Active Travel

Portugal becomes the bird-watcher's paradise

Monday, 21 February 2011 00:00

Portugal has gained a reputation as a bird-watcher's paradise in recent years, with good sightings regularly reported in every region, including the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores. No matter which area, bird-watchers are bound to be pleased. Identified by the Portuguese Society of Bird Studies (SPEA), the Nordeste Transmontano region is one of the main spotting zones in Northern Portugal. Likewise, the slopes of the Douro Valley are one of the best places to observe birds of prey. Along the coast, large numbers of water birds can be found among the low-tide mud, reeds and salt pans, and in the wetlands of the Lower Mondego attract the Greater Flamingo and unusual species like the Purple Heron.

Azores should position itself as an alternative destination for scuba diving

Sunday, 26 December 2010 00:00

In the world of scuba diving, "The Azores should be positioned, not as as a better destination than the Red Sea or the Caribbean, but as an alternative destination to areas that are more well-known and therefore over-saturated by the large number of divers who travel there." This is one of the conclusions resulting from the Press & Business Scuba Diving Trip in the Azores' Central Group, which the Regional Tourism Agency (RTA) held from September 28th to October 9^th. Travel agents, operators and journalists participated as well, a theme already addressed in the print edition of Publituris.  In addition to this, "It's important to emphasize characteristics such as the islands' accessibility,  a less than five-hour flight from the Americas and four-hour flight from Central Europe, with clear, warm water, a variety of dive spots with differing levels of difficulty, a security system with two hyperbaric chambers, and a number of activities to complement your scuba diving experience, including a rich marine life with both small and very large sea creatures," reads a statement sent by RTA.  Areas targeted to improve include a better infrastructure to support the diving, "as the best resorts allow the divers to change their clothing and take a hot shower after returning from the sea." The creation of marine reserves, from a website that concentrates all information about products, area dive centers, fauna and flora all into one location are other challenges that will be tackled in the near future. Publicity and promotion is another area that needs to be improved, but before that, it's important to know what kind of divers the region aims to attract. "Various workshops concluded that our promotion should be targeted to experienced, habitual divers, as this is the type of person that will generally travel in order to dive." In order to promote the location, the Internet is seen as an “effective” and "inexpensive" way to work on a strategy.

Alentejo is Headwater's newest walking destination

Monday, 20 December 2010 00:00

An hour's drive from Lisbon, Headwater's newest walking destination is the ideal introduction to southern Portugal's untouched countryside and relaxing pace of life. While the region is best known for being home to the world's largest cork forests, the Alentejo's combination of mountains, forests, coastline, crystal-clear lakes and rivers make it an exciting destination for nature lovers and bird watchers to explore on foot. Launched recently, the week-long independent walking holiday begins inland around the Barragem de Santa Clara, following the river valley over the Cercal Mountain Range, past lemon groves and sleepy villages to deserted beaches and picturesque fishing harbors along the Atlantic. 
Staying at intimate rural properties along the way, luggage is transported between hotels to ensure that guests can concentrate on taking in the views around them. From a delightful lakeside retreat whose landscaped gardens attract migrating birdlife via a classic whitewashed country house and on to a former ostrich farm, recently converted into a stylish boutique hotel, the charismatic owners ensure daily walks are rewarded with wonderful local cuisine. Prices includes seven nights half board accommodation, six picnic lunches, the transportation of bags between hotels, a regional information booklet and local map kit. Flights and transfer prices start from £1187pp based on return British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Lisbon, and onward train travel. Flights can be arranged from most UK airports. For more information or to book online, visit: headwater.com

Inaugural bird watching festival a hit

Thursday, 21 October 2010 00:00

More than 600 enthusiasts took part in the first Bird watching Festival of Sagres, over the first weekend in October. Attendance at the event surpassed expectations, and it was announced that the festival would be repeated in 2011 over the first weekend of October, 2010. Over the three days of the festival this year, hundreds of people attended the various workshops and events which included field trips, lectures and boat tours.