Walking is synonymous with health and well-being benefits, which is why more and more Portuguese are looking to escape the stress and monotony of everyday life, especially in breathtaking natural settings. One of the best examples is the Barrinha de Esmoriz/Lagoa de Paramos Walkways.
Situated between the municipalities of Ovar and Espinho, about 26 km from Porto and taking about 30 minutes by car, these wooden walkways are some of the most beautiful on the Atlantic coast in the north. The trail offers a unique experience, between small bridges, a floating pier and various viewpoints of the lagoon and the sea.
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A brief look at the context
Open to the public since 2018, the Barrinha de Esmoriz/Lagoa de Paramos Walkways are the result of three years of work involving an investment of more than three million euros. This intervention served to requalify an area with a ‘dark’ past, where industrial waste was previously deposited.
In this way, they have been returned to the population and attract visitors from the municipalities of Ovar, Espinho, Santa Maria da Feira, Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, who seek to walk in the open air, feeling the Atlantic breeze on their faces. In addition, it is worth highlighting the importance of this place in terms of fauna and flora, ‘hiding’ other points of interest.
What’s so special about the Barrinha de Esmoriz Walkways?
Barrinha de Esmoriz/Lagoa de Paramos is the most important wetland on the north coast of Portugal, covering 396 hectares in the municipalities of Espinho and Ovar. It consists of a coastal lagoon that periodically communicates with the sea through a channel in the dune cord,” reads one of the information boards available at the site.
In fact, in addition to its natural beauty, this area stands out for its biodiversity. For example, more than 100 species of birds nest here and it also serves as a ‘nursery’ for various fish. It is therefore not surprising that it is part of the Natura 2000 network and is considered a Site of Community Importance.
As we’ve already mentioned, birds play a fundamental role in the fauna, but there’s also room for vertebrates such as the pointed snout frog, the European eel and the big mouse bat. As for the flora, the reeds stand out along almost the entire route, in a circular walk of 8 km.
Beaches, lagoon, trees and plants
The route is relatively easy and not too steep, suitable for kids and adults, hiking and cycling. However, pay attention, as some users have warned that some of the wooden planks need to be maintained.
There are several entrances to the trail, with the south side being one of the most used by visitors. In fact, you can take advantage of this area to park next to the soccer field. The east side promises to surprise you and take you to a wide range of places, such as:
- Paramos Beach
- Esmoriz Beach
- Paramos Lagoon
- Two iconic wooden bridges
- Viewpoints and a bird observatory, among others.
Surrounded by reed beds and pine forests, the route offers breathtaking views of the coastal lagoon and the sea, as well as the opportunity to close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel the echo of the Atlantic waves!
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