Reserva Natural do Paul de Arzila

Reserva Natural do Paul de Arzila is a small wetland reserve near Coimbra in central Portugal. It lies on the left bank of the Mondego River and is a favourite with birdwatchers. The protected area spreads across Coimbra municipality and the neighbouring municipalities of Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho.

What is Paul de Arzila?

The reserve is a biogenetic reserve. Its 150-hectare core sits inside a protected area of 535 hectares. The word "paul" means marsh or fen in Portuguese, and that is just what you will find: broad stands of bulrushes and reeds, with poplars and willows lining the drainage ditches. Patches of pine and eucalyptus surround the wetland.

What can you see here?

Wildlife is the main draw. The reserve has recorded 119 bird species, 12 mammals, 10 reptiles, 13 fish and 201 species of spiders. Other bird-recording sources count more than 150 species across the wider area, which shows how rich this small place is.

Birds you may encounter include:

• little grebe,
• water rail,
• white stork,
• little egret,
• black-crowned night heron,
• Eurasian spoonbill,
• western marsh harrier,
• common kingfisher,
• Savi's warbler.

The purple heron is the symbol of the reserve. The wetland is also an important autumn stopover for migrating passerines and a nesting ground for reedbed birds.

When is the best time to visit?

Birding is possible all year, but spring is considered the best season. Autumn is worth a visit too, for the passing migrants.

How do you explore the reserve?

An easy, flat trail of about 2 km starts at the visitor centre. Along the way there is a hide or observation platform for watching birds. Binoculars help, and a telescope is even better, since many species stay hidden in the reeds and must be spotted from a distance. The route demands little fitness, so it also suits families with children.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the reserve? On the left bank of the Mondego River, in Coimbra municipality, next to Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho.

How big is the protected area? The core is 150 ha, and the whole protected area covers 535 ha.

How long is the walk? The trail is about 2 km and flat, so a few hours of relaxed watching is usually enough, depending on how long you linger at the observation point.

Do I need special equipment? No, but binoculars or a telescope make identifying birds much easier.

When is the best time to go? Spring, although the reserve is interesting all year. Check the visitor centre opening hours before you go.

Who is it for?

Birdwatchers, nature photographers and anyone who wants a quiet break among the wetlands after sightseeing in Coimbra. It is a calm, short outing into the wild nature of the Mondego valley, open to almost everyone.