Tailormade Holidays in Portugal

Portugal’s remote and diverse Alentejo region, the hinterland ‘beyond the Tagus River’, offers an enticing combination of wildlife, landscapes and fascinating culture. With a sparse human population amidst miles and miles of rolling arable plains dotted with small villages and whitewashed houses; nature thrives amongst the cork oak forests and olive groves.  

Magnificent, flower-studded steppe offers wonderful birding, with Great and Little Bustard, Common Crane, Stone-curlew, Montagu’s Harriers, Spanish Imperial and Golden Eagles amongst the numerous highlights at various times of year. Rugged savannah becomes more dominant towards the Spanish border; this seldom-explored area is well worth closer inspection, with chances of Black-shouldered Kite, Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Great Spotted Cuckoo and Black-bellied Sandgrouse all possible. Oscillated Lizards, the largest European lizard, are also common in this area, and the rivers teem with terrapins and water snakes. Further north, the spectacular gorge and waterfall at Pulo do Lobo hosts breeding Black Stork and Bonelli’s Eagle. The beautiful hilltop town of Mértola, is another key draw, with its Roman ruins and spectacular Moorish castle, supporting a large colony of Lesser Kestrels. The sight of several dozen of these beautiful birds wheeling around in the evening sky above the castle and 14th century Franciscan convent is certainly something to behold! 

With negligible air pollution and low human population, some of Europe’s most spectacular night skies can also be enjoyed here after dark; the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve was declared the world’s first ever ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’, a certification supported by UNESCO. An observatory offers cutting-edge astronomical telescopes, allowing visitors to marvel at the truly breathtaking views into space.   

The Alentejo is also noted for its rich culture and history, reflected in the fine Moorish architecture, excellent cuisine and wines, and many opportunities exist to learn more about the region’s rich culture.   

Madeira is a true oceanic island, the largest of the Madeira archipelago. In common with other isolated islands, such as the Galápagos, Madeira owes its existence to a geological phenomenon known as a ‘hot spot’, an especially hot area of the Earth’s interior which periodically forces its way through the overlying crust to create a series of oceanic volcanoes, the tops of which emerge to form islands. The slopes of the hills are covered in various forms of mostly secondary vegetation and the islands are famous for their abundant and varied plant-life and ‘garden-like’ environment. An incredible 1,163 species of plant have been recorded on the archipelago, of which 113 are endemic. The rugged coastline is almost completely devoid of sandy beaches, a trait that has most likely saved the islands from the rigours of the mass tourism trade.

The Madeiran archipelago is arguably the ultimate destination for anyone with an interest in the seabirds of the Western Palearctic. Species of particular note include Great and Manx Shearwaters, Bulwer’s Petrel, Madeiran Storm-petrel and the two much sought-after petrels, Fea’s and Zino’s. Special land-birds include the endemic Trocaz Pigeon and Madeiran Firecrest, as well as Berthelot’s Pipit, Pallid and Plain Swifts, and a range of other island and regional endemic species and subspecies.

The island is home to an internationally significant population of endangered Mediterranean Monk Seals and offers some very good whale and dolphin-watching. Boats setting off from Funchal Harbour are frequently joined by bow-riding Bottlenose Dolphins and pods of Pilot Whales as well as a variety of other larger cetacean species, such as Sperm Whales and Bryde’s (pronounced ‘broo-des’) Whales.

In addition, visitors can enjoy vivid year round blooms, an array of insects, and, of course, its world famous Madeira wine!

Pico Island is most famous for its imposing volcano, Mount Pico, which, with an altitude of 2,347 metres, is the highest peak in Portugal. The volcanic nature of the island is weaved into the architecture of the buildings, and the traditional houses are made from blocks of black lava, with striking use of white paint and vibrant flowers blooming in the gardens.

Whale-watching boat tours from Pico are exhilarating, utilising both on-board guides and professional onshore spotters (known as ‘vigias’) to greatly increase chances of unforgettable whale and dolphin encounters. There is always a sense of great excitement as the skipper is carefully led into the heart of the action with the help of the onshore spotter via the boat’s radio. As well as the numerous cetaceans, one might also hope to see Portuguese Man O’ War, as well as numerous sharks, turtles and flying fish. Inland, the island’s verdant landscape has an extensive network of lava caves, the ceilings of which glitter under torchlight with silver and gold actinomycete bacteria. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no visit to Pico is complete without walking through the island’s unique vineyards, accompanied by chattering Atlantic Canaries, Blackcaps and the Azorean subspecies of Chaffinch.

Wine tasting is a popular activity here, and the island’s cuisine is also superb. There is no better way to round off a day of enthralling whale-watching than to relax on a warm terrace overlooking the sunny vineyards, with a glass of cold white wine and tucking into a delicious local delicacy, often consisting of fresh, locally-caught seafood.

The largest of the Azores archipelago, the beautiful island of São Miguel - nicknamed the ‘Green Island’ – has much to offer the keen naturalist. From the rugged, volcanic coastline and vast ocean to the lush green interior, the flora and fauna here is superb, as are the landscapes. Direct flights from London to the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, make this a great choice for those looking for a quick burst of winter sunshine or a long-weekend escape.

Half-day whale watching excursions are the real draw of a visit to the island and can be enjoyed from either a large, comfortable catamaran or an exhilarating RIB. These generally focus on Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales with the chance of a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. Spring and summer are generally the most productive months for cetaceans which are attracted by the annual spring plankton bloom. Fin Whales are the most frequently recorded species at this time, although small numbers of Minke, Sei and Blue Whales are also seen each spring. They join the resident Sperm Whales, plus three dolphin species: Bottlenose, Risso’s and Short-beaked Common Dolphin. Striped and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins arrive with the warmer currents during the late spring and early summer. Whale watching guidelines are strictly adhered to in the Azores, allowing us to only approach within a comfortable distance for the whale. Feeding animals move quickly, however, and we may find that a whale chooses to swim alongside our vessel; it is an unforgettable thrill to see the vast outline of an animal the length of two school buses end-to-end just metres away!

Lying at the far south-western tip of mainland Europe, Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region combines genuinely warm hospitality, plenty of interest from a bird and wildlife perspective, and excellent weather to boot. Whilst famous for its golf courses, beaches and winter sunshine, our tailormade holidays will focus on areas away from the usual tourist trail; from the windswept cliffs, sand dunes and heaths of the west coast, to the marshes and saltpans of the south. A relaxed pace of life prevails away from the tourist hotspots and one cannot fail to be seduced by the excellent birdwatching opportunities, beautiful language, charming people, and delicious food and wine.

The Algarve region occupies a strategic position on the ‘eastern Atlantic flyway’, and is one of the continent’s top bird-watching destinations, particularly for Autumn migration. The volume and variety of bird species passing across the southern tip is impressive and makes for some exciting migration-watching, particularly of raptors. Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart and Red-billed Chough are resident on the sea-cliffs, while autumn migrants may include Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Honey Buzzards, Hobby, Black Kite, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, harriers, and many other birds of prey. Other possible highlights may include Spectacled Warbler, Black Stork, Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Eleonora’s Falcons, and Iberian Chiffchaff.

The Algarve’s flagship reserves include Ria Formosa, Castro Marim and Quinta do Lago, where notable species include Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, White Stork, Little Tern, clusters of Little and Cattle Egrets, Purple Swamphen, Audouin’s Gull and Collared Pratincole. Each autumn the lagoons and saline-rich marshes along the coast provide an important stopover for migrant birds and rarities which may include Buff-breasted and Upland Sandpipers, as well as Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Caspian Tern, Red-crested Pochard, confiding Bluethroats and many more species. Little Ringed Plover, Avocet and Glossy Ibis may also make the list of target species.

Away from the crowded coast, Portugal’s little known Côa Valley offers a rich birdlife within its open plains, stunning gorges and Cork Oak woodlands.

The wonderful old hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo is an excellent base from which to explore the region. Once a walled medieval citadel and castle, the village was central to the struggles between the kings of Portugal and those of neighbouring Castile, then Spain. A short walk around the village may reveal Blue Rock Thrushes and Rock Sparrows on the rooftops, Cirl Buntings in the surrounding bushes and noisy flocks of Azure-winged Magpies. The plains below support Black-winged Kites, Montagu’s Harriers, Southern Grey Shrikes, Hoopoes, Golden Orioles and Bee-eaters, whilst at night Scops Owls and Red-necked Nightjars are possible. The nearby Faia Brava Reserve is part of the ‘Rewilding Europe’ project, where small herds of ‘primitive’ Garrano horses and Maronesa cattle have been introduced. Breeding Egyptian and Griffon Vultures are sustained through an essential feeding programme, and Golden, Bonelli’s, Booted and Short-toed Eagles may all be seen. Mammals are elusive, but Genet, Otter and Wildcat all occur, and Iberian Wolves are making a comeback.

The Côa Valley is also home to Europe’s largest collection of Palaeolithic rock engravings, dating back to 22,000 BC. These were only discovered in the 1990s and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. They are best viewed by torchlight, after dark, when depictions of wild horses and aurochs, almost identical to the Garrano horses and Maronesa cattle of today’s Faia Brava reserve, can be most appreciated.

The Serra da Estrela is continental Portugal’s highest mountain range, and is also home to the country’s largest natural conservation area. This spectacular region supports a rich alpine flora, a wealth of butterflies and an enticing selection of birds. There are three distinct levels to the Serra da Estrela, determined by altitude. At lower regions, Oak and Beech woodlands dominate. Here, Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Firecrest, Pied Flycatcher, Crested Tit and Crossbill are all possible. The Juniper-covered slopes and beautiful mountain lakes above begin to show signs of more specialist alpine flora and fauna, with breeding Crag Martins, Rock and Ortolan Buntings present, alongside the impressive Marbled Newt. Higher still, habitats transition into open pasture, granite-strewn plateau and jagged peaks rising up to 2,000 metres. Here, the really special plants and flowers may be found, alongside a plethora of attendant butterfly and insect-life. The region supports many scarce and endemic plant species, amongst them Marsh Gentian, the endemic Teucrium salviastrum, Campanula herminii, Silene foetida and, in the wetter areas, St. Patrick’s Cabbage and the sundew, Drosera rotundifolia. Sooty Copper, Large Tortoiseshell, Spotted Fritillary and Black-eyed Blue are just a few of the special butterfly species to be found here.

Just an hour north of Lisbon lies Portugal’s ‘Silver Coast’, with its endless miles of wide, sandy beaches, hidden coves and Atlantic rollers.  This is a most rewarding destination for the all-round naturalist, tucked away from the tourist crowds, with a delightfully rich, eclectic range of wildlife.

A ferry trip to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Berlengas Islands, 10km offshore, provides the chance to see breeding Cory’s Shearwater and Madeiran Storm-petrel, alongside such endemic plants as Armeria berlengensis and Pulicaria microcephala. Inland, the Natural Parks of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains simply brim with butterflies and wild flowers. Arabis sadina and Narcissus calcicola are just two of the special plants to be found, alongside such butterflies as Iberian Marbled White and African Grass Blue. Booted Eagle, Hoopoe and Golden Oriole breed locally, and lagoons hold Greater Flamingoes and Spoonbills. At the nearby Tornada's Marsh, Black-winged Kite and Purple Swamphen are both possible and Bluethroats can sometimes be seen during migration.

This region is also famous for its palaeontology. One of the world’s largest and most important collections of sauropod footprints can be enjoyed here, reminding one that the region has supported wildlife for over 100 million years!