Birdwatching in the Algarve

Birdwatching in the Algarve isn’t just a hobby. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore Portugal’s southern coast. With wetlands, lagoons, cliffs, and mountain ranges, the Algarve is home to the country’s richest variety of birds. More than 395 species have been recorded here, and at least 250 can be spotted year-round. From elegant flamingos and rare raptors to storks nesting on church towers, every season offers something different. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious, birdwatching is a unique way to connect with the Algarve’s landscapes and wildlife. In this article, you’ll find the best places to go birdwatching, practical tips, and whether joining a guided tour is worth it.

Birdwatching in the Algarve at a glance

• Number of bird species recorded in the region: 395 bird species
• Number of bird species visible year-round: 250+ species
• Best seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for migration
• Top hotspots: Ria Formosa, Sagres (Cape St. Vincent), Lagoa dos Salgados
• What to bring: binoculars, spotting scope, camera, water, hat, apps/field guides

If you wonder how it is to do birdwatching in the Algarve, then watch the short video below to get a quick impression.

 

Best Birdwatching spots in the Algarve

The Algarve offers a wide range of habitats, each attracting different bird species. Here are the best places for birdwatching in the Algarve.

Wetlands & lagoons

Ria Formosa

The natural park of Ria Formosa is a true paradise for birders. Some of the best places for birdwatching here can only be accessed by boat. Examples of birds you can see here are the spoonbill, Kentish plover, woodchat shrike, black-necked grebe, little egret and the grey heron.

Lagoa dos Salgados

Just behind the beach of Praia dos Salgados, in between Armação de Pêra and Praia da Galé, you can find a beautiful lagoon called Lagoa dos Salgados. This is one of the most popular places for birdwatching in the Algarve. You can see many waterbirds here. Examples of birds you can spot here are the black tern, purple swamp hen, flamingo, glossy ibis, cattle egret, black-winged stilt and the little bittern. However, the lagoon has become very popular with tourists as well.

Sapal nature reserve

The Sapal nature reserve near Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António you can find wetlands and an area of saltpans, where you can find a variety of waterbirds. Examples of birds you can see here are the caspian tern, spectacled warbler, greater flamingo, audouin’s gull, yellow wagtail and the lesser short-toed lark.

Alvor nature reserve

In the Alvor nature reserve you can see a variety of waterbirds, seabirds and farmland birds. The nature reserve has a beautiful boardwalk and is located just behind Praia de Alvor. Examples of birds you can find here are the stone curlew, bluethroat, little tern, azure-winged magpie, woodchat shrike and the Kentish plover.

 

Coastal cliffs & migration points

Cape of St. Vincent

The Cape of St. Vincent near Sagres is in all aspects an amazing place. You can also see many migratory birds here. Examples of birds you can see here are the black stork, booted eagle, griffon vulture, alpine swift, blue rock thrush, yellow-legged gull, Egyptian vulture, honey buzzard and the ortolan bunting. In October, there is actually a dedicated birdwatching event called the Sagres Birdwatching Festival.

Ponta da Piedade

Near Ponta da Piedade in Lagos you can see plenty of seabirds, mainly on the cliffs and the big rocks in the sea. Examples of birds you can see here are the rock dove, corn bunting, cormorant, linnet, jackdaw, black redstart, yellow-legged gull and the spotless starling.

 

Mountains & Inland

Monchique

The mountain range of Monchique is an interesting place for birders, since you can see some species that you cannot see near the coast. A good spot here is near Caldas de Monchique. Examples of birds you can spot near Monchique are the woodlark, Iberian chiffchaff, firecrest, rock bunting and the red-rumped swallow.

Serra do Caldeirão

Serra do Caldeirão is a mountain range in the northern Algarve. Here you can see a number of interesting birds, such as the wryneck, blue rock thrush, orphean warbler, sparrowhawk, green woodpecker and the Bonelli’s eagle.

 

Urban birding

You can see birds all over the Algarve, in natural parks as well as in towns. For example, in the old town of Faro, you can see many storks, making their nests on the top of churches and other buildings.

Birdwatching tours

If you want to get the most out of birdwatching in the Algarve, joining a guided tour is a great option. Local guides know exactly where to go, the best times of day, and can quickly identify species you might miss on your own. Tours range from a few hours to full-day trips and often cover several hotspots in one outing, giving you the chance to see as many species as possible.

We recommend the following birdwatching tour companies, who are all highly professional:

• Algarve Birdman. Tours are given by Simon and Thijs. Simon is from the UK and has more than 30 years of birdwatching experience. Thijs is Dutch and is a keen bird photographer. He is also head ornithologist at the Algarve’s wildlife rescue centre.
• Algarve Birders. Tours are given by Peter and June, both of whom have many years experience birding in the Algarve and elsewhere.
• Birdwatching Algarve. Georg gives the tours. He is a German man who lives in the Algarve and has more than 30 years of birdwatching experience.

If you go on a tour, make sure to check whether the company is licensed and has the necessary permission to operate in protected areas.

Our tips

Want to go birdwatching like a local, not a tourist? These are the tips we would give our best friends:

• Go at first light. The Algarve’s wetlands and lagoons come alive at sunrise. Not only will you beat the heat and crowds, but you’ll catch species that disappear later in the day.
• Time your trip with migration seasons. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring in raptors, storks, and countless passerines moving along Europe’s most important flyway.
• Keep key numbers at hand. For injured birds, call SOS Ambiente (+351 808 200 520) or RIAS Wildlife Rescue (+351 927 659 313). For fires, dial 112.
• Choose the right clothing. Light, neutral colors keep you cool and help you blend into the landscape. Don’t forget sturdy walking shoes for saltpans and cliffs.
• Prepare for the Algarve sun. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Even in spring, the light can be blinding.

Or you can also book a birdwatching tour online:

 

Birdwatching with a guide or alone?

If you know the Algarve well and have plenty of birding experience, exploring on your own can be rewarding. The region’s reserves and boardwalks are easy to access, and you’ll find plenty of common species without much effort.  But if you’re serious about spotting rarities, or simply don’t want to waste time guessing, a local guide is a game changer. They know the seasonal hotspots, the exact perches of elusive species, and can identify birds in seconds. A guide also ensures you’ll cover more ground in less time, often combining wetlands, cliffs, and inland spots in a single day.

In short:

• Experienced birders with time and local knowledge can go it alone.
• First-time visitors or anyone short on time will get far more out of a guided tour.

Unless you’re a professional birder with deep knowledge of the Algarve, we strongly recommend booking at least one guided outing. It transforms birdwatching from a pleasant walk into an unforgettable wildlife experience.