Spain Birding

Tour Overview
Our Spain birding tour explores some of Europe’s finest birding regions, from the wetlands and Mediterranean coast of Andalusia to the open steppes of Extremadura and the rugged Sierra de Gredos mountains. Spring is an excellent time to visit, with breeding birds in full activity, migrants arriving from Africa and a remarkable diversity of habitats to explore.

We will search for some of Spain’s most sought-after birds, including Spanish Imperial Eagle, Great and Little Bustards, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Northern Bald Ibis, Iberian Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker, White-headed Duck and Marbled Duck. The wetlands of Doñana offer outstanding birding, while Monfragüe National Park is renowned for its spectacular raptors, including Cinereous Vulture, Eurasian Griffon and possibly Bonelli’s Eagle. Along the way, we will visit the Greater Flamingo colony at Fuente de Piedra and watch for migrating birds at the Strait of Gibraltar.

Beyond the birds, we experience Spain’s spectacular landscapes, historic towns and rich culture, from the dramatic cliffs of Ronda to Roman ruins and traditional Andalusian villages. A whale-watching excursion in the Strait of Gibraltar and a special opportunity to search for the endangered Iberian Lynx in the Montes de Toledo add to this exceptional wildlife journey.

Highlights
✓Spain’s most sought-after birds, including Spanish Eagle, Great and Little Bustards, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Iberian Magpie, Iberian Green Woodpecker and Northern Bald Ibis.
✓Outstanding birding across diverse habitats, from the wetlands of Doñana and the raptor-rich cliffs of Monfragüe to the steppes of Extremadura and mountains of Sierra de Gredos.
✓A special opportunity to search for the endangered Iberian Lynx, along with a whale-watching excursion in the Strait of Gibraltar.
✓Spectacular scenery and rich Spanish culture, including historic towns, picturesque white villages, Roman ruins, traditional cuisine and a flamenco performance.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Walking
The tour is not physically demanding, and our pace will generally be relaxed, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the birds and landscapes we visit. There will be occasional gentle walks over moderately uneven or slightly steep terrain. Our longest walk is at Río Guadalhorce and covers approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) over 2.5 hours on flat ground. The first full day in Doñana can be long, with little shade available.

Food
Most days we will enjoy a picnic or packed lunch in the field, or stop at a local restaurant. In the evenings, we will dine at our hotel or a nearby restaurant, enjoying excellent regional cuisine while reviewing the day’s sightings and discussing the plan for the following day. In Spain, dinner is typically served late, with many restaurants not opening until around 8:30 pm. Combined with occasional early starts, this can make for some longer days.

Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the tour is of a very good standard and has been selected for comfort, character, and convenient access to key birding areas.

Boat Trip
Weather permitting, we will take a 2–2.5 hour whale-watching excursion in the Strait of Gibraltar. The vessel is equipped with onboard restroom facilities.

Climate
Weather is typically warm and sunny, although mornings, evenings, and higher elevations can be cool, and rain is always possible. Some days offer very little shade, so a hat and sun protection are essential. We recommend bringing warm layers for cooler evenings/periods, a light waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Mosquitoes may be present in some areas, so insect repellent is also recommended.

Starts: Malaga
Ends: Madrid