Extremadura, Doñana & Strait of Gibraltar S

Spring / summer

BIRDWATCHING TOURS IN EXTREMADURA,
DOÑANA & STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

The best birding of central and southern Spain

SPRING / SUMMER

£1800 p/p
7 DAYS
Bed & breakfast

Tour dates (enquire asap, limited seats available)
5th – 11th April ’27
19th – 25th April ’27
15-21st May ’27
29th May-4th June ’27
Other private dates possible on demand

BOOK NOW

LITTLE BUSTARD (Tetrax tetrax)
Photo by Jeff Saez

Typical birds to be seen in the tour (click tour images tab for more)

White-headed duck

Lesser kestrel

White-headed duck

Spanish imperial eagle

Azure-winged magpie

Western olivacious warbler

Blue rock thrush

Rufous-tailed rock thrush

         Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Monika K 
 
 
 
 Verified  Beautiful scenery with kind knowledgeable guide This excursion was a highlight of our Mediterranean cruise. It was so nice to be away from the crowds and yet see so much. Andrew was great about communicating logistics. He is a great guide pointing out all the various birds. Sardinian warbler, honey buzzards, and swifts to name a few. Knowing them not only by sight, but also flight behavior and sound. I liked learning about some of the plants too like the Bear’s breeches. A bit of Gibraltar history was also welcome. I hope that one day we can participate in another trip offered by AvianTours.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   prestonred 
 
 
 
 Verified  Southern Spain and Gibraltar September 2024. My wife and I are wildlife enthusiasts but not experienced birders but we wanted to experience the southern migration of birds from Europe to Africa.I gave Andrew my requirements and dates and he planned a trip for us that included two days in the Monfrague National Park and five days in Southern Spain and Gibraltar. Andrew organised all transport and accomodation and we had a great tour.We would have only seen a fraction of our list without Andrew's expert knowledge. The highlights for us were the eagles, vultures and storks but the range of species seen was immense. I can thoroughly recommend Andrew as an expert guide and an interesting companion
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sisjen 
 
 
 
 Verified  Birding in Andalusia Andrew is a very knowledgeable and personable guide. We like an informative but relaxing tour while we bird watch, sightsee, and feast on local dishes and that's what Andrew provided. He explained ahead of time by email what documents we'd need to cross country borders, where we'd meet (he actually picked us up at our hotel) and inquired as to what we most hoped to see. It was a really good day and we plan on seeing Andrew, Gibraltar and Andalusia again. Thank you Andrew.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Steven H 
 
 
 
 Verified  Birding Gibraltar with 86 Year Old Father Andrew did a wonderful job given the constraints presented. I'm sure that I would have had a great time birding the cemetery and/or Botanic Gardens but it would have been too much walking for my dad to handle so he wisely skipped them. We essentially circled the "Rock" twice. I would say that the Crag-Martins were the highlight of the day since they were abundant. We had a good time searching for birds at all of our stops but Europa Point probably had the most activity. We were able to see many of the normal tourist stops along the way so we felt that we had a well rounded visit. Andrews knowledge of the birds and Gibraltar was evident and made for an informative experience as well.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   David H 
 
 
 
 Verified  BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTHERN SPAIN Our experience with Avian tours was brilliant from start to finish. Andrew is very knowledgeable on the subject and he is keen to share his passion. He took took us to excellent locations, even the coffee stops.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   David S 
 
 
 
 Verified  Bird Day Tours in Andalucia My wife and I, who are both experienced bird watchers, had two single day tours in Spain from our base in Gibraltar with Andrew. Both days produced a wealth of birds and for us eight lifetime firsts. Highlights for us was a spectacular low level Griffon and Ruppell vulture display by more than 20 birds, a marsh area with over 20 wader types including Flamingo and repeated views of four different species of eagles. A good sighting of five of the rare Bald Ibis was one of our lifers. Andrew's knowledge of birds and bird songs was excellent throughout. An added bonus was Andrew taking us to two excellent local restaurants close to the bird sites were we enjoyed local delicacies for lunch. We would recommend Andrew's company to anyone who wants to enjoy the birds of Andalucia.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cliffdweller 
 
 
 
 Verified  Wonderful guide We flew to Gibraltar (landing at Malaga,) at the early edge of the fall migration and asked Andrew of Avian tours arrange everything from hotel pickup, to the hotel and birding schedule - the only work we did was to pack our field glasses.It was wonderful. Very accommodating, he arranged hotel specific to our needs and, well, what can I say: Andrew knows where and when the birds are likely to be found as only a local can. And the birding is greatly enhanced by his deep knowledge of Gibraltar, which he is willing to share with those who are interested.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Chriss F 
 
 
 
 Verified  Rain and wind, but excellent birds Andrew from Aviantours picked us up punctually close to the cruise port. As it was a rainy, windy day he gave us the option to cancel, which we declined. He was very knowledgeable about the birds of Gibraltar and the history of the area, as well as where to find the different species. I ticked 5 life birds off my list that day. We did hike up to the top of the rock, and even in bad weather that was a fun adventure. I highly recommend Aviantours for bird watching.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   angecarter2018 
 
 
 
 Verified  Brilliant Birdwatching Gibraltar Barbary Apes, dolphins and a terrific range of birding , including eleven new birds for me, made for a great day visiting Gibraltar with Andrew. He was tremendously helpful from the onset advising us on arrangements for accommodation with a good breakfast etc. Andrew was raised on Gibraltar and his knowledge of the history of the peninsula combined well with his outstanding ear for local birds. We covered most of the peninsula and saw birds in a variety of habitats. I’m extremely glad we arranged this trip. Andrew provided binoculars and a telescope for us, saving weight in our travel cases and drove us safely around. I couldn’t think of a better way of Birding in the area and Andrew’s knowledge was excellent.
  
 
 
  
 
  Load more

TOUR OVERVIEW

DAY 1
ARRIVAL (GIBRALTAR / MALAGA / SEVILLE)
Pick-up from Gibraltar or Seville airports only
We head towards Extremadura stopping on various birding sites along the way. a lot of open area species can be pickup here. Based at Trujillo 3 nights.

DAY 2
MONFRAGUE & TRUJILLO
Monfragüe is an impressive mountain region full of raptors & Black stork breeding. We will also have opportunities for watching Griffon, Black & Egyptian vultures, Spanish Imperial Eagles both Black and Red Kites, Short-toed and Booted Eagles. Blackcap, Dartford and Sardinian Warblers. On the cliffs possible species include Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Red-rumped Swallow, Crag Martin, Black Stork, Eurasian Eagle Owl.

DAY 3
CÁCERES PLAINS & EASTERN WETLANDS
An immense steppe region with rocky hills Trujillo and Cáceres towns seperated with isolated woodland patches. A great opportunity to see some of the specialities of the steppe habitats such as Stone Curlew, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Montagu’s Harrier, Great and Little Bustards, Lesser Kestrel, Corn Buntings, Calandra Lark, Black-eared Wheatears. Eurasian Spoonbill, Cattle Egret, Spanish Sparrow, Crested Lark and Zitting Cisticola

DAY 4
DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK, EL ROCIO
After breakfast we and depart Trujillo for head to Doñana National Park. In the surrounding fields and wetlands, it is possible to watch a large array of wetland species such as Purple Swamphen, Hen Harrier, Glossy Ibis, Squacco, Purple Herons, Whiskered tern, Savi’s warbler and many more arriving from their winter quarters. Open fields have short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Stone Curlew, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse etc. Overnight at El Rocio.

DAY 5 & 6
STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
We leave Doñana after midday and head to the Strait of Gibraltar. We exploring the northern shore of the famous Strait owith magnificent views of the African continent and the famous Rock of Gibraltar nearby. We will experience the amazing close views of bird of prey & stork migration, as well as visiting nearby Northern bald ibis breeding colonies and many other species. Overnight La Linea.

DAY 7
DEPARTURE (GIBRALTAR)
Drop-off at Malaga airport £25 p/p
After breakfast we make a couple of more stop for some last minute birding before heading to Malaga / Gibraltar airport for your return trip back home

Target species
Black-shouldered kite, Bonelli’s eagle, Spanish Imperial eagle, Short-toed eagle, Booted eagle, Golden eagle, Eurasian Black vulture, Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture, Eagle owl, Great bustard, Little bustard, Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Purple swamphen, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Great Spotted cuckoo, European roller, European bee-eater, Black Wheatear, Black-eared wheatear, Western orphean Warbler, Lesser spotted woodpecker, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Iberian Magpie and many more!

Choose your preferred dates from the tour options displayed. Dates are available on an upon-request basis and will get taken up quite quickly. Please contact me asap to request your preferred dates. Alternatively, you can arrange a private tour for your own dates. Birdwatching tours in Extremadura, Doñana and the Strait of Gibraltar are highly recommended at any time of the year!

AVAILABLE TOUR DATES 2027 (enquire asap, limited seats)
5th – 11th April ’27
19th – 25th April ’27
15-21st May ’27 (arrive via Seville airport)
28th May – 4th June ’27

Dates do not suit you? Contact us for a private tour

Enquire for 2028 dates

FEES
£1800 p/p (minimum 2 persons)
Single room supplement £300

Single person private tour
Single person private tour fee £2500, reduces to £1800 if other persons join the same tour for the same dates

IINCLUDED
– Pick-up from Gibraltar / Malaga / Sevilla airports
– Drop-off airports (to be agreed)
– Ground transport, air-conditioned
– 6 nights B&B accommodation*
– 2 nights in Extremadura
– 2 nights in Doñana National Park
– 2 nights La Linea
– All breakfasts, mineral water
– Welcome package (itinerary, travel info, bird checklist)
– Services of professional bilungual birding guide
– Use of KOWA telescope + KOWA eye pieces
– Basic indemnity insurance
– All taxes

*NOTE ON ACCOMODATION (may change)
Often confirmed some time after booking once number of participants are known in order to select best options – good quality, clean and with WIFI

NOT INCLUDED
– Health / travel / person insurance
– Lunches & dinners
– A la carte meals
– All other drinks (inc alcohol)
– All other items of a personal nature
– Air fare

REQUIREMENTS
Visas are not required by UK nationals. Passports must be less than 10 years old at the date of departure (from start date) and have 3 months validity beyond the return travel date. You must make arrangement for your own travel / health insurance and medications.

Prefer an autumn/winter tour? CLICK HERE

Weather: Warm temperatures is expected at most times of the year, especially May – September, but can be quite nippy in the early morning during Spring. Light trousers and thin long sleeved shirt can help avoid insect bites and recommended. A jacket and a sweater is recommended for the evenings even in late Spring. A light rain jacket may be required.

Difficulty: Generally easy, short walks and gentle pace suitable for all fitness levels. For the most part the tour will involve short drives with walking near the vehicle. A few of the of days may involve drives over 1.5h.

Little bustard

No Caption

No Caption

Short-toed eagle

White-headed duck

Greater flamingo

Blue rock thrush

Western olivacious warbler

Rufous bush-robin

Thekla lark

Azure-winged magpie

Iberian chiffchaff

Bonelli’s warbler

Black-winged stilt

No Caption

Male Great bustard in flight

Griffon vulture

No Caption

Male L.Kestrel hovering

Immature Black stork on migration

Email us to register your interest in the tour. Do not book any flights until we have agreed pick-up / drop-off points / flight times etc. 50 % deposit is required to book your place, with the remaining fees to be paid 2 months before arrival. Payments can be completed via bank transfer (add bank transfer charges), WISE or Revolut (free if you have it) or Paypal (+7% surcharge)