The Algarve is an outstanding region for birdwatching.
Over 250 species co-exist here, many of them rare, conferring a very special charm upon the Algarve in the eyes of birdwatchers, photographers, ornithologists and researchers.
With its various ecosystems, the hugely diverse Algarve landscape offers countless opportunities for unique experiences. In the Algarve, you can visit different zones and see different species all on the same day.
The Algarve has the most richly-varied birdlife in Portugal and lies on the migratory routes for rare birds from Africa, North America and northern Europe, including marsh sandpipers, northern pintails, Rüppell's vultures and Eurasian dotterels.
Come and explore the 10 IBAs (Important Bird Areas) and the support facilities available for birdwatching, such as information panels and birdwatching posts in prime locations.
Did you know that the Vicentine Coast is the only place in the world where the white stork nests on sea cliffs? Here you can also see nests belonging to egrets and Bonelli’s eagles, as well as ospreys, red-billed choughs and rock pigeons.
To make it easier for you to find information about the places where you can go birdwatching, a handy guide – the Algarve Birdwatching Guide – includes 32 routes covering the whole region. It also provides information on the different species found in Algarve, including resident, nesting, wintering and migratory birds.
Walk along the S. Lourenço trail and explore the area bordering Quinta do Lago or pay a visit to Salgados Lake, where you can see some of the finest and rarest species. The Ria Formosa and Ria de Alvor, as well as all of the region’s rivers, are prime spots for birdwatching in the Algarve.
Every autumn, when many species migrate south, the Sagres Birdwatching Festival takes place. This is one of the high points of the year for birdwatching enthusiasts and includes outings led by specialists to make the activity even more enticing.
Apart from birds, you can also see dragonflies and damselflies in the Algarve. If you want see some of these marvellous insects, pay a visit to the Sítio das Fontes in Estombar, which is a prime spot for them.
Walk as quietly as you can along the trails and listen out for the marvellous songs and calls that the Algarve’s birds perform especially for you. Take flight on the wings of the birds of the Algarve.