BIRDING TRAIL
⑦ Alvacar river - Navarro
Where the road crosses the River Alvacar, we are in the midst of Stone Pine Pinus pinea woodland. The bridge provides a safe haven under which both Eurasian Crag Martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris (YR) and Red-rumped Swallows Cecropis daurica (SP/SU) construct their mud nests.
Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos (SP/SU) perform their much admired, liquid, lyrical song from deep within the riparian vegetation but are infrequently seen. Other characteristic species include the Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa (YR), the unmistakable Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops (YR), the Woodlark Lullula arborea (YR), serenading from a nearby tree-top or utility wire and the colourful Iberian Magpie Cyanopica cooki (YR), moving through the trees in a small, noisy gang.
Portugal Wildscapes Experiences
Ecoland Rural Tourism
Accommodation
A country house few miles from Mértola, is the ideal place to truly disconnect. In Corte de Gafo, a small village in the heart of the Guadiana Valley Natura Park, life runs smoothly, and the air is filled with bird tunes. There are 3 double-rooms to choose from, and they also offer meals, upon request. They prepared many walking and cycling routes, for you to take the most out of your stay. And you can also rent an e-bike tour to go on a special tour, to discover our natural treasures and local producers.
Short-break Birds & Conservation Programme in Southern Portugal (Group Tour)
Tour
Lisbon Estuaries & Alentejo / (Group size: Maximum 7 Participants) / Portugal offers a fantastic diversity of habitats and consequently of birds in a relatively small area, so the birding programmes designed by Birds & Nature Tours Portugal enable you to visit several species rich areas without needing to travel long distances.
4B’s – B&B Birds & Bicycles
Accommodation
The 4Bs is a family project in Castro Verde for nature and outdoor activities lovers. The name came up very naturally: "birds" for all the protected bird species that surround us in this region, "bicycles" for our special fellings towards this vehicle :), and of course "Bed & Breakfast" for the kind of accommodation we were offering.
They offer na apartment, a triple bedroom, a slot for a van and Glamping: This spacious tent has 1 double bed and 2 single beds. There is a shared outdoor kitchen fully equipped and free solar warmshower. The homestay also offers bike hire.
Birdwatching Day Tour to the Castro Verde plains and the Guadiana Valley
Tour
Castro Verde and Mértola are two remarkable areas for birdwatching. Reached from Lisbon within a 90 minute-drive (or from Faro within a 60 minute-drive).
E-bike rental in Mértola
Tour
Go on a one-day self-guided tour with e-bikes and give a contribution to nature conservation! Cycle along the Pulo do Lobo’s route and discover the emblematic ecosystems of the Guadiana Valley Nature Park.
Herdade de Alagães
Accommodation
The Herdade de Alagães is located in southern Portugal, between the Castro Verde IBA Biosphere Reserve and the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. We are dedicated to sustainable tourism, nature conservation and agroforestry. The property is crossed by the Ribeira de Alvacar and it is a highly-biodiverse area; it is a great location for birdwatching. / The rooms for accommodation were recovered as sustainable buildings, keeping the rammed earth (taipa) walls. The wood-oven house was also repurposed as a small support kitchen for the guests. The property, 260ha in total, includes various paths for nature walks and biking.
Herdade dos Castelejos
Accommodation
Casa dos Castelejos offers a bucolic experience, with fair touch of modernity and good taste. Located in Guerreiros, a small village amidst the cereal crops, this is the place to be if you are looking for steppe birds. Relax on a cosy atmosphere and enjoy the view. Here time seems to last longer. It is located in the core area of the Birding Trail.