Go Slow in Portugal

The coastline to the north of Lisbon is known as the ‘Silver Coast’ and is a most rewarding region to explore, especially for those enjoying both wildlife and scenic landscapes. On this new ‘Go Slow’ tour we will stay just outside the historic city of Peniche, a base that offers the all-round naturalist an exciting and varied holiday – one that we will enjoy at a leisurely pace. The city is built on a granite peninsula which juts dramatically out into the Atlantic and is fringed by white sandy beaches and rolling surf.

Our tour will be led by Fernado Romão, an expert local naturalist who has a great passion for his region’s wildlife. With him, we will enjoy relaxed daily outings in search of a wealth of birds, butterflies and flowers. One such excursion will be to the Berlengas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where Cory’s Shearwaters and Madeiran Storm-petrels breed and such endemic plants as Armeria berlengensis and Pulicaria microcephala can be found. The Carbonell’s Wall Lizard may also be seen here ... and when not totally absorbed by the natural history, we can savour the impressive views around us and the ancient Baptista Fortress. Inland, the Aire and Candeeiros Natural Parks offer botanically-rich limestone ridges which hold a wealth of flowers and butterflies. Arabis sadina and Narcissus calcicola are just two of the special plants to be found here, while Iberian Marbled White and African Grass Blue will be amongst the butterfly species we'll look for. Booted Eagle, Hoopoe and Golden Oriole breed locally, and lagoons hold Greater Flamingoes and Spoonbills. At nearby Tornada's Marsh, Black-winged Kite and Purple Swamphen are both possible and Bluethroats are sometimes seen during migration.

This region is also famous for its palaeontology, and in the Lourinhã Museum we may learn a little of the notable dinosaur discoveries made here. We will also visit a site which holds one of the world’s largest and most important collections of sauropod footprints! Whatever your interest in the natural world, there is sure to be much to enjoy in this area, and with wonderful scenery, excellent local cuisine and time to unwind, we are sure you will enjoy a fascinating, yet relaxing, Portuguese holiday.