The Alvor Estuary, nestled between Portimão and Lagos, is the most important wetland area in Western Algarve.  A lagoon complex, it covers 1400 hectares of marsh and dunes, which makes the area an excellent place for bird watching.

Indeed, this is a wetland site protected by the Ramsar Convention because of the many native and migratory birds which nest here; a refuge where wildlife is free and protected.

Located and integrated within the Costa Vicentina Protected Landscape Area on the Vale Barão Stream near Vila do Bispo is the Paul de Budens marshland.  This is a 134-hectare former rice paddy field which now is sanctuary to otters, tortoises, black terns and garganey ducks.  Between September and October, you can watch thousands of birds migrating southwards.

The Leixão da Gaivota, located at the mouth of the Arade River, is one of the most important sites along the Algarvian coast for bird nesting.  It is an islet near the coast, chosen as a nesting ground by white herons, black-winged stilts, European shags and purple herons. 

A good observation point is the Ponta do Altar Lighthouse, next to Ferragudo, where you can see dozens of birds returning to the rocks in the late afternoon.