12 Days Portugal and Spain Birdwatching Programme
A 12-day small-group birding journey from Lisbon’s estuaries and coast to the plains, reservoirs and raptor country of Extremadura in western Spain.
About this tour
This 12-day Iberian programme starts in Lisbon and spends four days across Portuguese wetlands, woodland and coast before crossing into Extremadura. The Tagus Estuary provides mudflats, salt pans, rice fields, reedbeds and lagoons; Cape Carvoeiro and Óbidos add seawatching and coastal habitats; Pancas contributes Cork Oak woodland; and the Sado Estuary completes the Portuguese wetland sequence.
In Spain, Trujillo and the surrounding plains lead into Monfragüe National Park, whose cliffs and viewpoints are noted for large raptors. Further days cover the Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo plains, Arrocampo and Alcollarín reservoirs, and the Llanos de Campo Lugar. The return to Lisbon includes Mérida and Alange Reservoir before a final cultural day in the capital.
The habitat range supports flamingos, spoonbills and waders in Portugal, seabirds off the coast, and bustards, sandgrouse, vultures, eagles and larks in Extremadura. All remain seasonal possibilities. The programme starts and ends in Lisbon, accepts no more than seven participants and follows a published 12-day route.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Portugal.
Birds you can spot
Puffinus mauretanicus
target
Ciconia nigra
target
Aquila fasciata
target
Platalea leucorodia
target
Merops apiaster
target
Otis tarda
target
Phoenicopterus roseus
target
Cyanopica cooki
target
Tetrax tetrax
target
Aquila adalberti
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Tagus Estuary
Transfer from Lisbon to Alcochete and begin in the Tagus Estuary around Hortas, Atalaia, Ribeira das Enguias, Samouco and Barroca d’Alva. The first session covers tidal flats, salt marshes, salt pans, rice fields and pasture.
Day 2
Ponta da Erva
Explore open fields, rice plots, reedbeds, lagoons and tidal habitats at Ponta da Erva. A Tagus heronry may be included during the breeding season.
Day 3
Cape Carvoeiro and Óbidos
Travel north of Lisbon for the cliffs and shoreline at Cape Carvoeiro, then visit Óbidos Lagoon and Tornada Marshes. The day combines seawatching with lagoon and marsh birding.
Day 4
Pancas and the Sado Estuary
Begin in Cork Oak woodland at Pancas, then visit the Sado Estuary at Mitrena, Mourisca, Zambujal, Comporta and Carrasqueira for salt pans, mudflats, marshes and rice fields.
Day 5
Cross to Extremadura
Travel to Trujillo in Spain, birding the town’s urban community and nearby plains around Monroy. Overnight near Monfragüe.
Day 6
Monfragüe viewpoints
Explore Monfragüe National Park from Salto del Gitano, the castle, Cardenal Bridge and Tajadilla. The cliffs and wooded hills are central to the day’s raptor search.
Day 7
Monfragüe and Arrocampo
Return to Monfragüe at Báscula, Higuerilla and Portilla del Tiétar, then visit Arrocampo Reservoir. The route combines cliff, woodland and wetland habitats.
Day 8
Cáceres and Trujillo plains
Spend the day across the Llanos of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo. Open-country birding focuses on bustards, sandgrouse, kestrels, harriers and larks according to season.
Day 9
Further Extremadura plains
Continue through additional sites in the Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo plains. The guide adjusts the day to recent activity across the wide steppe landscape.
Day 10
Alcollarín and Campo Lugar
Combine the Campo Lugar plains with birding around Alcollarín Reservoir. Reservoir margins and surrounding open country add aquatic birds and another steppe-bird session.
Day 11
Mérida, Alange and Lisbon
Return to Portugal via Mérida, where the Roman Bridge area offers urban and river birding, and Alange Reservoir for rock-associated species. Continue to Lisbon for the overnight.
Day 12
Historic Lisbon
Finish with Lisbon’s main avenues, Baixa, hill districts, São Jorge Castle and cathedral, followed by Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries.
Locations & map
- Southern Portugal - Portugal Portugal (Tagus and Sado estuaries, Pancas woodland, Cape Carvoeiro and Óbidos Lagoon.)
- Southwest Spain - Andalusia Spain (Extremadura plains, Monfragüe cliffs and the Arrocampo, Alcollarín and Alange reservoirs.)
2 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round or scheduled by arrangement; exact dates and best season will be confirmed after enquiry.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Professional birding guide - Professional guiding throughout the itinerary.
- Field guidance and bird list support - A bird list, field guides and complimentary use of binoculars and telescopes are included.
- Ground transport, accommodation and meals - Airport or hotel transfers, air-conditioned ground transport, accommodation with breakfast, meals, bottled water and listed entrance fees are included.
Not included
- International flights - International flights are not included.
- Personal expenses - Personal expenses are not included; participant accident insurance is included.
- Single supplement and optional extras - A single-room supplement and any optional pre-tour or post-tour arrangements cost extra.
Transport & stays
- Air-conditioned vehicle circuit Ground transport and the listed airport or hotel transfers are included throughout the published route. | Meet: Lisbon Airport or a Lisbon hotel | Pickup: Airport or hotel transfer included at the programme start.
Policies & FAQ
How is availability confirmed?
Departure dates and remaining places vary. Send an inquiry with your preferred dates for current availability.
Can the daily field plan change?
The published route is the programme basis, but individual field stops may shift with tides, weather, access and recent bird activity.
Are specific birds or photographs guaranteed?
No. Species, viewing conditions and photographic opportunities depend on season, weather and wildlife behavior.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.