Veiga de S. Simão e Lagoas de Vila Franca (plain and lagoons)
Veiga de S. Simão e Lagoas de Vila Franca (plain and lagoons)
The system of reed beds and marshes that occur here, together with the complex of existing water channels and lakes, give this area a unique wealth of wildlife and flora. The swamp forests stand out, getting in contact with the humid grasslands, both priority habitats for conservation.
Recently, the Municipality of Viana do Castelo expressed interest in classifying the plains and lagoons of S. Simão and Vila Franca as a Protected Landscape Area of the Lower Lima Estuary. Thus, the forecast is to stabilize this bank of the river.
These two lakes, on the left bank of the Lima, are fed by the São Simão stream, with a length of 5 km, and are full of reed beds and forests ideal for nesting and supporting the migration of water birds. The site is included in the ZEC Rio Lima and in the Natura 2000 Network.
Location
Legends / Linked Stories
Information of interest
Free access. Numerous trails surround the lagoons from Viso, Atranco and the chapel of São Simão. This “fertile valley” (veiga) is appreciated by hikers in Viana. Just before reaching the river, there is a chapel with the same name and even a leisure area (Parque de Merendas) with a restaurant.
Bibliography
Coastal Geopark of Viana do Castelo. Official website. Available at: https://www.geoparquelitoralviana.pt/explorar/zec-rio-lima/lagoas-de-vila-franca/
Viana do Castelo City Council. Official website. Available at: http://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt/
V.V. AA (2017) Geossítios do Geoparque Litoral de Viana do Castelo. Associação Portuguesa de Geomorfólogos. U. Minho.