Vau on the Óbidos Lagoon

The Óbidos Lagoon borders Vau to the south; the Poça do Vau is located there. Nature watching and routes around the lagoon sit alongside historic landmarks and local traditions. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus more on landscapes and birds or on history, religious customs and culinary events.

Lagoon, birdwatching and walking routes

The Óbidos Lagoon has a high level of biodiversity; you can also observe the migratory movements of various bird species there. The Poças are home to many rare bird species and are considered one of the best areas in Europe for birdwatching. In spring, purple herons, marsh harriers and great reed warblers can be found at the Poça do Vau. This seasonal wildlife viewing is a specific point of reference if you want to plan your stay around nature.

On its return to the village, the Rota das Poças runs along the Poça do Vau. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, the Poça and the surrounding lowlands. The Ecovia da Lagoa, by contrast, is an extensive route that circles the entire body of water of the Óbidos Lagoon. The routes therefore differ in their points of focus: the Rota das Poças covers a section near the village and the lowlands, while the Ecovia takes in the entire lagoon.

Coast and getting there

Praia do Bom Sucesso, also known as Praia do Vau, lies on the southern shore of the Óbidos Lagoon near the lagoon entrance. When travelling by car, exit 14 of the Autoestrada 8 is the indicated access route to Praia do Bom Sucesso. Check the signs locally. The beach, lagoon and birdwatching offer different ways to plan your trip, without requiring you to choose the same kind of outing for each.

History and crafts in Vau

There are several commemorative plaques at Sítio da Cabana. One recalls that King João IV had lunch at Sítio da Cabana on 14 September 1645. Two windmills are also part of the village’s historic landscape; both are well preserved, and at least one is still fully operational. As their condition may change over time, check whether they are operational before visiting if this is important to your plans.

The church’s history goes back further: a small hermitage, initially dedicated to Saint Anthony, was later replaced by a chapel under the patronage of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. In 1747, this chapel became the church of Vau. The village’s crafts are closely connected to the lagoon and to the making of equipment for fishing and shellfish gathering. This includes the Galrricho. This tradition reflects the practical relationship between life on the lagoon and the equipment used there.

Processions, festivals and regional cuisine

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

At the Festa da Lagoa, gastronomy is combined with performances by rock, popular music and folk groups. During the festival, fishermen and their families prepare eels, clams and mussels, among other dishes; visitors can sample the flavours of the lagoon. Check the dates of the Festa da Lagoa before travelling. Spring is the specific season for nature watching, while the Nossa Senhora da Piedade festival is celebrated on 18 December.

For an outdoor meal, there is a park created in 2024, with a picnic area, tables, benches and barbecue grills. Vau offers a range of interests, from nature and walking routes to local history, religious traditions and lagoon cuisine. Plan your trip around the aspects that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: A dos Negros, Amoreira, Olho Marinho, Sobral da Lagoa, Óbidos, Usseira.

Go to the main travel overview: Óbidos.