Vila do Bispo, Faro, Portugal, Oct. 2, 2024 (Lusa) - Around 1,300 people are expected at Portugal's largest birdwatching festival, which takes place between Thursday and Sunday in Sagres, in the district of Vila do Bispo, in the Algarve, a source from the organisation said on Wednesday.
The annual event, dedicated to the autumn migration of birds and nature, this year includes a total of 272 activities over the four days, including birdwatching, dolphin watching, cave and cliff tours, kayaking and games and challenges for the younger ones.
At the Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival, organised by the Vila do Bispo town council in partnership with the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) and the Almargem Association, the promoters are expecting "around 1,300 participants, up from 1,183 last year".
Speaking to Lusa, the mayor of Vila do Bispo, Rute Silva, said that the expectation for this edition is an increase in participants, in a festival that has been winning over more fans from various countries year after year.
"This festival reflects our commitment to nature tourism in this region, because we're in a natural park, we have natural beauty and we're on a migratory bird route," she emphasised.
The mayor added that the initiative also aims to send out the message that "the Algarve is not just about sun and beach, but that it offers other alternatives outside of the so-called high season, given its rich natural heritage and landscape".
The event, which centres on the town of Sagres in the district of Faro, also invites participants to get to know the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
People interested in taking part in each of the activities, some of which are free, must register at Forte do Beliche, and will have free access to the Sagres Fortress and the Vila do Bispo Museum, as well as discounts at partners such as restaurants and accommodation.
Sagres is the third most important migratory bird corridor in Europe, after the Bosphorus (Turkey) and Gibraltar (British overseas territory located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula), where it is possible to observe various species as they migrate southwards, to the African continent.
Between August and November, the Sagres peninsula is home to the autumn migration of soaring birds, including some unique species such as storks, eagles, vultures, hawks and falcons.
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