OTHER ACTIVITIES
Right in the middle of southern Alentejo is the town and council of Castro Verde, the latest awarded Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in Portugal.
The area arround Castro Verde is also classified as a ZPE (Special Protected Zone) for the several protected bird species that live here, like the big bustard (otis tarda), the lesser kestrel (falco naumani) or the bonelli's eagle (aquila fasciata) .
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CASTRO VERDE IS KWON FOR:
BIRDWATCHING
The fields around Castro Verde town constitute a wide are of uncultivated land and open country in central Alentejo, noteworthy for it’s steppe birds. The area is know for it’s Great Bustard population, but also for the relative abundance of Little Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, European Roller and Calandra Lark. Black-bellied Sandgrouse is also present, but scattered around, and harder to spot. Spanish Imperial Eagle has recently started to breed in the area and is regularly seen. Other large and scarce soaring birds like Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles, and Griffon and Black Vultures are also regular, although low in numbers. Montagu´s Harrier, Short-toed and Booted Eagles are also present in the breeding season.
Species like Eurasian Bee-eater, Short-toed Lark, Black-eared Wheatear and Golden Oriole are widespread in the region. The scarcer Rufous-tailed Bush Robin can be found mainly along streams.
In the wintertime, Little Bustards gather in large flocks, as well as Lapwings and Golden Plovers. It is also one of the few areas in Portugal where Common Cranes can be spotted.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
CYCLING
Exploring Portugal by bike is a unique experience. You can take it at your own pace, sensing the aromas and sounds that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Whether you choose the sea at your side, to go up and down mountains, or to meander through the towns and villages, the options are endless!
With a pleasant climate, without great extremes of temperature, and a sun that shines throughout the year, Portugal offers lovely conditions to be explored by bike.
Just get pedalling!
WALKING
With its mild year-round climate, walking around Portugal is one of the best ways to find those nooks and crannies that otherwise you would never get to know.
Around city streets, crossing fields or strolling along the beach, walking tours could have set starting points and destinations or simply enable you to go wherever the whim takes you, just for the pleasure of walking along and observing whatever comes your way.
