Portugal
A superb springtime destination for the all-round naturalist
The vast estuary of the Rio Tejo – a veritable maze of saltmarsh, salinas, brackish polders and inter-tidal mudflats – is of international significance for its aquatic birds, both wintering and breeding, despite lying slap-bang on top of Portugal's capital city. To the south lies the equally immense Sado estuary, home to a resident population of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and incorporating the impressive sand-spit of Tróia with its superb dune flora. The two are separated by the Setúbal peninsula, dominated by the whaleback limestone ridge of the Serra da Arrábida, clothed in some of Portugal's best-preserved Mediterranean habitats, which extends westwards as a high plateau before terminating in the spectacular cliffs of Cab o Espichel.
From a comfortable based on the Altiplano de Azóia, close to Cabo Espichel, we will explore the surrounding limestone plateau, both the Tejo and Sado estuaries, the luxuriant evergreen scrub of the Serra da Arrábida, Tróia's pristine sand-dune vegetation and the vast reedbed of the Lagoa de Albufeira. The whole area is a superb destination for the all-round naturalist, with something of interest around every corner.
Immediately around the hotel, the Altiplano de Azóia is a botanical treasure-trove at this time of year, hosting palmate anemone, hoop-petticoat daffodils, wild tulips and many species of orchid. Birdwise we should look out for Crested Lark, Dartford and Sardinian Warblers and Southern Grey Strike, with the adjacent sea cliffs housing a breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons.
The nearby Serra da Arrábida, rising to just 501 metres, is clothed with dense evergreen scrub, among which we should encounter friar 's-cowl, two-leaved gennaria and Spanish bluebell while, to the north, the windmill-topped ridge of the Serra do Louro is also renowned for its orchids. The sea-cliffs of Arrábida are home to breeding Bonnelli's Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Blue Rock Thrush, while the forested habitats provide refuge for Egyptian Mongoose, Common Genet, Western Polecat, Beech Marten and Wildcat, although sightings of these are understandably rare. Butterflies on the wing in early spring include Spanish Festoon, Swallowtail and Scarce Swallowtail and Lang's Short-tailed Blue.
Early spring is the perfect time for this holiday – to get away from the tail-end of the British winter and enjoy the flowers and butterflies at their very best, while the birds are in full breeding plumage. We will also take time out for a little dolphin-watching in the Sado estuary. Overall, a superb new destination for Island Holidays under the experienced guidance of Spain and Portugal expert, Teresa Farino.
