Article Birdwatching in Portugal

Despite being relatively small in terms of territory, Portugal is considered one of the top birdwatching destinations in Europe, thanks to its remarkable variety of habitats. This richness attracts around 330 bird species regularly, some of them endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. One Portuguese destination may surprise you: the Azores — truly a birdwatching paradise. Fly to this pristine archipelago, with its privileged geographic location in the middle of the Atlantic, and be amazed by the beauty of its nine islands, chosen as a sanctuary or stopover by many terrestrial and aquatic bird species rarely found elsewhere in the world.

Experts believe that the very name given to the archipelago by the navigators who discovered it was inspired by the birds they spotted that they thought were goshawks (açores in Portuguese). In fact, they were kites and can still be seen today on almost all the islands. There are also many Cory’s shearwaters; on spring and summer nights, you can hear their distinctive chant echoing from every corner. Although clumsy on the ground, these birds fly with great precision, clipping the sea waves as they finesse their fishing skills.

If you’re looking for rare bird species, travel to the island of São Miguel. The Special Protection Zone of Pico da Vara is the only place in the world where you can see the small priolo — the most endangered bird species in Europe. Other species such as blackcaps or chaffinches also inhabit this zone. To the south, the Ponta da Galera is a kingdom of terns, but there are many other excellent birdwatching spots. Some of them are truly spectacular and constitute must-see locations on any travel itinerary,  such as the Lagoa das Furnas and Lagoa das Sete Cidades, or the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

The western islands receive visits from species on stopovers during their migratory routes from the American continent. On the island of Flores, next to the Lagoa Branca, you’ll find an observatory where you can follow the movements of these neartic birds. Access this area of exuberant vegetation by a special footpath so as not to disturb the sense of tranquility that dominates this paradisical area.

The island of Corvo, in the far western corner of this archipelago, is renowned amongst ornithologists. Especially during the autumn, this small island named after the crow (corvo in Portuguese) is visited by birds rarely seen in other parts of Europe. Due essentially to meteorological factors, these species make a detour on their migratory routes within the Americas and come eastward. The Corvo Wild Birds Interpretation Centre is a must-visit for those wanting to better understand this phenomenon, as well as the island’s role in international birdwatching. These birds are perhaps also attracted by a quality that all of these islands share, and which you’re bound to appreciate, too — unspoiled nature and a unique sense of peace. Sounds like heaven, right?