Spread in a wide geographical area of 92.212 sq km, Portugal is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Portugal wildlife is filled up with the species mixed from the parts of Europe and North Africa. And a good number of the animals in Portugal are common to the Iberian peninsula, which makes them reside in Spain too. Given the enrich fauna of Portugal which includes beetles, bats, quails, bullfinches, lizards, dolphins, whales and more making it impossible to name the fauna specifically, the wildlife in Portugal is a thing that should be experienced by oneself!
Wildlife In Portugal: 8 Best Places To Visit
Here is a list of some of the best places to witness the wildlife in Portugal and get an experience you’ve never had before! Take a look and add them to your itinerary!
1. Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Geres national park generally known as Geres is famous due to the tag of only national park present in Portugal. Geres, which is geographically located in the Norte region of Portugal is rich with a variety of fauna and flora making it a rich wildlife spot. The park was created with an aim of preserving natural and human resources along with the wildlife and landscapes. The Flora of Peneda-Geres is divided into four parts: shrubbery, marsh, oak forests and riparian. 128 types of natural vegetation make the flora even richer. You can find a wide variety of oaks here which unfortunately in the course due to human involvement have reduced drastically. 74% of the national park is comprised of bushes and shrubs. The riparian and marshlands are spotted alongside the rivers in the park. The Fauna of Peneda-Geres is mainly focused in the Matas de Albergaria/Palheiros region which is specified as the heart of the park. This region is rich with mammals such as Pyrenean desman, European otter, roe deer, and wild boar along with the reptiles. A set of most recognized species in this region are Iberian Frog, Europian honey buzzard, snipe, garden warbler etc.
Location: Norte, Portugal
Timing: 9:00- 4:00
Entry Fees: free
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2. Cape St.Vincent
Cape St.Vincent aka Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vincentina is yet another wildlife spot of Portugal. Inviting thousands of tourists frequently, this coastal area is spread amidst the coast of Salema and St.Vincent. The coastal nature of this beautiful region gifts the area a very rich flora and fauna. The Flora of Cape St.Vincent includes Shrubby violet viola, Bumblebee Orchid, Small-flowered tongue orchid, Broad-left Helleborines, Anagalis Monelli etc. And the commonly recognized fauna are Otters, Gannets, Badgers, Egyptian Mongoose, Wild Boars, Two-tailed pashas, White/Black Storks, Swifts and Shags, Booted eagles etc.
Location: Faro
Timing: 8:00 – 5:00
Entry Fees: free
3. Ria De Alvor Natural Reserve
This is undoubtedly one of the most visited natural reserves in Portugal and is an important tourist spot. Thousands of migrating birds adorn this region of Portugal during the spring and Autumn, making it the best time to visit this part of Portugal. The eco-system of Rio De Alvor is rich in Animals, Birds and Insects. 1454 hectares of this area is a wide a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The beaches of Ria De Alvor uplifts the place for more tourist interests. The Flora of Ria De Alvor includes Sea Daffodils, Algarve Toadflax, Camphor Thyme, Cistanche, Paperwhite Narcissus etc. The Fauna of Ria De Alvor include species such as Ocellated Lizard, Goldfinches, serins, Chaffinches, Black-tailed godwits, Dunlins, kestrels, Redshanks, Little regrets, Grey herons etc.
Location: Algarve
Timing: 9:00-5:00
Entry Fees: free
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4. Ria Formosa
Ria Formosa is one of the most loved natural reserves by people in the Algarve region. This is why even though its difficult to find, people pack their bags and come over to this spot of Portugal. This natural reserve is spread in an area of 18,400 hectares of land filled mostly with marshes, islets and mud flats. There are an animal hospital and a wildlife rehabilitation centre which is working for almost a period of 20 years. The unique eco-system in here invites the migratory birds in large flocks. The flora and fauna of Ria Formosa as in any other wildlife spots of Portugal is rich. The Flora of Ria Formosa include bindweeds, sea daffodils, yellow hoop petticoat daffodil, Mirror orchids, Bumblebee orchids, Grape Hyacinth, Thrifts etc. And the Fauna of Ria Formosa is rich with species like European Chameleon, wigeons, Dunlins, Pochards, Bar-tailed godwits, purple gallinule etc.
Location: Algarve
Timing: 8:00 – 5:00
Entry Fees: free
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5. Castro Marim
Castro Marim is yet another wildlife spot in the Algarve region. A good number of tourists are often attracted to this spot yearly due to the variety of flora and fauna spread over here. This coastal region is situated near the Spanish borders and is frequently visited by bird watchers. This wildlife reserve was found in 1975 after the conclusion by RAMSAR convention by recognizing the habitat protection the area deserved. If you want to take the best experience out of Castro Marim, visiting the reserve at springs are opted. River Guadiana that flows via this region provides more space for the flora and fauna to reside in. The most recognised flora in this habitat is Yellow hoop petticoat daffodil, Grape hyacinth, Glasswort, bright yellow Broomrape, pylons etc. The fauna found over this region includes Flamingos, avocets, Seagulls, Grey herons, lagoons, little egrets, sanderlings etc.
Location: Portugal
Timing: 9:00-5:00
Entry Fees: free
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6. Vale Do Guadiana
Vale Do Guadiana is a wildlife spot situated in Portugal. This place is famous due to the rich variety of birds habituated here. To visit this part of wildlife-rich in Portugal, the spring and autumn have opted as you can witness a rich flora here. But the birds are found in great varieties in any time of the year making this place one of the most visited one by the tourists in Portugal. A part of this widespread area shares the Portugal-Spain borders and is enriched with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Vale Do Guadiana is also known as a mecca for bird watchers because of the richness in the arrival of birds. The flora of Vale Do Guadiana includes numerous species of fungi, wildflowers, Friar’s cowl, parasol mushrooms, peas, red-tufted vetch etc. The fauna of Vale Do includes species like white storks, great bustard, bee-eater, black-shouldered kites, golden oriels, great spotted cuckoos, lapwings etc.
Location: South Portugal
Timing: 8:00-5:00
Entry Fees: free
7. Oceanario De Lisboa
Oceanario de Lisboa is one of the best places to visit in Portugal. You can enjoy this place while traveling with your friends or family. This is a great place where you can try and educate children about this place and the marine wildlife. This particular aquarium has a wide variety of creatures and is actually divided into four different ecosystems. The division is based on Antarctic, Atlantic, Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. Some of the common animals found here include sharks, sea otters, penguins, and other marine animals.
Location: Lisboa
Timing: 10:00-6:00
Entry Fees: free
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8. Lake Alqueva
This region is on the western side of Portugal and the lake covers around 96 square miles. It is the largest artificial lake in Europe. This has become the country’s best site for birdwatching. One can view groups of cranes and cormorants. The further incoming of Cormorants keeps increasing day by day. Some of the common birds found here are wading birds, black-winged stilts and common or green sandpipers which are common here. One can take a tour around the lake and then check all the birds who come here. Another common one sandpipers are the one that picks up prey from the shallow lake water.
Location: Alentejo
Timing: Morning
Entry Fees: free
Further Read: 14 Terrific Things To Do In Portugal To Soak In The Rich Portuguese Flavor
So, now you know about the wildlife in Portugal and the places that show its abundancy. Next time you’re in portugal, head to these places to experience the wild life and create memorable moments. So, don’t wait and plan a trip to Europe and head to Portugal right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife In Portugal
Is Portugal a perfect place for photographers and bird lovers?
Yes, the bird lovers and photographers must visit Ria De Alvor Natural Reserve and Vale Do Guadiana. These are the best place to take bird photos with lakes, bushes, and rolling hills as a backdrop.
Can a solo woman take a tour to see the Wildlife in Portugal?
Yes, a solo woman must come under an all-inclusive wildlife tour in Portugal. It will include local transportation to wildlife attractions, hotel stay, and food and with an English-speaking guide.
Which are the finest months to visit Portugal to see its wildlife attractions?
The wildlife enthusiast must visit in-between from March to May and September to October. These are the pleasant months to see the wild in their natural habitat in Portugal.
Are there any Geo parks in Portugal?
Yes, the Arouca and Naturtejo are the UNESCO designated Geo Parks in Portugal. Since 2000, the Portugal government has given much geological heritage and importance to these places for wildlife.
Is the wildlife places in Portugal are the best to visit by adventure seekers?
Yes, most of the National Parks in Portugal have hiking and trekking trail routes. They are in rolling hills, forests, and marshlands. Few of the National Parks in Portugal are also free to enter.
What are the things to pack for a wildlife trip in Portugal?
It is advisable to carry your identity cards, photo camera, or video camera, hiking boots, sufficient drinking water, and food. You must also bring a local map of the wildlife place you are visiting in Portugal.
Are there any man-eater animals in Portugal, Natural reserve, wildlife sanctuaries, and National Parks?
No, the parks for wildlife in Portugal are free from any animal attacks. Such animals are kept in fenced areas. The tourist trekking and hiking inside the National Parks have no threats from such animals.
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