his beautiful spot is the ideal base for anyone enjoying water sports on the waters of the dam and the peace of the Alentejo plain.

The area is dominated by vast plantations of cork, oak and olive groves.

It is also home to many types of bird, including storks and great bustards.

These beautiful birds delight in the large open areas with little population and the mixture of agricultural land and wilderness.

With the proximity of the water, the area around the Pousada is especially good for the ornithologists (bird watchers).

Thirty miles to the west is Alcacer do Sal (Castle of Salt) which is on the banks of River Sado.

The low lying land at the mouth of the river, the salt pans and the paddy fields (for rice production) are home to many wading birds and is a protected area.

As the river winds to the sea there is an isthmus which has long sandy beaches facing the sea.

An interested visitor should ask the way to the old Phoenician settlement where you can freely walk around.

Due to its former prosperity it has some fine buildings of note including the ruins of a Moorish Castle keeping watch over the town.

Enjoy the fine local cuisine in the restaurant of the Pousada, stroll along the edge of the water or try one of the many activities in the locality which can be arranged.

These include hunting, fishing (dam), cycling, horse and cart rides, cruises, four-wheel driving, hot air ballooning, canoeing, rowing, paintball and archery.

This accommodation at this modern Pousada comprises 14 bedrooms.

The bedrooms all have private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, Cable television, mini-bar, and hair dryer.

Facilities at the Pousada include restaurant, bar, terrace, facililties for disabled persons, swimming pool, family games and parking.

Dining in Portugal is usually very good. The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

The international airport at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 125 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.