At Praia da Costa de Santo André, two very different worlds of water meet: the long sandy beach lies alongside Lagoa de Santo André and is washed by both the Atlantic and the calmer lagoon waters. The beach lies entirely within the nature reserve. The landscape beyond it is also shaped by transitions—between the coast, dunes and wetlands connected to the lagoon basin.
Atlantic Beach and Lagoon
Lagoa de Santo André covers about 500 hectares and is considered the largest lagoon on the Alentejo coast. Its size makes it a defining part of the landscape, while the beach beside it opens onto the Atlantic. Conditions on the lagoon side of Praia da Costa de Santo André are suitable for windsurfing and canoeing. Thus, the coastal beach and watersports on the lagoon are different facets of the same place.
Another beach in the nature reserve is Praia da Fonte do Cortiço, also known as Areias Brancas. Dunes and pine landscapes surround it. Comparing it with the long sandy beach at Lagoa highlights the variety of the protected coastal landscape, while making clear that the two beaches do not share the same scenery.
Explore Dunes and Wet Hollows on Foot
The area's paths take you through different types of landscape. The Poço dos Caniços trail runs along a dune ridge parallel to the coast. Beside it are wet interdunal depressions connected to the central basin of Lagoa de Santo André. The Poços do Barbarroxa trail passes freshwater wetlands at the foot of a foredune about 47 metres high. The dune ridge and wet hollows give each path its own distinctive landscape.
The Salgueiral da Galiza circular trail is about 1.65 kilometres long and takes approximately 90 minutes. Access from Galiza is restricted; check access conditions before your trip. The trail includes a wooden boardwalk about 900 metres long. The length given for the boardwalk and that of the circular trail refer to different sections: the boardwalk is part of the trail, not its entire length.
Nature Education and Birdwatching
The Centro Nacional de Educação Ambiental e Conservação da Natureza, or CNEACN, serves as a visitor reception centre for the nature reserve. There, you can find information about the protected area and advice on suitable birdwatching spots. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to local biodiversity. The centre combines guidance for exploring the reserve with a closer look at its nature.
The Casa do Peixe boardwalk is another named landmark: it is about 170 metres long. Near the mooring place by Casa do Peixe, there is also a traditional building that is now in ruins. It once served as a fish auction hall and recalls the area's fishing history.
Archaeological Traces and Coastal History
Santo André's history is reflected in several places and periods. Neolithic archaeological materials have been found in the area. Evidence of Bronze Age settlement has been documented on the eastern shore of Lagoa de Santo André, at Casas Novas and Cerradinha. Figueirinha is designated as a Roman archaeological site. The finds therefore span the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman periods.
A dated example offers a glimpse of more recent food culture: in 2025, the Lagoa de Santo André Eel Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary. Nine restaurants in the Freguesia de Santo André took part in the gastronomic showcase. Dishes served included eel caldeirada and ensopado, prepared in a cataplana, as escabeche, and fried or grilled. The anniversary and the dishes described belong to this festival in 2025.
The Wider Landscape
The Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve is in the Alentejo and extends across coastal areas of the municipalities of Sines and Santiago do Cacém. This wider regional context helps place Santo André's lagoons and coastal landscapes: they are part of a reserve that spans coastal areas across municipal boundaries.
Discover more destinations: Setubal, Alcochete, Palmela, Grândola, Almada, Montijo, Sines, Barreiro
Go to the main travel overview: Setubal.
