The Alentejo’s glorious countryside is notoriously diverse. Ranging from undulating plains to green forests, salt marshes, nature parks and snow-capped mountains – the sheer difference in landscape has produced a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife.
The region as a whole is a bird-spotting paradise all year round and one very famous feathered resident that can be found here is the bustard, Europe's largest flying bird. Cranes can also been seen migrating from northern Europe to spend the winter in milder climate of Alentejo, whilst at the Serra de São Mamede park, in northern Alentejo you might spot the magnificent Bonelli's eagle.
For information about Birdwatching please read the artcicle "Birdwatching Tours in Alentejo"
Safari Park - Vila Nova de Santo André/ Santiago do Cacém, photo by Badoca Safari Park
In this, the westernmost part of the Portuguese-Spanish mountain range, north and south Portugal really come together through the land. Oak, chestnut and pine trees grow side by side with vineyards, orchards and olive groves, as well as limestone, schist and granite.
Further south near the River Sado flamingos cover the estuary with a distinctive pink hue in autumn and winter and playful porpoises inhabit its salty marshes too. And in Serra d’Ossa, a hilly region further south that has the country's largest eucalyptus population, but the area is famous for its cork oak, heather, arbutus and lavender. It is also home to endangered the Portuguese sundew and various types of woodpecker.
ATOP members: Destination Portugal, Keytel International
