Southern Portugal Birdwatching Tours
I set up “Birding in Portugal” when I first emigrated here from the UK in ’87 and it’s been operational ever since. I run it with my wife from our small hotel, which, appropriately enough, is called “Paradise in Portugal”.
It was a challenge as we started from scratch, having to build the place first, but the rewards have been many, not least the many wildlife enthusiasts we meet and host every year.
It’s in the middle of nowhere on the shores of a vast, warm and mosquito-free lake, completely off-grid, (though you wouldn’t know it), and we’ve won awards for our ecological practices as well as winning Certificates of Excellence for the last 8 years running from Tripadvisor and being in their Hall of Fame after over 350 reviews, (over 330 “Excellent”).
But we’re more than a hotel for we’re passionate about conservation and guide Birdwatchers, Photographers and Nature Lovers throughout southern Portugal on a day-to-day basis. With the experience that comes with having been here for over 30 years, we can offer you Southern Portugal Birdwatching Tours second to none.
We are totally adaptable from simply telling you where to go to providing the whole package if needs be, from pick-up at the airport, all food and drink, accommodation and guiding too – and all at a reasonable cost, as we’re “on the ground”, have no extra costs for external guides, (as we’re here already), and you’re not paying for an agency to organize your stay.
We run it in an informal but professional manner and that is reflected in our cuisine, which is styled “International Home Cooking”. There are no frills, no fancy plates or dribbles of sauce that leave you hungrier than when you sat down, just well-made wholesome food, cooked with passion, lashings of it, and it’s not made from packets – and we cater for most diets/restrictions.
This is complemented by a well-stocked wine cellar and bar which has a unique “ornithological” feel.
What more can I say?
Just, “We look forward to welcoming you to our little corner of Paradise”!
Group Discount Available
Group Discount Available
Starting From EUR 1,399 / per person
Group Discount Available
Starting From EUR 1,280 / per person
Group Discount Available
Starting From EUR 1,980 / per person
Great Bustard
One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, their “foam bath” display in the Spring is rightly considered to be among the Western Palearctic’s most stunning ornithological sights.
Iberian Magpie
Endemic to the southern Iberian Peninsula, loose, noisy flocks of this azure-winged species foraging through the cork forests of the Alentejo are a sight that few forget.
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Another endemic of the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish Imperial Eagle is showing signs of recuperation following a long period of decline.
Little Bustard
Numbers of this species are currently in free-fall over much of its range and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find, but southern Portugal is probably still the best place to find them.
European Bee-eater
Though not unique to Portugal, the country enjoys one of the highest population densities of this colourful and photogenic species and they are always a delight.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
A well-camouflaged and skulking steppe species which is always difficult to find, but worth the effort as they seldom disappoint.
Eurasian Golden Oriole
“Paradise in Portugal” is probably the best place in the whole of the Western Palearctic to really get to grips with this species as they breed in the garden and there’s a designated hide in front of their nest.
Collared Pratincole
A spectacular species combining the most attractive qualities of a Swallow and a Tern while looking down its nose at one around its Chinese moustache, they breed colonially in the broken ground close to water.
Common Nightingale
Another species that, while not being described as rare, is still difficult to find or see well, but that is not so at “Paradise in Portugal” as they nest in the garden and one is seldom out of earshot during the Spring – day or night!
Rufous Bush Robin
Late arrival in migratory terms this beautiful thrush is faithful to its breeding localities year after year but, despite its rarity, is surprisingly tolerant of being observed at relatively close quarters.
Birding in Portugal has been pro-active in terms of conservation since its inception. We initiated the 2nd largest Wildlife Petition in Portugal’s history, which has effectively to date saved an endangered wetland in the Algarve, (if you want to add your name please google “Save Salgados”). We are also active in the fight to save Alagoas Brancas.
We lecture internationally in order to raise awareness of the need to preserve the “Montados”, the legendary Portuguese Cork Forests and this is twinned with our active and prolonged fight against the insidious and invasive Eucalyptus plantations that have been shown to be such a fire hazard as well as being detrimental to the natural eco-system.
To complement these thrusts in our committed conservation practices, and just as important, are the efforts we make on a local level, from education to employment and procurement – and of course as an example of an enterprise that is run successfully entirely self-sufficiently as regards power, water and waste this is show-cased to visitors from around the globe enabling us to educate internationally as well as locally.
On top of this, we raise a significant amount of money each year towards Education and Conservation, over €40,000 in 2019 for example.
Wonderful holiday at La Quinta
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
I had a great week at La Quinta last spring. The accommodation was very comfortable and Daniela’s food was delicious. We had close views of most of the birds we wanted to see, Frank and Tony are expert and knowledgeable guides. The countryside around the Quinta was teeming with flowers and butterflies at that time of year, so walks were fascinating. It was also great to know that the Quinta is self sufficient in water and electricity and uses local produce, so it felt a really eco-friendly break. Altogether a wonderful experience.
Truly magical location
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
The Quinta is in a fabulous location, very relaxing and with stunning views - loved swimming in the lake, exploring the gardens filled with wildlife and along with Frank and Danielas hospitality makes this a truly special place. The birding trips were great fun, well organised and filled with great local and birding knowledge. Frank will go out of his way to make these trips memorable and also produce stunning photos.
La Quinta: A very special place
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
I spent an unforgettable week at the Quinta totally enjoying the unique hospitality of Frank and Daniella. On arrival, it is clear that one is joining a community of friends who regularly stay here and at the end of a day's birding have great fun round the large dining room table sharing stories and observations of the day's rich variety of fauna and flora whilst enjoying the scrumptious home-made food, not forgetting the host's highly palatable selection of Portuguese wine. The Quinta gives one the wonderful opportunity to unwind and listen to the unmistakeable vocal call of the nightingale from dawn to dusk, tick off a lifer or two from the varied local habitats or cool down with a swim in the lake after a jaunt through the labyrinthine gardens bedecked in climbing roses. Frank is a top birder, a raconteur par excellence and a mean photographer. He will put a smile on your face and seek sought after birds for his friends/guests. I am going to have to go back soon.
Truely Paradise in Portugal
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
This was our second time with Frank and Daniela, we thought that we would try a different time of year. The time of year changed but everything else was the same. Thank you for making it such a great break. The Quinta has a lovely relaxing atmosphere with fantastic views across the reservoir. Frank and Daniela have got everything spot on. Franks birding knowledge and enthusiasm, and Daniela's cooking are second to none. A fantastic place for a relaxing break with great birding available on trips out and strolling around the Quinta. Have already booked again.
Birds Galore
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
Frank & Daniela are excellent hosts, Whilst i did my own thing photographing on several of the days, I would never have seen the rare Rufous bush Robin or Black bellied Sandgrouse that Frank was able to show me on one of his guided days out. Great fun, delicious food and excellent local knowledge. I will be back
the Quinta - Paradise itself - and the Best Birding too
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
I have been several times to the Quinta and consider it to be a gift that I give to myself, which is enriching and wholesome in every way. First the birding: Frank's energy and enthusiasm seem boundless. Getting up, (often) very early is sometimes hard, but listening to a Nightingale and a Scops Owl at 4.45am as you get into the car is something that stays with you in the memory. Then stopping for the pre-dawn cup of strong coffee and the essential breakfast bun before the magical unveiling of the dawn and the expectation and excitement of finding the first displaying Great Bustard , takes some beating. The varied avian riches of the area are truly wonderful - Frank has an uncanny ability, which I have only experienced in the company of the very best naturalists, to seem to know what is about to happen in the wild. As a result, he has opened up to me a whole world and attitude to wildlife which is instructive and which I treasure. The Quinta: lovely rooms and quiet (except possibly for the odd croaking toad). Daniela provides such wonderful food. Eating meals at one table has the effect of sharing ones days with others, a chance to compare notes and relax. It is a beautiful place which Frank and Daniela have created. The name 'Paradise in Portugal' it is no exaggeration.
A little bit of heaven in Portugal
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
We stayed with Frank and Daniela for five days in September 2019 and had such a good time we came home and immediately booked again for May 2020. My husband loved the wildlife tours and we all enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, the laid back atmosphere, the food and friendliness. Looking forward to doing it all again soon.
Perfect Location for a Relaxing Holiday
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
We have visited La Quinta on 4 separate occasions since 2015 and will be going back in 2021. This is a fantastic location if you want to relax in the peace and quiet of the Portuguese countryside. Daniela's home cooked food is exceptional, using local produce and fruit and vegetables grown at the Quinta. Although bird watching isn't an essential activity, it is well worth going on one or more of Frank's guided tours. He has a vast knowledge of the birdlife of the area and he knows exactly where to find them.
10 days bird watching at the Quinta
Portuguese Migration Birdwatching Tour
My wife and I stayed with Frank and Daniela at the Quinta in May 2019. We were met at Faro airport by Frank and we knew after 5 minutes we were in for a wonderful experience. Ably helped out by their staff nothing was too much trouble in the wonderful surrounding next to the lake. The guided tours were brilliant and we saw numerous birds that we had not seen previously and some we had not even heard of-all was explained and identified by either Frank or his able assistant Tony. We came home with some wonderful memories and I with some good images. We hope to visit again in the future. Ron and Joan Trevis
Great Birds, Location, Food and new Friends!
Extended Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Quinta do Barranco! The birding trips are great! Everything is well organized and Frank knows where to find the birds and makes sure that everyone gets a 'good look'. The accommodations are comfortable and the location is wonderful. I can't say enough good things about the Hospitality. Frank and Daniela are wonderful hosts and you feel like you are at dinner with family and friends every night. And, a wonderful extra is that Daniela is an amazing cook. We plan to visit again.
If it’s right for you it’s wonderful - as it was for us!
Extended Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
This was our third visit to the Quinta and it’s always been a great treat. If anything, it was better this time, partly because we’d come with four friends also because, for the first time, we got involved in one of Frank’s birding expeditions - an all-day explore, starting at 5.00am. We were pretty naïve in these matters and still have nearly everything to learn - but it was obvious enough that the trip was superb. The Quinta is an extraordinary place: it’s seriously beautiful, tranquil and relaxing and, above all, an infectiously happy place to be. There’s nothing soppy about this contentment either: it’s a natural reaction to lovely surroundings, comfortable rooms, Daniela’s great food, excellent company – and, not least, an obviously happy and well looked after young staff. You all eat communally – up to about 20 people at the same table – and it works a treat. Our experience has always been overwhelmingly positive; like many others, we recommend it very highly indeed.
Visit to Paradise
Full Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
This was our first ever wildlife watching holiday. Everything about the trip was perfect; the Quinta is set in an idyllic location just perfect for getting away from everything. The team were very helpful, and all the meals (in the main prepared by Daniela) were superb. We went on the majority of the trips, which took us through some breath taking scenery to see all that was on show. Add to that the local knowledge of Frank and Tony with all the anecdotes and it all created a wonderful week away. We will certainly be visiting again!
The exception that proves the rule!
Full Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
Every year we visit the British Birdfair at Rutland Water. One of the reasons is to talk with all of the many and various trip suppliers to work out our next birding/wildlife trip. My guiding thought is “if it looks to good to be true.... it most probably is!” Birding (Paradise) in Portugal, however is the exception that proves the rule. From landing to departure at Faro, everything was first class and exceeded all our expectations. Within fifteen minutes of being picked up by Frank we were bird watching. (123ish bird species over the week we were there. Not to mention the butterflies, insects and other wildlife and flora.) Frank and Daniela are Great hosts. Great place, Great food, interesting conversation, a bit like being invited to stay with friends or family where nothing is too much trouble. Add on terrific birding trips with Frank. So what's not to like? Only leaving. We judge places we visit on the “would we return?” scale. For us the answer is a most definite YES, when?
Birding Paradise
Full Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
We spent a few days Birding in late October (after a recommendation) and can heartily endorse all the other glowing comments. A delightful trip which hugely exceeded our expectations. The human dynamo that is Frank made it unforgettable. Whilst guided around the coast, plains, hide and local walks, we could just observe and enjoy, with Frank emailing us his stunning photos of what we had seen afterwards. The location is unforgettable too, relaxing in the evening sun over drinks and delicious dinners, hosted by Frank and Daniella. We will be back again next year.
Birding in Paradise!
Full Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
This was my second visit to the Quinta and just as amazing. From waking up to birdsong to ending the day with a delicious dinner, every moment is a pleasure. If you're looking to dodge the hustle and bustle for a few days, soak up some epic scenery and enjoy the company of a true birding maestro, then look no further.
Outstanding hospitality and tours
Full Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
This beautiful lakeside guest lodge is the perfect place for peace and quiet and a centre of operations for the many expertly led birding tours. The friendliness of the owners and helpers is exemplary and especially fun are the dinners with chatter over good food and wine. An unforgettable experience in the best possible sense.
Amazing and unique “Home from Home”
Southern Portugal Migration Birding Tour
My partner Steve and I have just returned from five amazing days in this place. We flew into Faro, and it was an easy 90 min drive up to Paradise in Portugal. The “resort” (feels like the wrong word as it’s not at all commercial) is down a long private road that opens up onto a beautiful lake view. We had Kingfisher room and the view from it was incredible. Daniela and Frank are so welcoming it feels like an amazing “home from home”, with breakfast, lunch and dinner all on offer. I advise you take it! The food is all so beautifully home cooked, and the communal dining makes the evening fun and interesting. The dining room also has a large window with a lake view. Wines on offer are all good and reasonably priced. I wouldn’t advise it for young children unless they particularly like quiet and nature (it’s not an adults only venue but it’s greater more towards relaxation and peaceful enjoyment during the day). For those who love birds and wildlife there’s an array of trips on offer - you don’t have to, and I’m not an avid “birder” but ended up doing two and loved them both. Highly recommend and we’ll be back for a long weekend next June!
Brilliant birding in Portugal
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
We stayed with Frank and Daniela for a week in their idyllic Quinta last year. As soon as we arrived it was clear we were joining a friendly and enthusiastic family. Meals were communal, delicious and all cooked by Daniella. The wildlife trips were excellent, we saw lots of bird species, and many butterflies and flowers at the time of year we went. The accomodation was very comfortable with a wonderful view over the lake. A very relaxing, but exciting, trip.
Paradise in Portugal
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
I first visited " the Quinta" in September 2010 and was delighted with the welcome and the peaceful wildlife friendly gardens overlooking the lake. The Accommodation is excellent and I really enjoyed a mixture of exploring the local valleys and day trips to very varied habitats. The discussions with other guests and staff around he Dinner Table. whilst enjoying Daniela's wonderful cuisine, were always interesting and lively!. The fact that I am hoping to visit "the Quinta" in September for the 18th time speaks for itself.
Great hosts, food, location and birds.
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
We visited La Quinta in May 2019 and look forward to returning in the future. La Quinta is a fantastic base to visit the wetlands near Faro, the plains of Alentejo and the coastline south of Lisbon. The guided tours led by Frank and Tony were excellent and we recorded 130 species during our stay plus a variety of butterflies including the Two-tailed Pasha. Nightingale, Golden Oriole and Rock Bunting made it worthwhile spending a day or so just in the grounds of the hotel. The lake beckoned for swimming. Daniela's home-cooked meals were a delight. We were made to feel part of the family as soon as we arrived. A truly rewarding and relaxing birdwatching holiday. Thank you all.
Idyllic spot for exercise, relaxation and yummy food!
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
I have been visiting the Quinta since 1990 and it is genuinely one of my favourite places in the world. Whether one is looking for an active holiday, relaxing retreat or more specific birding or yoga retreat you will not be disappointed! Frank and Daniela are wonderfully welcoming hosts, making the Quinta very much a home from home. Having taken most of Frank's tours over the years, it's hard to pick just one to review - they are all fab!
A Week in May 2019 at the Quinta
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
This was our second trip to the Quinta having been previously a few years back in September. It is a unique experience and Frank and Daniela tick all our boxes whether its food, hospitality, the stunning location or the birding, so we will be coming back for another dose fairly soon. It's worth having your own transport to get around on your days off but on the birding days out, Frank gets you up early, does all the driving, knows all the best spots, takes all the pictures better than I can, and gives them to you at the end of your stay. What a man!
A Wonderful Week at the Quinta
Private Southern Portugal Migration Birdwatching Tour
I had a wonderful week here. Great setting, great guiding, great service, fun people to hang out with ( both staff and other guests). It was worth every penny. I think that I did guided birding 4 times and just relaxed (with a swim in the lake and a good book) several other days. I arrived and departed by train and they provided transportation for me to and from the train station. Only caution: if you suffer from hay fever and are going here in the springtime, be sure and bring a good supply of antihistamine. Fortunately, Frank's a sufferer too and gave me some of his tablets.
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