
Birdwatching
Birdwatching in the Algarve
Albufeira, Portugal
Birdwatching in the Algarve
Albufeira, Portugal
2 passengers-
All Inclusive
Raptors, flamingos, shorebirds and more…
Discover the birds of the Algarve on this exciting birdwatching holiday, designed to introduce you to some of the area's important birding sites including wetlands and steppe. The Algarve lies at Portugal's southernmost tip, overlooking the Atlantic and has been described as one of Europe's 'best kept secrets' in terms of the bird species that can be found here. You'll be accompanied by your expert host who will be there to guide you on four full-day, and one half-day included birdwatching visits. Watch for the glossy ibis at the lagoon of dos Selgados, scan the sky for raptors in Sagres, and pass grasslands and oak woods amidst the steppe of Alentejo as you keep your eye out for the elusive bustard.
There will be a packed lunch to keep you going on your full-day visits, until you return to your comfortable hotel in time for dinner and some relaxation, perhaps discussing sightings with your fellow guests. The vibrant town of Albufiera is accessible via the Saga shuttle bus or local bus. Alternatively just enjoy relaxing around the swimming pools or take a stroll along the beaches for which the Algarve is justly famous. The Algarve has the highest incidence of rare birds (from northern Europe, North America and Africa) in Portugal, some 40% of the region is protected and is home to ten 'important bird areas'. With so much on offer, it's a 'spot' not to be missed!
Including...
All breakfasts, lunches* and dinners
Free bar open up to 10 hours a day
Dedicated Saga Host
Plus...
- Return flights and transfers
- 20kg checked-in luggage
- Tea and coffee-making facilities within the hotel
- Expert host talks
- Hosted welcome drinks reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hotel porterage
Included excursions and visits
- Lagoa dos Salgados (half day)
- Ria Formosa (full day)
- Sagres (full day)
- Eastern Algarve (full day)
- Baixo Alentejo (full day)
*A packed lunch is included on all full-day visits
Address
Holiday Inn Algarve, Avenida Marginal, 8365-909 Armação da Pêra, Portugal
Introduction
Join those in the know at this long-established and much sought-after hotel on the sun-kissed Algarve.
Accommodation
There are 186 heated and air-conditioned rooms. For a supplement you can upgrade to a sea-view twin room, subject to availability. These rooms have a bath with shower and a balcony where you can catch some sun.
Television
Telephone
Hairdryer
Mini-fridge
Safe
Tea coffee making facilities
Food and Drink
Meals are served in the hotel's main buffet-style restaurant. There are also two seasonal restaurants: an on-site Indian restaurant where you can dine for an extra charge (open between Mar-Nov); and the new a la carte beachfront Palm Beach restaurant (open Mar-Oct) where you can dine for an extra charge on local seafood dishes (open from midday to 11pm). The free bar, included in the all-inclusive package, is open 10 hours a day.
Entertainment
During your stay, enjoy the following programme of activities and entertainment. Some activities may be at an extra charge and activities may change from time to time.
- Portuguese language lessons
- Live entertainment twice a week
Sporting activities include tennis and horse riding, both available for an extra charge. There is also a dedicated golf desk offering preferential rates to local golf courses. Please ask in resort for details and prices.
Other Hotel Information
The hotel boasts a hairdresser and beauty salon which are available for an extra charge. The outdoor swimming pool is heated when necessary while the pool bar, beach bar and Indian restaurant on site are only open seasonally, and use is at an extra charge.
Pool and beach towels are available for a refundable deposit of €10. There are two ways to access the swimming pool: one way includes 12 steps from the hotel to the pool, the other has 21 steps from the hotel to the pool. There are 24 steps leading down from the pool area to the beach.
There is a lift to all floors.



Baixo Alentejo
The steppe landscape of the lower part of Alentejo province includes the Special Protection Area of Castro Verde. with its grasslands and oak woods. Look out here for great and little bustards, the hen harrier and black-bellied sandgrouse. Raptors, including kites and even eagles, may be seen in this diverse and enigmatic area.
Full day

-
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Eastern Algarve
The Castro Marim wetlands are one of Portugal's most important wetlands, with over 200 species visiting or residing here. Look out for pied avocet, the black-winged stilt, and the lesser short-toed lark which is not found anywhere else in Portugal.
Full Day

-
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Lagoa dos Salgados
Visit this coastal freshwater lagoon covering over 120 acres and enclosed by dunes and vegetation. Regarded as an 'Important Bird Area' with some 200 species recorded, it has a wealth of water birds including the flamingo, glossy ibis and squacco heron.
Half day

-
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Ria Formosa
Over 300 species of bird have been recorded in this stunning wetland including Audouin's gull, not to mention some 30,000 migratory visitors and wintering species such as the red-crested pochard.
Full day

-
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Sagres
The Sagres peninsula lies in the far south west. There are over 300 bird species recorded here, and it is particularly noted for raptors, including the booted eagle, and eurasian griffon vulture. Steppe and seabirds such as the greater short-toed lark and the tawny pipit, as well as migratory species, may also be seen here.
Full day

-
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Birdwatching in the Algarve
Albufeira, Portugal
2 passengers