Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo regions have a great diversity of habitat, which supports a fine range of resident birds on the coast and inland as well as a whole host of migrant species during the spring and autumn.
For this relaxed birding break in Southern Portugal, you will be based in a peaceful country lodge in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The rolling plains, dotted with cork oaks, are home to great and little bustards, larks, buntings, raptors including Montagu’s harrier, breeding white storks, European bee-eaters and hoopoes. Further south, the Algarve has a good variety of coastal habitats, from the rugged cliffs of Cape St Vincent on the Atlantic coast to the Salgados Marsh and Ria Formosa wetlands.
In spring and autumn, this south-facing coast attracts countless migrant waders and other birds that pass through on their way to their breeding grounds. However, it is not just the passing migrant birds that create such good possibilities for birdwatching in this area. There is also an impressive array of resident and breeding birds, including azure-winged magpie in the stone pines and purple gallinule in the freshwater marshes. In company of a local birding guide throughout your stay, this idyllic birdwatching holiday is perfect for any wildlife or nature enthusiast.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Fly to Faro & transfer to your hotel
Today, you fly to the city of Faro in Southern Portugal where you will be met by your guide and transferred north-west to your accommodation, approximately two hours away, in the Alentejo region. Depending on flight times, you should be able to do some coastal birding at Rio Formosa near Quinta do Lago en route before checking in at the hotel and enjoying dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: Quinta do Barranco de Estrada, 7-nights
Days2-7: Explore the Algarve & Alentejo
During your stay in Southern Portugal, you will have a full day’s excursion north-east to the area around Castro Verde to search for the special birds found on the steppe-like plains here.
On another day you will visit the Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha Natural Reserve, a stunning coastal wetland and lagoon surrounded by pinewood and farmland. The lagoons here are a great place to get to grips with Savi’s warbler, Eurasian spoonbill and marsh harrier.
You will also make an outing to Foia, the Algarve’s highest peak. Up on the heights you should see Dartford warbler, blue rock thrush, woodlark and rock bunting. These inland hills are home to a good variety of raptors.
Depending on how much time you spend on Foia, you may have time to venture to the most south-westerly point of the European mainland, Cape St Vincent, a spectacular stretch of coast boasting flower-covered heathlands, rugged limestone cliffs and great birdwatching.
Two half days will be spent birding in the vicinity of the lodge, where you can use the purpose-built hide. One day is left completely free, so you can really unwind and enjoy the countryside, ensuring that you return relaxed and refreshed.
Day8: Departure & fly back to the UK
This morning, you are transferred to Faro for your return flight to the UK.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 daysfrom £1,995 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £1,745 pp
Situated on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, the Alentejo and Algarve enjoy a mild climate, rolling landscape of vineyards, cork oaks, wheat fields and olive trees, and a coastline studded with lagoons, marshes and cliffs and woodland, all of which attracts an exciting variety of wildlife.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Southern Portugal
Ideal for viewing: azure-winged magpie, Montagu’s harrier, great bustard, purple swamphen, European bee-eater
