The Estate | Herdade Entre as Águas | Active Retirement Europe

100 Hectares Between Two Rivers

Herdade Entre as Águas: where the Guadiana and Lucefecit meet, where organic farming thrives, where stars shine brightest, and where birds find refuge.

100 Hectares
1,000 Centenary Olive Trees
60 Certified Cattle
4 km River Beaches

World's First Certified Astrotourism Destination

Herdade Entre as Águas is located within the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve—the world's first internationally certified astrotourism destination. Officially protected from light pollution, this is one of Europe's best night skies.

Stargazing is not a seasonal activity here—it's a daily possibility. From constellation walks to astrophotography workshops, the sky becomes part of your active retirement lifestyle.

Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, covers 3,700 km² and represents over 100 municipalities' commitment to preserving natural darkness.

Birdwatching: 32 Inventoried Species

The steppe habitat on the estate shelters one of Southern Portugal's richest avian ecosystems.

Bustard

Common Kingfisher

“Look, a kingfisher!” – this is how the sight of a blue arrow on the water's surface is often announced, immediately enlivening any birdwatching session. This small aquatic bird is one of the most colorful and enchanting species of Portuguese avifauna.

Hoopoe

Stork

Storks are migratory birds of the Ciconiidae family. They are about 1 meter tall and weigh 3 kg. Their habitat is varied and their diet includes small vertebrates. They are migratory and monogamous animals. Storks do not have a syrinx and therefore do not emit vocal sounds; they make sounds by clattering their beaks, an activity known as glottering.

Eagle Owl

Greenfinch

In Europe, it is a sedentary bird that inhabits cultivated areas with shrubby patches, gardens, and parks. All plumages are characterized by bright yellow outer and inner primary tail feathers. It feeds on seeds, berries, and insects.

Black Kite

Weaver

Despite its small size, we are in the presence of a fearless bird that moves among the branches of trees right above our heads. It is distributed throughout the territory. In wooded areas, mixed forests, some parks and gardens, it is a common species that can be observed throughout the year. Locally it can be abundant, especially in areas with old and leafy trees.

Plus 28 other regularly observed species. Regular guided birdwatching walks explore habitats and species seasonally.

Location & Accessibility

Herdade Entre as Águas is located in Alqueva, Moura municipality, in the heart of Alentejo.

From Lisbon: 2 hours 30 minutes by car (250 km south via A2/A6)

From Évora: 1 hour by car (80 km south)

From Faro Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes by car (270 km west)

By Train: Évora station (IC and regional services from Lisbon, Porto). Car rental or shuttle available from station.

Accessibility: The estate is accessible by car. Walking trails, gentle slopes, and observation points are designed for mixed mobility levels. We assist with special mobility needs.

Quick Facts

🌍 Region: Alentejo, Portugal (Southern region)

📍 Coordinates: Alqueva, Moura

🛫 Nearest Airport: Faro (FAO) · 2h 30m

🚂 Train Hub: Évora · 1h

🌡️ Climate: Mediterranean, hot, dry summers; mild winters

Good road infrastructure. Direct highway connections from major Portuguese cities and Spanish border.