The best area to see flamingos in the Algarve is Ria Formosa,  from Ludo to Cabanas de Tavira.

 

A lot of people do not know that they can find Flamingos in the Algarve, but it’s actually quite common to see them all year round in different spots of the region.

Faro

 

Near the road to Faro Island, there is Ludo Hiking Trail around salt pools, where it’s nice to walk and easy to see Flamingos. 

 

Olhao

 

We often see Flamingos in Olhao in the salt pool to the west of the town. It’s easy to walk there between the salt pools, though don’t come to close to these birds, they will fly away even if you are even 20 meters away. Now, because of the reparations in this part of Olhao, it’s becoming harder to see Flamingos.

 

Tavira

 

Tavira, located in the stunning Algarve region of Portugal, is home to a flock of majestic pink flamingos. These beautiful birds can be found in the salt marshes and lagoons of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, an area of pristine wetlands and sand dunes that are home to a wide variety of birdlife. You also can notice Flamingos riding the ferry or other boat in Ria Formosa from the center of Tavira to the islands.  Below you have the tour that can tell you more about.

 

Flamingo Tour in Ria Formosa from Tavira

Tavira, Portugal

The best time to see flamingos in Algarve?

From November and March is the best time to see Flamingos, although it can be found all year round. 

During these months, the flamingos can be seen in large flocks, with up to several hundred birds congregating in the shallow waters. It’s an incredible sight, and one that shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting the region.

Which specie can be found in Algarve?

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest of the flamingo species and can be found throughout Africa, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and, of course, Southern Europe. This large wading bird can grow in excess of 150cm tall and weigh more than 4kg. 

Where to see flamingos in Algarve

Where to see flamingos in Algarve

A little bit about Flamingos

These birds like shallow waters, where they can find food, especially micro shrimp, which give them pink color. There are a lot of salt pools in Ria Formosa, which used for salt production. Flamingos like these salt flats and birds poo is also beneficial for production. Pools rich in micro shrimp has a bit of orange color.

The pink color of Flamingo

Flamingo starts to be pink at 4 years old. But nowadays in the wild it’s not easy to meet wholly pink flamingos, as the environment isn’t so rich anymore. Without micro shrimp and other carotenoids  (algae, crustaceans, molluscs) Flamingos can not becoming brightly colored.

Usually in Ria Formosa We meet flamingos just with the pink wings In zoos Flamingos are fed with a specific diet, so they are pink.

Guided Flamingo watching

 

There are Flamingo tours and bird watching tours in the different locations in the eastern Algarve. You can book them on our website as well. Here is one of them.

 

Definitely seeing Flamingos in wild brings totally different feeling, than in the  zoos in (smaller or bigger) cages.

Where to see flamingos in Algarve

 

Recommended Tour

Flamingo Tour in Ria Formosa from Tavira

This 1:30 Hours boat tour shows you the Flamingos from leaving from Tavira, price per adult is 30€.

Flamingo Tour in Ria Formosa from Tavira

Tavira, Portugal