The Lagoa de Óbidos borders Vau to the south; the Poça do Vau is located there. In spring, purple herons, western marsh harriers and great reed warblers can be found here. Birdwatching is therefore a notable reason to explore Vau; at the same time, trails along the lagoon and wetlands, as well as local history and festival culture, offer different ways to discover the area. For planning purposes, it is helpful to keep these highlights distinct.

Lagoon and birdwatching

The Lagoa de Óbidos is home to a rich diversity of wildlife; it is also possible to observe the movements of various migratory bird species there. The Poças are home to numerous rare bird species and are considered one of the best areas in Europe for birdwatching. In spring, purple herons, western marsh harriers and great reed warblers can be found at the Poça do Vau. If these three species are your particular focus, spring offers a specific seasonal reference point; the lagoon also provides a broader view of bird movements.

Routes and coast

On its return to the village, the Rota das Poças runs along the Poça do Vau and offers views of the lagoon, the Poça and the surrounding wetlands. The Ecovia da Lagoa, by contrast, is an extensive route that circles the entire body of water of the Lagoa de Óbidos. The difference in route choice is clear: the Rota focuses on a section with the Poça and wetlands, while the Ecovia takes in the lagoon as a whole.

Praia do Bom Sucesso, also known as Praia do Vau, lies on the southern shore of the Lagoa de Óbidos, near the lagoon’s opening. Access is via exit 14 of the Autoestrada 8; check the signs locally. The beach and the trails along the lagoon offer different perspectives on the landscape: the beach focuses on the coast near the opening, while the Rota takes in the Poça and wetlands.

Local history and crafts

Several commemorative plaques stand at Sítio da Cabana. One commemorates King João IV having lunch there on September 14, 1645. Craftwork in Vau is closely linked to the lagoon and to making equipment for fishing and shellfish gathering. This includes the Galrricho. The lagoon is thus revealed not only as a landscape and habitat, but also through crafts whose objects are connected with fishing and shellfish gathering.

Religious celebrations and local cuisine

The Círio of Vau’s church is a religious procession along a route between Vau and the Ermida da Virgem do Bom Sucesso. Participants include horse riders, a banner, a child dressed as an angel and an invited brass band. The feast of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is also celebrated on December 18. The Eucharistic celebration is followed by a procession through the parish of Vau; the exact programme may vary.

The Festa da Lagoa combines gastronomy with performances by rock, popular music and folk groups. During the festival, fishermen and their families prepare eels, clams and mussels, among other dishes; hundreds of visitors can sample the flavours of the lagoon. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the dates before your trip.

A break outdoors

A park created in 2024 has a picnic area with tables, benches and barbecue grills. It offers opportunities for outdoor meals and spending time together. In Vau, trips to the lagoon and coast, insights into local history and crafts, and the area’s culinary and religious traditions all complement one another.

Back to the main destination guide: Óbidos.