Autumn Birding in Southern Portugal

Tour Code: PRT07

A relaxing 7-day holiday to enjoy the autumn bird migration, beautiful scenery and pleasant climate of southern Portugal.

7 days from
£1,895 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,695

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Highlights

Summary

Lying at the far south-western tip of mainland Europe, on the eastern Atlantic 'flyway’, Portugal’s beautiful Algarve and Alentejo regions represent one of the continent’s top birdwatching destinations in late September. Beginning with a flight to Faro we will head to the Algarve’s flagship reserves where numerous wetland species inhabiting the saltpans and marshes are joined at this time of year by migrant birds and rarities. We’ll explore inland around Castro Verde looking for bustards, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and a variety of larks and raptors, before heading to Cape St. Vincent and Sagres where the impressive migration-watching and a pelagic trip to enjoy seabirds and dolphins offers an exciting finale to our holiday.

Visit Algarve’s flagship reserves: Rio Formosa, Castro Marim & Quinto do Lago
Little Bittern, Spoonbill, Collared Pratincole & Audouin’s Gull
Look for Great & Little Bustards on the plains around Castro Verde, Alentejo
Impressive migration-watching from Cape St. Vincent & Sagres
Cory’s & Great Shearwaters, plus Great Skua
European & Wilson’s Storm-petrels, plus Common Dolphin on pelagic trip
Led by an expert naturalist guide

Grading

Grade A. Easy day walks.

Lying at the far south-western tip of mainland Europe, Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region occupies a strategic position on the ‘eastern Atlantic flyway’, and is one of the continent’s top birdwatching destinations in September. Famous for its golf courses, beaches and winter sunshine, there’s another side to the Algarve, away from the high-rise hotels and beach-bound holidaymakers — and on this tour we will take you off the tourist trail, to the windswept cliffs, sand dunes and heaths of the west coast, the marshes and saltpans of the south, and the Cork Oak forests and wide open plains of the Alentejo. Though often overlooked in favour of the much larger neighbouring landmass of Spain, Portugal has a very distinct identity of its own. A relaxed pace of life prevails away from the tourist hot-spots and we are sure you will soon be seduced by southern Portugal — not only by its excellent birdwatching opportunities, but also by its beautiful language, charming people, and delicious food and wine. As we make daily excursions in search of the region’s special birdlife, we will also find ourselves immersed in the rich history and culture of the south, where fine Moorish architecture and the near-medieval subsistence agriculture of the Alentejo provide a stark contrast to the 21st century bustle of the Algarve coastline.

Our tour begins with a flight to Faro (flights available from around the UK) from where it is just a short drive to our accommodation for the next four nights — a superb hotel in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is the perfect base from which to explore the lagoons, reedbeds, saltpans and marshes of the Algarve’s flagship reserves: Rio Formosa itself, Castro Marim and Quinto do Lago. Among the many species that we will search for during gentle excursions each day are Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, White Stork, Little Tern, Audouin’s Gull and Collared Pratincole. At this time of year the lagoons and saline-rich marshes along the coast provide an important stopover for migrant birds and rarities. While researching this tour we saw both Buff-breasted and Upland Sandpipers, as well as Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Kentish Plover, Caspian Tern, Red-crested Pochard, confiding Bluethroats and many more species.

From the coast we will also drive north for a day to the wide plains of Castro Verde in the Alentejo. Within the Castro Verde Special Protection Area we hope to see Europe’s largest flying bird, the Great Bustard, as well as Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Stone Curlew. Several exciting raptors hunt over these open plains and we will survey the rugged steppe country from the region’s highest point, Sierra de Aracelis, for Hen Harrier, Black and Griffon Vultures, Black-winged Kite, the magnificent Spanish Imperial Eagle, and Little Owl. Next we head towards the River Cobres, a tributary of the Guadiana River, which provides an opportunity to enjoy the Alentejo’s famous ‘montado’ scenery of Cork and Holm Oak woods. Among the birds we will be hoping to find in the steppes and scrub here are Crested, Thekla and Calandra Larks, Corn Bunting and Iberian Magpie.

Having explored the lagoons and wetlands of the central and eastern Algarve, we now travel west to our next base — a very comfortable hotel situated just a stone’s throw from a fort which served as Henry the Navigator’s 15th century School of Navigation. The volume and variety of bird species passing across the southern tip of Portugal each autumn is impressive and makes for some exciting migrationwatching, particularly of raptors. From our strategic viewpoint, and accompanied by Portuguese researchers and other keen birders from around the continent, we will be looking for circling Egyptian Vultures, Honey Buzzards, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, harriers, and many other birds of prey.

The seabird-watching between Sagres and the Cape can be equally exciting and during a morning’s boat excursion from Sagres we should see a mouth-watering selection of species including Balearic, Cory’s and Great Shearwaters, European and Wilson’s Storm-petrels and Great Skua, particularly if we are lucky enough to encounter a trawler. Add to this an exciting encounter with a huge pod of Common Dolphins and this ‘mini-pelagic’ could be the highlight of our autumn week away!

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Faro

Day 2/4

Rio Formosa Natural Park and environs

Day 5/6

Daily birding excursions from Sagres

Day 7

Fly UK

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
A 2-centre holiday, based in very comfortable 4-star hotels. All rooms with private facilities.
Food:
All food included in the price.

Reviews

Daily excursions from the two four star hotel bases at Tavira and Sagres. Two very well informed leaders who didn't have any problems identifying the many birds that we observed. Excellent accommodation and meals. Each day was packed with visiting many different locations and nature reserves to see a wide variety of migrant birds with some exceptional, and unexpected, sightings. The sea trip was one to remember and exceeded everyone's expectations. Very well organised, reliable, helpful and friendly. Able to relax in the knowledge that every last detail has been organised and the leaders are always so capable to deal with any problems, no matter how small, that may occur. Have been on several Naturetrek tours over the years and wouldn't go with anyone else now.
A.D. Nottinghamshire, Sept 22
The hotel accommodation on the trip was outstanding - it seemed that Naturetrek was allocated some of the best rooms! The leaders, Dave and Phil, were outstanding in their knowledge of birds and their ability to identify - in the sky at great distance - was awe-inspiring! Phil was able to add his knowledge of plants and butterflies to his expertise on birds, and Dave his knowledge of moths as well, so we had all-round excellent cover on everything we wanted to know! Dave and Phil worked very hard to make the holiday run smoothly, and I have no doubt there was a lot going on behind the scenes to achieve this. Their enthusiasm for birds was amazing and we never missed an opportunity to spot a ‘first for the day’ - on one occasion as we left a cafe car park! Thanks to these two leaders we will travel with you again, and hopefully as time goes by learn a little bit of their undoubted skill in bird identification!
S.S. Surrey
The organisation of the holiday was trouble-free and smooth, but, most importantly, our tour leaders were excellent. Their level of knowledge and willingness to explain were exemplary - they were also good fun, maintaining a friendly atmosphere throughout the holiday. We saw a lot of different bird species, including some rarities.
S.W. Cambridgeshire

This was my first holiday as a single person. I was very comfortable with that and loved the caring/sharing policy of the leaders. I was the complete novice in a group of experts. I was not intimidated (well, only a bit!); everyone was so inclusive. Dave was especially patient. Both guides were so knowledgeable; it was a privilege to be part of the trip. Thank you Dave and Phil!
S.D. West Sussex

I think the holiday was excellent. Pre-departure information is second-to-none in my experience and I would like to thank the office-based staff for their customer service skills and friendliness. The knowledge and dedication of the tour leaders is brilliant; locations gave good opportunities to see birds and other animals. Phil and Dave work hard to maximise bird spotting. Thank you for a memorable week - you exceeded our expectations on birds! I also enjoyed our last afternoon early finish and visit to Cape St Vincent. The chance to see it, enjoy a drink with friends and shop briefly for souvenirs was appreciated. Many thanks for another wonderful Naturetrek holiday.
J.W. Co. Durham

Mainly wanted to see the raptors and saw booted eagles, black kites, various vultures, an Osprey and in the distance an Imperial Eagle. Also saw flamingos in the wild and a black headed weaver. Hotels were good - 3 and 4 star - and with one in the east and one in the west we got to see both parts of the Algarve. We spent all day every day out looking for birds. This did make for long days - 0900-1800 usually - but napping in the transport was possible and we did get to see some stunning sights.
J.M. Merseyside

The pelagic trip was excellent in every respect - exhilarating and the number of seabirds and dolphins was superb.
K.M. Norfolk

As a photographer more interested in photographing birds than spotting them I was concerned that the trip may not be suitable. This was not the case - I found both guides interested and sympathetic leaders who took into account my passion for photography. Andy Tucker was also a great help in influencing my decision to book the trip.
S.R. Derbyshire

Overall an excellent trip where both leaders took a great deal of trouble to ensure we saw the birds and that the trip went smoothly.
R.R. Derbyshire

Phil and Dave worked hard throughout the holiday to give us the best of Portugal.
J.C. Somerset

I particularly enjoyed the 'al fresco' picnics which meant we were watching birds all the time and not losing time inside. The birds were great too and my partner was very grateful for the extra attention he received, being a complete novice.
J.M. Kent

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Portugal and am seriously considering your spring trip next year. Your guides, Philip Thompson and David Nevitt, were extremely informative and knowledgeable, and very patient with us as a group. I am sure that we will make more trips in the future.
B.N. Suffolk

I truly loved this holiday. Each day brought wonderful wildlife moments that will stay with me always. Dave and Phil were such wonderful guides, making sure that everyone was looked after and had seen the birds. I am sure we must have tested their patience to the limit. I am so missing their lunches!! I would definitely travel with your company again in the future. Thank you again to all concerned.
H.N. Suffolk

Both Philip and Dave knew the area well and, combined with their ornithological knowledge, enabled us to see a wide range of birds and other wildlife (we saw a chameleon!). I am so glad to have gone on the boat trip. Seeing the dolphins made this holiday extra special. Excellent picnics and 4* hotels just added to a very memorable holiday.
J.F. Essex

I had a wonderful time in great company. Philip did a very good picnic for us every day. The highlight of the tour for me was the pelagic. We had perfect conditions and in the little boat, so low down to the sea, I could look the dolphins in the eye! Magic! Sitting quietly in the boat, 10 miles offshore, among all the shearwaters, gulls and petrels (not to mention the skua that came in) made me feel really privileged to share their world for a brief time.
P.B. Norfolk

This was my first trip with Naturetrek and also my first birding trip. I was a little worried before I left thinking I may be out of my depth and find the whole experience too much. I needn't have had any of those fears as it was a very friendly group, with two very knowledgeable leaders. I came home having had a really good holiday and having learnt a great deal. I would love to go back to Portugal in the spring and see the contrasts between the two seasons. Many thanks.
S.S. Hampshire

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 15th Sep – Sun 21st Sep SPACES £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£395

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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
All Birdwatching Tours
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - September 2021

Tour report - September 2019

Tour report - September 2018

Tour report - September 2017

Tour report - September 2016

Tour report - September 2015

Tour report - September 2014

Tour report - October 2013

Tour report - September 2013

Tour report - September 2012

Tour report - September 2011

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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!