Portugal boasts an impressive range of habitats and, as a result, a rich variety of bird species within a compact geographical area. Thanks to this unique diversity, Portugal Birding tours offers birdwatching programs that enable enthusiasts to explore multiple species-rich sites.
Conveniently, within just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon’s city, you can reach the stunning Tagus Estuary and Sado Estuary Natural Reserves. These exceptional wetland areas are celebrated for their extensive bird populations. Highlights include Greater Flamingo, White Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Squacco and Purple Herons, Booted Eagle, Black-winged Kite, Little Bustard, Collared Pratincole, Pallid Swift, Bluethroat, Dartford, Savi’s and Melodious Warblers, Iberian Chiffchaff, Iberian Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Spotless Starling, Rock Sparrow, European Serin, Cirl Bunting, along with an excellent assortment of ducks, waders, gulls, and terns.
A 2,5 hour drive will take us to the higher mountain in Portugal mainland. In spring, birdwatching at Serra da Estrela becomes especially rewarding, as many migratory species return to the mountains’ varied landscapes. The blooming valleys and rocky ridges host vibrant species such as the Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli), Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana), and the melodious Woodlark (Lullula arborea). Higher slopes echo with the calls of the Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta) and Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus), while wooded areas shelter the Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) and Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla). Overhead, the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Red Kite (Milvus milvus) patrol the skies, making Serra da Estrela a springtime haven for bird enthusiasts.
In spring, birdwatching at Serra da Estrela becomes especially rewarding, as many migratory species return to the mountains’ varied landscapes. The blooming valleys and rocky ridges host vibrant species such as the Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli), Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana), and the melodious Woodlark (Lullula arborea). Higher slopes echo with the calls of the Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta) and Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus), while wooded areas shelter the Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) and Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla). Overhead, the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Red Kite (Milvus milvus) patrol the skies, making Serra da Estrela a springtime haven for bird enthusiasts.
Traveling an 1,5 hour from Lisbon, brings you to Alentejo region, with opportunities to observe additional species. Here, you can explore the expansive plains of Castro Verde—an area renowned as a haven for birds such as the Great Bustard, Common Crane, Red Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Stone-curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Great Spotted Cuckoo, European Roller, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, and Rufous Bush Robin. Additionally, the striking bluffs and hills within the Guadiana Valley Natural Park offer sightings of remarkable species like Black Stork, Iberian Imperial Eagle, Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles, Cinereous and Griffon Vultures, European Turtle Dove, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, White-rumped Swift, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Eurasian Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Golden Oriole, Spanish Sparrow, Hawfinch, and Rock Bunting.
After exploring these distinct Alentejo habitats, a 45-minute drive will take you to the Algarve . Known for its well-preserved wetlands and as an essential migratory flyway for birds traveling from Africa, the Algarve is particularly notable for waders and passerines. Key locations like the Ria Formosa Natural Park and Castro Marim Natural Reserve stand out as vital sites for rare and endemic species such as Audouin’s Gull, Slender-billed Gull, and Lesser Short-toed Lark. These places also offer excellent opportunities to observe elusive species like Little Bittern and Western Swamphen up close. Abundant sightings in this area include Little Owl, Red-necked Nightjar, Eurasian Hoopoe, Common Kingfisher, European Bee-eater, Sardinian and Spectacled Warblers, as well as Iberian Magpie.
Day 1 – Pick up at Lisbon Airport or your Lisbon accommodation and set out for south area of the river Tagus. Explore multiple zones and diverse ecosystems within the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, such as the mudflats and salt marshes at Hortas, the Atalaya salt pans, Ribeira das Enguias, Samouco, and the rice paddies and grazing lands of Barroca d’Alva. Spend the night at Hotel TRYP Montijo, or a similar hotel.
Day 2 – We´ll continue to explore the Tagus river estuary, mostly the Lezirias of Vila Franca de Xira, a 72ha area with plenty of birds and a conservation area focused in birds’ habitats. Spend the night at Hotel TRYP Montijo, or a similar hotel.
Day 3 – A long drive to Serra da Estrela to have the opportunity to check for mountain birds. Specially beautiful in the spring, Serra da Estrela can be a very rewarding area with amazing birds on their breeding plumage. On our way back to Lisbon we´ll stop at Portas do Rodão to see the magnificent griffon colony, where we can find other big bird´s species. Spend the night at Hotel TRYP Montijo, or a similar hotel.
Day 4 – 20 minute trip to get us to the Sado estuary where we´ll have a boat tour to explore water birds and waders in the river banks. We´ll also explore the oaks forest´s along the river Sado estuary. Spend the night at Hotel TRYP Montijo, or a similar hotel.
Day 5 – Depart to Mértola in the Alentejo area and tour the expansive plains of Castro Verde. Overnight at Hotel Museu in Mértola, or a comparable hotel. Spend the night at Hotel Museu, or a similar hotel.
Day 6 – Explore the rugged terrain and scenic overlooks of Guadiana Valley Natural Park, visiting sites such as Mértola, Mina de São Domingos, and Casével. Spend the night at Hotel Museu, or a similar hotel.
Day 7 – Last day will be in the Algarve region, where we´ll visit some wet areas looking for the region bird´s. Back to Lisbon in the end of the day
Starting/ending of the Tour:
Lisbon
Price of the tour
2850€ per person (min 2 pax)
Single supplement (275€)
Prices Inclues
– Comfortable transport
– Accommodation
– Guiding services with daily check lists and 24/7 support.
– Park fees
– Our Briding trip includes all meals
Prices excludes
– Flight Tickets
– Drinks, snacks and hotel extras
– Travel insurance
– Itens of personal nature and tips
