Salinas do Cerro do Bufo (the core area)

For a first time visit, it is best to concentrate on the core area - correctly called the Salinas do Cerro do Bufo. The area comprises salinas surrounded by tidal rivers, sapal, farmland, orchards and seasonal freshwater pastureland. This part of the reserve is situated within a large triangle. The town of Castro Marim is its apex, the N 122 (which leads to the A22 motorway from Vila Real de Santo António) is its eastern side, the link road with the N 125 from just east of Altura to Castro Marim (marked as N 125-6 on maps) its western side and the railway line its southern base.

The suggested route is not signposted but provides an opportunity to view the area without causing disturbance. A close approach to the salinas operational buildings is unnecessary and might not be welcomed. Often the light is extremely bright and glare and heat haze become vital factors. A four-wheel drive vehicle could tackle the very rough public track but this misses the best parts and in wet weather this route is very slippery and dangerous. Vehicles are prohibited from going inside the gated salinas area as they obstruct operational vehicles on the narrow dyke roads and in any event risk being locked in.

If time is short, an approach from the west is best. This is the quickest way to the most productive part of the core area. From the south (N 125) follow the N 125-6 (signposted Castro Marim) for about 2 km and just before the road bends right and crosses a narrow bridge, turn right on to a wide unsurfaced road. This road leads eastwards towards the operational salinas (look for the mound of salt). Follow the road for about a ½ km or so until the entrance gate of the operational area is reached on the left and park off the road. Approach slowly as on the left is sapal and to the right damp pastureland and gooey cow pens (use the car as a hide). At the entrance gate, the salinas are obvious. There are 'probida' and 'privada' signs but these protect legal interests rather than prevent bona fide visitors entering the peripheral area on foot. The low entrance gate is often locked, especially early in the morning and on weekends and then it is necessary to squeeze round. Follow the first narrow track (immediately right through the gate), which hugs the edge of the salinas southwards. On the western side is seasonally flooded ground and open farmland. Scan the grassy hillsides for Little Bustard and Stone Curlew. After about 3 km a white pump-house and a wide tidal river (esteiro da Carrasqeira) are reached. At this point, it is best to return but it is possible to struggle along the riverbank for different views of the core area.

Alternatively, approach from the east. Follow the N 122 south from Castro Marim towards Vila Real de Santo António for about 1½ km. A river is crossed and as another river is seen on the right, slow down and turn right onto a concealed rough track (below road level) to a ruined house about a 100 m on the left. Park off the road as this is a public track. Walk down the track for a short way. When the tidal river (esteiro da Carrasqeira) on the left bends away, mount the bank and follow it for views across the core area. Return the same way and continue along the rutted public track westwards and northwestwards around the edge of the salinas. Soon another tidal river (esteiro da Leziria) is reached, where there are good views over the sapal towards Castro Marim. The track hugs the riverbank and winds its way to the entrance gate to the operational salinas (see above). The two approaches can be linked for a long circular walk via the riverbank of the esteiro da Carrasqeira but be warned this is a long walk and tough in hot weather.