5 reasons to go to the biggest nature event in Portugal – Portugal
1. Share with the fascination of observing Nature
The Festival is an opportunity to take the binoculars out of the vehicle and walk our curiosity for Nature to a different landscape in the company of experts and professionals in the field.
The holding of the festival in the extreme southwest of the celebration of the occurrence of one of the greatest phenomena of nature this year: the usual winter migration to Africa of the millions of birds that summer in Northern and Central Europe. Although Sagres is not on the most direct route for most of these animals (which cross the Mediterranean through southern Spain), the area of the western Algarve turns out to be a crossing point for some migrants.
I’m just a beginner when it comes to bird watching, but in 2021, I observed at least 15 species in the skies over Sagres, with highlights to a juvenile specimen of the Egyptian vulture leaflet and other species of prey such as the mil – black, the harpy eagle and the kestrel.
Recognition of the local geography and its fauna and flora, as well as a parallel program of workshops and lectures, complement the festival’s appeal.
A note about binoculars: if you don’t already have them, don’t worry, as they are not essential for most of the proposed activities. There’s always someone nice enough to let you have a go at their own and, if the initial experience captivates you, you can also acquire your partner during the festival.
2. Opportunities to learn, practice and do
When was the last time you were challenged to get out of bed at 6am for a photo or sunrise on a beach? Exactly. This festival is the pretext for activities of this kind, with the safety and extra motivation of some of us at times. O festival program promotes a countless number of field trips, thematic walks, thematic mini-courses, lectures, environmental education workshops, almost free things, with which they can try them all and learn new things.
3. By Sagres
The large size village does not even seem to correspond to the small unnoticed to speak of large or large size or large traffic jams. The discreet nature of the main purpose of the event (observation of Nature) gives a very peaceful atmosphere to the logistics and activities, which in turn are limited to small groups of participants.
Sagres is 15 minutes from Vila do Bispo and 50 minutes from Lagos for those who choose bus. Those who stay here will find at least beaches within walking distance of the center and an interesting variety of esplanades and restaurants in the city to try a few days of rest. In October, the area is still very sunny, although it is inviting to take a bath for the free activities of the festival, plus maneuvering activities to the famous Sagres.
4. By the sunsets (no plural, because we keep coming back for more)
If before like me, most festival attendees will participate in between two to three activities a day. There’s still plenty of time to wander around and get ready for the biggest show in Sagres, with a new session every day: the sunset. If it just offers, contemplate, several headlands that can offer several examples — the crowd favorite is the Fortress of Sagres.
If you’re looking for a more dramatic shot, you don’t need to go far, and try an area that surrounds Praia do Tonel. How spectacular is it? With the sea rougher, the breaking of the waves can exceed the height of the huge cliffs!
5. Only need to use car if very fast
The Festival secretariat (which serves as the basis for the festival, where they can make check in and participate in some of the lectures and workshops) is located in Forte do Beliche, 5 kilometers from the town centre. Reserve the local time and the location of some activities that sometimes do not occur with their use (such as field trips that involve displacements of the local car to the observation site in the area), they can sometimes take touristic times that connect the village to the Forte do several stops on Rua Comandante Manhoso, where you can find the opening hours). The trip takes 15 minutes and is free, although the capacity is small due to its popularity among the most powerful.
activity suggestions
The offer of activities is very large, but they are limited to a certain number of participants. This means that they are recognized now, and registration will take place tomorrow, September 1st.
We leave two free suggestions for each day of the event, once more intense, to balance the family or the effort… If before Sagres, be sure to show us what you see, with the hashtag #sapoviagens.
Good festival!
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5