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Quinta da Rocha

Algarve  >  Portugal

Birdrich peninsula that is very interesting for observing water birds, birds of prey and passerines, particularly during migration and in the winter months.

Added* by Mats Kjällquist
Most recent update 25 November 2022

Description

The Quinta da Rocha is a nature reserve on a peninsula between the River Alvor and the Odiáxere Brook in the Algarve. It offers a range of habitats for many bird species. Salt marsh at Espargueira, salt pans, mudflats, sand dunes, farmland, orchards of almond, fig and orange trees, and pine and Mediterranean scrub forest. The area is very important for migratory bird, for whom it is a feeding and rest stop. You can see birds like Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo, Little Owl, Osprey, Common Redshank, Eurasian Spoonbill, Iberian Magpie, Red-rumped Swallow and Stone-curlew.

Details

Access

Best way to explore the area is the ‘Rocha Delicada (Elegant Rock) Trail’, a circular walk. The walk is 8km and takes approximately 2 hours. It is an easy walk along well-trodden dirt paths, although it is a bit potholed and rocky in places. It is well sign-posted and there are two information boards along the walk, one at Mexilhoeira Grande station and the other at Quinta da Rocha, with information in Portuguese and English. Be aware that there is very little shade on the walk and nowhere to buy a drink or go to the toilet. The Rocha Delicada Trail starts (and finishes) at the Mexilhoeira Grande railway station just off the N125 road between Portimão and Lagos. The trail is shown on the map and you can follow the route with your phone on the map below.

If you want to make a shorter walk, drive on to the parking place at Quinta da Rocha and walk from there. To go there click on the second (most southern) P on the map.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Mud flats , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Sea , Dunes

Conditions

Flat , No shadow , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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