Paisagem Protegida Regional do Litoral de Vila do Conde e Reserva Ornitológica de Mindelo, Nature reserve in Vila do Conde, Portugal.
The Paisagem Protegida Regional do Litoral de Vila do Conde and Reserva Ornitológica de Mindelo is a protected coastal landscape that combines sand dunes, wetlands, pine forests, and cultivated fields along the Atlantic shoreline. The area forms a mosaic of interconnected habitats that shape the character of this northern Portuguese coast.
The protected landscape was formally designated in 2009, building upon the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve established in 1957 as Portugal's first protected natural space. This pioneering conservation area shaped how the country approached environmental protection in the decades that followed.
The name "Mindelo Ornithological Reserve" reflects a long-standing focus on bird watching and protection of avian life in this region. Today, the protected landscape attracts nature enthusiasts who value the preservation of coastal ecosystems and their inhabitants.
The area is accessible through several walking trails that let visitors explore the different habitats and observe birds at their own pace. Group visits work better when arranged in advance with the Vila do Conde municipality to ensure smooth access.
The reserve provides a home for more than 80 bird species, making it a hotspot for bird watchers from around the world. The area also hosts about two-thirds of all amphibian species found in Portugal, along with rare coastal plants like Coincya johnstonii.
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