BIRD WATCHING
Birdwatching holidays have become a very popular activity in the Granada region with holiday rental properties specifically for bird watching in the Costa Tropical, Lecrin valley and the Las Alpujarras.
Andalucia is without doubt, a birdwatchers paradise, and the region of the Costa Tropical de Granada is certainly one of the most interesting locations in Spain for ornithologists.  From the Costa Tropical coastline, inland across hills and the Lecrin valley with a huge variety of changing terrain to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada a vast array of birds, both native and migratory can be found.

Ornithologists are attracted to this region throughout the year, however, as many birdwatchers will know, the most popular time for birdwatching is during the early spring months when many wintering species can still be seen, together with the varieties arriving for summer.  The two main migrating periods are mid February to June, when the Northern migration takes place, and early August to November when the birds heading south set off. 

On the Costa Tropical de Granada birdwatchers will find many raptor species where Griffon Vultures, Bonelli’s Eagles and Booted Eagles can be seen soaring and gliding on the thermals and updrafts.  The month of September is particularly spectacular when the raptor migration takes place, and at times, if the weather is right hundreds of birds take to the sky at once.  Smaller birds of prey such as Kestrels, Buzzards, Falcons and Kites are also found throughout the region. 

On the Costa Tropical coastline gulls, egrets, storks, herons and many waders can be seen, together with Larks, Pipits, Buntings, Swifts and Tits to name but a few species.  If you venture inland just a little way the showy Hoopoe often makes an appearance, and a summer day is never so perfect as when you can hear the chirrup of the colourful Bee eater.

The winter season can also be very interesting with resident bird numbers enhanced by winter visitors.  Red legged quail are in abundance throughout the countryside and Robins are regularly seen busily defending their territories.  Many varieties of wildfowl and waders also spend the cooler months on the Costa Tropical de Granada making this season still highly desirable to a keen birdwatching enthusiast.

Throughout the Costa Tropical Region there are many organised birdwatching tours or if you prefer to go it alone much of the accommodation advertised within this website keep a variety of maps and walking guides for your use.

Ideal birdwatching towns and locations are Salobreña, Jete, Velez de Benaudalla, Guajar Faraquit and Guajar Alto.