This is a fabulous birdwatching tour in the Algarve and Alentejo with excursions in search of southern Portugal’s resident and migrant birds. Its wonderful variety of habitats and geographical location attract a wealth of breeding and wintering species and at migration times it is an important stopover area for countless birds making their way to or from Africa.

Highlights include:

Spectacular birding in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and Castro Marim Nature Reserve
Species occurring in notable numbers are Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plovers, and Little Stints. There is also a diverse population of breeding birds that includes Little Bittern, Purple Swamp-hen, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, European Bee-eater, Red-necked Nightjar, Woodchat, and Southern Grey Shrikes, and Little Tern. Marsh Harriers are resident as are a small number of Booted Eagles. Where in season, Ferruginous Duck, Purple Heron, Black-winged Kite, Penduline Tits, and Blackheaded Weaver can be found.
A fantastic itinerary developed and perfected by keen local birders

Itinerary: (subject to change)

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive in Faro and transfer to accommodation in Tavira by private minibus (approx. 40 minutes). Holiday briefing followed by evening meal.

Day 2 Ria Formosa Natural Park
Tavira is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a wetland area of international importance that is recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Salinas and saltmarsh attract a wide range of birds according to season and we will spend today exploring.

Day 3 Cape St Vincent
This morning we drive out to Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe where the coastline is formed mainly by rocky cliffs. The landscape here is fairly barren with low bushy vegetation that includes plant species that are endemic to the area. From the clifftop, gannets can regularly be seen and other seabirds passing off-shore may include Cory’s Shearwaters. There is often a small flock of Red-billed Choughs in the area, Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart are commonly seen and we would expect to see Thekla Larks.

Day 4 Free day
Today is a rest day and you can spend it relaxing around Tavira. A full day or half day guided tour will also be available for those who want to explore the surroundings (not included).

Day 5 Castro Verde
Today we visit the Castro Verde area where we hope to spot the Great Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. These birds inhabit a huge area of uniform countryside in the Baixo Alentejo and can sometimes be difficult to see unless you know where to look. Other species that can be found include (according to season) Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Calandra Lark, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller, Griffon Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Crane, and Little Bustard. It is also an important breeding area for White Storks. In spring, large areas are carpeted with multi-colored wildflowers – a truly memorable sight.

Day 6 Castro Marim
A day visiting the local Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo Antonio, an enormous area of wetland, saltmarsh, and saltpans at the eastern end of the Algarve which is home to a wealth of birdlife. Among the attractions here are Greater Flamingos at least some of which can be found all year-round. A varied selection of gulls, wildfowl, and wading birds can be expected in spring.

Day 7 Ludo and Quinta do Lago
Ludo Farm and Quinta do Lago are located west of Faro near to the airport and between them have an excellent mix of habitats including salinas, woodland, reedbeds, and saltmarsh. The lake at Quinta do Lago is well-known as one of the best places in the Algarve to see Purple Swamp-hens but at any time the area is home to an excellent variety of species and in winter thousands of wildfowl and waders are usually present.

Day 8 Departure
Today we head back  to Faro by private minibus for our return journey. Free time to enjoy Tavira depending on flight schedule.

• Price
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Grade
• Travel

Price: Single occupancy ensuite £2320; Twin shared ensuite £250 per person discount Price includes: 7 nights' 4* hotel accommodation; 7 breakfasts and dinners (including water / wine); airport transfer meeting certain flights; expert natural history guide; local guide; private minibus and driver; entrance fees as per itinerary Not indcluded: Travel to Faro; insurance; personal expenses; tips for local guides / drivers

We stay at the 4* Hotel AP Maria Nova hotel in Tavira. Set on the hillside overlooking the Gilão River, this adults-only hotel offers a serene escape in Tavira's picturesque old town. The hotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool, a rooftop bar, spa and gym.

Madeline Holloway is a natural history expert and freelance ecologist with a hugely impressive knowledge of birds and nature. She has been a walking guide for almost 20 years and her enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Be prepared to end up on your hands and knees magnifying glass in hand!

This holiday is primarily a bird watching holiday and the walking reflects this. The aim is to enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna at a suitably leisurely pace. You will need to be prepared to be outdoors for full days.

The nearest airport is Faro and there will be a private transfer meeting certain flights. We will aim to provide a transfer for flight arriving at a similar time from at least London and Manchester.