Bertiandos and São Pedro de Arcos Lagoons Protected Landscape

The Bertiandos and São Pedro de Arcos Lagoons Protected Landscape (Paisagem Protegida das Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos) is a protected area in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, in the district of Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal. It combines wetlands, two lagoons, farmland and woodland at the foot of the Serra d'Arga.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The landscape lies in Ponte de Lima and spans several parishes, including Bertiandos, São Pedro de Arcos and Fontão. It can be reached by the E.N.202 road, and the A27 motorway runs nearby. The approximate coordinates are 41.765° N, 8.637° W.

What does it protect?

The heart of the area is a pair of lagoons and the Estorãos river. Around them stretches a mosaic of wetlands, woodland, pasture and farmland that forms a permanent water system. This setting supports wildlife tied to water and also shows the traditional farming character of this part of the Minho.

The site holds several designations. It was created as a regional protected landscape by Decree 19/2000 of 11 December 2000. It is also listed as a Site of Community Importance and as Ramsar Site no. 1613, meaning a wetland of international importance. Hunting is banned across the whole area under Portaria 1140/2001.

How big is it?

Wikipedia gives about 346 hectares (3.46 km²). A 2026 news report mentions 350 hectares, so roughly 3.5 km² is a fair figure.

What can you do here?

Visitors will find an environmental interpretation centre and a network of walking trails totalling around 22 km. There are also historical and cultural routes, so a walk can be combined with discovering local villages and the farmed landscape. It suits a quiet day out with binoculars and a camera, especially for anyone interested in wetland nature and birdlife.

How is it managed?

Ponte de Lima's municipal council approved a management regulation for the protected landscape, published as Regulamento n.º 274/2025 in February 2025. It sets out rules for use and protection of the area.

Frequently asked questions

Where is it? In the municipality of Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo district, at the foot of the Serra d'Arga.

Is it internationally recognised? Yes. It is Ramsar Site no. 1613 and a Site of Community Importance.

How many trails are there? About 22 km of walking trails plus historical and cultural routes.

Is hunting allowed? No, hunting is banned throughout the area.

How do I get there? Via the E.N.202 road; the A27 motorway is nearby.