Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge?
Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Paradise in Portugal. 1987
How best to travel to your lodge?
Plane to Faro & then our transfer vehicle.
European Bee-eater
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
Guided tours, photography hides, yoga, and other wellness retreats.
Barn Owl
What makes your lodge special?
Its value-for-money, seclusion, family atmosphere, food, and excellent service
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
- Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)
- Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
- Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax)
- Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
- Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
- Western Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
- European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
- Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
- European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
April and May for the spring migration and September and October for the autumn migration.
Egyptian Vulture
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. The Lodge was the prime mover in the successful conservation of Salgados in 2012, (see https://secure.avaaz.org/community_petitions/en/Save_Salgados_a_unique_internationally_recognized_birding_sanctuary_from_being_destroyed/?cAWrJbb), has been raising awareness internationally to conserve the Cork Oak forests of Portugal for the last 30 years, has contributed to the work of BirdLife International for over 20, and is currently a SPEA Santuario, (see https://spea.pt/en/campanhas/help-us-create-safe-havens-for-birds/).
Common Starling
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
We have a page on our website that gives detailed information regarding all aspects of this and advice of all kinds for visiting birders.
Little Owl
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Yes. Retreats of all kinds are catered for with our sauna, yoga shala, yurt and watsu pool, and we have many visitors who simply come for a romantic break or family holiday.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
Through our various websites, www.paradiseinportugal.com, www.retreatinportugal.com & www.birdinginportugal.com
Common Kingfisher
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
It’s not every day that one comes across a lodge with only 10 rooms that has over 500 genuine reviews on Tripadvisor … it’s even rarer to come across one that has a 5* rating on Tripadvisor … put the two of them together and you’ve found a place that’s very, very special, a real gem.
Totally off-grid and responsible as regards its carbon footprint, we’ve been operational for the last 38 years in an area of outstanding natural beauty and seclusion where the hustle and bustle of the modern world can be forgotten while you enjoy being guided by professional Guides and Photographers to see the plethora of uncommon species that make southern Portugal their home. From arrival to departure, we take care of every detail to make a break with us one that you’ll remember for all the right reasons. In short, it’s “Paradise in Portugal”
Collared Pratincole
One of the most beautiful places I have stayed in. The wildlife in the local area is incredible, birds, dragonflies, butterflies, mantis species and otters to name a few.
The meals are out of this world and all homemade. Frank is a top guide and can put you on just about any species you desire.
I have stayed there multiple times and have seen new species every visit
Word for word the truth: this place is truly amazing. All steppe birds are possible, vultures, eagles, passerines – Southern Portugal at its best. We also enjoyed the food and the tranquility. For non-birders it’s a vey nice place to spend a holiday. In the Algarve you will have to swim amongst thousands, here you can be on your own. I need to go back…
It’s just a brilliant place. None better for peace and views, that’s without Franks superb knowledge of nature ( birds especially). Danielle Culinary skills. Workshops yoga printmaking etc too.
Kate Munro
This place is idyllic: gardens especially planted for bird life leading down to a huge lake and wonderful views.
Exemplary host with a wealth of wildlife and photography knowledge and access to little known hides and habitats.
The Quinta is peaceful and secluded, with comfortable rustic accommodation and delicious food and atmosphere. Early nights and early starts are recommended to make the best of the day .