Local authorities here on the Algarve are increasingly recognising the importance of the Algarve’s bird population, and though there is still much to be done to preserve the many precious habitats under threat from development and simple lack of protection, there are encouraging signs that changes are taking place.

A good step in the right direction is the publication ´Birdwatching in Loulé, guidebook to observing birds in the county of Loulé´, published by the Camera Municipal de Loulé and by Almargen, an environmental group that works on the Algarve. This attractive publication, in Portuguese and in English, opens by reminding us that ´Portugal is one of the European countries with the highest diversity of bird species due to the great variety of habitats´. It outlines three main habitats, the coastal wetlands, the Barrocal ,in the interior, and the mountainous area of Serra do Caldeirão.

The guide is intended for birdwatchers ´who have some experience in identifying birds´ and serves as an indicator of which species are likely to be be found in any given area, as well as their  frequency throughout the year.
The areas identified in this book are all areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Rocha da Pena and the Fontes of Benémola, both classified sites and protected areas. The Serra do Caldeirão is a fascinating  journey into a culture and way of life that has practically disappeared in other parts of Europe. Here you get a glimpse of a life that is tied into land and climate, where village communities have lived together for generations and the impact of modern living has been restrained by geography and economy.
A birdwatching holiday on the Algarve promises to be something special -an enormous variety of birds, beautiful walks, pleasant climate and wonderful Algarve accommodation where you can relax and rejuvenate.

Here at Duas Quintas, birdwatching does not have to wait till you are out on the trails. We have resident Hoopies and Egrets at the moment as well as many other species that we still don’t know the names of. Our winged visitors change according to the season, and the longer we are here the more we recognise the patterns that repeat themselves from one season to the next.

For those interested in walking, the Algarve Way trail  is divided over 14 days, beginning on March 20. This year the walk will start in Cabo de Sao Vincente, on the west coast and finish 240 kilometers later in Alcoutim, in the east, on April 2. However, you do not need to do the whole walk and people can choose to join the crossing for as long or as short a period as they wish.

The main objective of Almargem, the enviormental group behind this venture, is to open up the interior of the Algarve in a sustainable way so that more and more people can enjoy this hidden treasure.

Travelling with donkeys is the love of Sofia von Mentzingen who visited us at Duas Quintas guesthouse last year while she was exploring the Algarve Way with Kiko and Jeko, two of her long eared friends. Sofia explained to us that trekking with donkeys is all about going at the animals pace.They are not just there to carry the baggage but become a real companion to those who are travelling with them.

By foot, by mountain bike, by horseback or with donkeys, the 3rd crossing of the Via Algarviana will have lots to delight and surprise its participants.

But if you cannot make the March/April dates remember that walking the Algarve Way can also be combined with other  algarve walking holidays. Consider exploring the Algarve Way over a series of mini breaks, taking advantage of low cost flights. Walking in the Algarve is the ideal activity to combine with the many low cost flights to Faro. Its great because the  best value flights are available at some of the best times of the year for your Algarve walking holidays. Many airlines with flights to Faro have excellent pre summer prices. March, April, May and June are good months to choose for your Algarve walking holidays as the weather is not too hot but you can look forward to plenty of blue skies as well as wonderful wild flowers.

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The biggest Carnival celebrations on the Algarve are always  in Loulé and this year is no exception. The Loulé carnival dates back to 1906 and is a colourful display of floats, bands and scantily clad girls.This years theme ‘The world  of show business’ promises to be as colourful and as creative as ever.  Caricatures of politicians and satirical views of current affairs are also represented  in this general atmosphere of fun and relaxation. Loule is about 25 minutes drive from Duas Quintas guesthouse.

Carnival is also a great time for families to eat out together. It is a national holiday so many people are off work and there is more time to relax and enjoy the wonderful traditional meals.
Eating out is great at any time of the year but in February you will still find many of the more wintry meals on the menus. Stews and  casseroles play a big part in traditional cooking. Borrego ensopado (mutton on a bed of bread) and Javeli estufado (wild boar in a stew)  are well worth a try.

In Silves, Recanto dos Mouros is one of the many restaurants that has a  good selection of traditional meals as well as some excellent house wine and a tempting dessert display.

The hills around Silves provide a wonderful base for walking. In February, the earth is getting ready to burst into its full spring glory. The Barragems (reservoirs) are full and at their prettiest and this is one of the best times to do a lovely 3 hour  circular walk from  Duas Quintas to the Barragem do Arade. A little further afield the fontes at Alte are strong and gushing and there are many walks to choose from including the spectacular Rocha Da Pena. This is one of the walks included in the inclusive package provided by Algarvewalkingholidays and is a good example of the diversity of rural Algarve as a walking holiday destination.

For those who prefer four legs to two, horse riding is also a popular activity for this time of the year. The nearest riding stables to Duas Quintas is the Country Riding Centre , www.countryridingcentre.com a 5 minute drive away. Here the English speaking owners will makes sure you have a very special experience on horse back in the Serra or hills around Duas Quintas.
The number of sunshine hours will be increasing so some time on the beaches is a must. Probably not warm enough for a swim but a wonderful contrast to the cold, grey weather in Northern Europe.

Check out the low cost flights to Faro airport this February and prepare to party!

Jet2.com has announced a 70% increase in its  Faro – Edinburgh flights this summer. The new service  will start on May  1st and means that holidaymakers to the Algarve can choose between four different flights to and from the Scottish capital. The announcement will particularly interest independent travellers, many of whom come to the Algarve for short breaks, staying in local guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.

Philip Meeson, of  Jet2.com, said ‘With other operators ceasing services from this airport we have stepped in to ensure that the demand for flights and summer holidays from Edinburgh in 2010 can continue to be met.” Algarve guesthouse owners are delighted with the news as they are only too aware of the attraction the Algarve holds for Scottish people. The lure of warm weather, beautiful beaches and wonderful golf courses means that many people from Scotland choose the Algarve for short breaks and for their main summer holiday. Jet2.com has online check in facilities as well as a generous baggage allowance of 22kg. Lots of extra room to bring back local crafts, shoes and fabulous Portuguese wines!

The  new service continues until October 31st, allowing  visitors to take advantage of the low season prices and special offers offered by many Algarve guesthouses.

Ryanair’s new routes will connect those living on the Algarve with airports in Derry, Knock, Madrid, Marseille, Paris and Milan, to name but a few places.

Ryanair´s Michael O’ Leary hopes that the 1.3 million Ryanair passengers will help to sustain 1,300 jobs locally in and around Faro airport.