Wildlife in Portugal: Whales, Dolphins, Flamingos and More

Portugal is surprisingly rich in wildlife: whales and dolphins off the coast and islands, flamingos in the lagoons, storks nesting on sea cliffs, wild horses in the mountains and huge flocks of migrating birds. Here’s where to see Portugal’s best wildlife.

Quick answer: see whales and dolphins in the Azores and Madeira, bottlenose dolphins in the Sado estuary near Setúbal, flamingos in the Ria Formosa and Castro Marim, white storks nesting on sea stacks at Cabo Sardão, wild garrano horses in Peneda-Gerês, and birds of prey migrating over Sagres in autumn.

Whales and dolphins

• The Azores: one of the best places in the world, with sperm whales year-round and migrating whales in spring. See Pico and Ponta Delgada.
• Madeira: dolphins year-round and frequent whales. See Funchal.
• The Sado estuary: a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins near Setúbal. See Setúbal.
• The Algarve: common and bottlenose dolphins on boat trips. See Algarve boat trips.

Birds

• Flamingos: in the Ria Formosa lagoons and the Castro Marim salt marshes. See the eastern Algarve.
• White storks: on chimneys and poles across the Alentejo and Algarve, and uniquely on sea stacks at Cabo Sardão. See Costa Vicentina.
• Migrating raptors: over Sagres and Cape St Vincent in autumn, with a festival in early October. See Sagres.
• Seabirds: big colonies on the Berlengas islands. See Berlengas.
• Madeiran chaffinches and other island species along the levadas.

On land

• Garrano horses: semi-wild ponies in Peneda-Gerês. See Peneda-Gerês.
• Iberian wolves and roe deer: in the remote north (rarely seen).
• Chameleons: in parts of the eastern Algarve.

Under the sea

The Berlengas, Sesimbra and the Azores are among Portugal’s best diving spots, with rich marine life. See Sesimbra.

Responsible wildlife watching

• Choose licensed operators that follow guidelines for approaching whales and dolphins.
• Keep your distance from nesting birds and wild horses.
• Stay on trails in protected areas.

More: hiking in Portugal and the best time to visit the Azores.

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