary to follow the road along the train line towards Aveiro, until a sign appears to mark the beginning of this route.
Unlike the previous one, the duration of this one is shorter, having only close to 2km. Consequently, it ends up being done faster. In the same way as the previous one, the vast majority of the route is carried out between landscapes of a strong green.
In the middle of the route we find a watchtower that allows us to see a large part of the landscape of BioRia. Next to this watchtower there is a small stream where you can see some crustaceans, which hide with the noise, so keep that in mind. Also in this area, and although we were not lucky enough to see them, it is an area where otters are supposed to live.
The last third of the route is on dirt, and here you will also find farmland and some personalized scarecrows.
Since this route is smaller, and with more shade, the difficulty turns out to be lower. You can check the flyer here..
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