Portugal 2024
As well as running tours in Brittany we also visit other areas of Europe, this Spring we are going to Southern Portugal, will stay in the Algarve and explore the many natural wildlife sites in the area and further afield in this underestimated destination.
Portugal is a beautiful country to visit and the diversity of landscapes and fauna and flora is wonderful. The wildflowers in Spring are spectacular and the birdlife is in abundance Autumn and Spring.
We will start our tour on the far west of the Algarve at " Cabo St. Vincente" which is in fact the furthest west of mainland Europe. Here there are steep cliffs with sea watching of various species of gulls, the occasional Peregrine Falcon could be seen as well as the Red billed Chough and many passerine species. Just off the coast and only a 15 minute drive away there are open fields which are great for warblers, larks, Red-rumped Swallows and martins and if we are lucky Little Bustards, Honey Buzzards, Short-toed Eagles and Black Kites.
We will visit several wetlands along the coast of the Algarve where there are internationally
important sites for the fantastic variety of breeding waders, migrant passerines and raptors.
Away from the coast the Monchique mountains offer a completely different habitat and landscape and flora and fauna to be seen. The highest point in the Algarve region with fantastic views all around, bird species include Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Red-rumped Swallow, Sardinian Warbler and various raptors. Further east along limestone escarpments many passerines and raptors including Bonellis and Short-toed Eagles can be found. The flora is fantastic with many species of orchids and other wild flowers.
Further north of the Algarve in the region of Alentejo is a vast area of steppe, with this habitat of Cork Oak and open plains this is one of the best places in europe to see the iconic Great Bustard. Its also fantastic for raptors such as Lesser and Common Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Black and Red Kite. Landscapes are large and full of colour in the Spring with the sound of birdsong from many passerines and birds such as Bee Eaters, Great Spotted Cuckoo and Stone Curlews, Black- bellied Grouse and Little Bustards can also be found in this magical place.
This is a flavour of the trip and the cost for this tour will be in the region of £875 per person and will include:
Accommodation in a villa style property, food for the week, transport for the week, entrance fees to Alentejo national park and boat trip fee around the Rio Formosa.
Flights are not included, arriving at Faro airport and leaving from the same. We will happily arrange to pick up from the airport.
We've had great trips in previous years and managed to see up to 100 species of birds. The venues were great, accommodation good quality and great position, meals were excellent and the company made for a fun packed, lovely week.
We are looking at the provisional date of 3-10 April please contact me if you would be interested in coming and would like an itinerary or more information. ( Sorry fully booked )