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Bird watching and walking are two pastimes that complement each other perfectly and the Alentejo region of Portugal is one of the best locations in Europe in which to indulge in both. Read on to learn more about what to expect from a holiday here. Alentejo is a large area that is situated south of Lisboa and north of the Algarve, comprising everything from forests and valleys to lakes and rivers. This diversity makes it an excellent choice for walking holidays in Portugal, as you'll be able to hike through a selection of landscapes, even if you're on a single-centre break. One of the best ways to fully appreciate the stunning scenery is to stay in amongst it and there are some excellent rural retreats dotted throughout the region. Base yourself in the south, though, and you can be situated on the shores of the Santa Clara Lake, which provides a picturesque backdrop to your holiday. From your base, there are several walking trails you can tackle without a guide, giving you plenty of freedom to explore at your own pace. One particularly charming route will lead you around the lake to the hamlet of Cortes Pereira, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch before making your way back to your accommodation through the cork forest. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can see birds such as crested tits, rock buntings, short-toed eagles and lesser-spotted woodpeckers as you stroll. If you're also interested in flora, you'll notice gladioli near the lake, while among the trees you can find green-winged orchids. Should you be keen to learn more about the birdlife in the region, as well as how to spot some of the more elusive species, take a walk with the local guide, who can show you some of the best bird-watching locations in the area. There are more than 120 resident species in Alentejo, while many more stop off every year on their migratory route. Hoopoes, common waxbills, white storks and golden orioles are just a few of the creatures that live here year-round, while swallows, bee-eaters, hen harriers, oystercatchers and Caspian terns are among the migratory species you can observe if you visit in the right season. As well as exploring the area surrounding your accommodation, you'll have the opportunity to go on trips that take you to other, beautiful parts of Alentejo. So, you can spend a day walking on the plains where you'll be ideally placed to see birds such as spoonbills, red-crested pochards and black and red kites. You'll also be in a good position to visit the west coast of Portugal and even view the most south-westerly point in mainland Europe on a walk that will lead you past rolling hills in a rural district all the way to the seaside. The sight of the towering cliffs being hit by the surf is impressive, while this route also gives you the chance to catch a glimpse of some of the many seabirds that live in the country, including black-winged stilts, sanderlings and sandwich terns. With so many opportunities to get out and about on foot, as well as the amazing wildlife you'll be surrounded by, a walking break in Alentejo is an excellent choice for any nature lover. Even if you don't know a lot about birds before you leave, you'll certainly have a much better idea of which winged creatures you can see in Europe by the time you're heading home. If you are looking for walking holidays in Portugal that focus on the country's wildlife, come to Headwater. Our Alentejo bird watching trip is a particular favourite with nature lovers.
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