TARGET SPECIES (depending on season)
Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, European Honey Buzzard, Osprey, Black Kite, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Marsh and Montagu's Harriers, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Rüppell's Vulture, Black-shouldered Kite, Lesser Kestrel, White Stork, Black Stork, Bald Ibis, Audouin’s Gull, Slender-billed Gull, White-rumped Swift, Alpine Swift, Red-necked Nightjar, Roller, Rock Sparrow, Thekla Lark, Black wheatear, iberian grey shrike and more!
A birdwatching experience with a twist! Explore by train and foot a variety of scenic trails and parks in Southern Spain that leads through a variety of amazing birding and nature locations, surrounded by varied habitats allowing you to observe the diverse natural biodiversity this region has to offer in a quiet and respectful manner, always accompanied by a professional bird guide. Charming towns, great good and memorable experiences. By prioritising eco-friendly travel options and nature immersion. This tour promotes a healthier lifestyle and mental health, whilst helping safeguard the planet.
TOURS AVAILABLE ALL YEAR UPON REQUEST
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO AND A QUOTE
RATIONALE FOR BIRDING TRAIN & FOOT TOURS
Some images from previous tours
FEES
Contact me for a quote.
Fees depends on number days / persons / routes
The itinerary can be recommended / personalised to your preference
Flexible: one day or up to seven day tours can be arranged
FOR MULTI-DAY TRAIN TOURS ONLY:
Includes: Airport pickup / drop-off, professional guide, bed & breakfast, rail & bus tickets, mineral water, first-aid provisions, binoculars (if required), bird list.
Not included: Air fares, lunch / dinner, soft drinks, alcohol, any taxi fees.
Conditions: Expect to lesuirely walk an average of 5k-10k steps daily with plenty of stops to rest and refreshments. A minimum fee applies for a single person multi-day tour. It is a requirement that you bring your own travel & health insurance. For one-day tour requests fees only include guiding fees.
BIRDWATCHING BY TRAIN & FOOT
TRAIN USE IN SPAIN
More than 38.9 million travellers used the Cercanías, Media Distancia and Avant de Andalucía trains during 2023. The demand for Renfe public services in Andalucía has recorded an increase of 42.9% compared to the previous year. Cercanías accounted for 29.7 million passengers; Medium Distance trains reached 7.3 million and 1.8 million chose Avant trains for their trips in Andalucía last year
LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT
The Spanish railway operator, RENFE, states that the use of Public Service trains in Andalucía prevented the circulation of almost 26 million private vehicles and the emission of 188,200 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, which does give scalability to the challenge of driving: birding by train is definitely greener! RENFE is committed to offering more environmentally sustainable transport options. Traveling by train produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than flying or driving, making it one of the most eco-friendly forms of transportation. According to RENFE’s environmental statistics, trains emit up to 80% less CO2 per passenger than airplanes on equivalent journeys and 60% less than private cars. A birdwatching tour by train would minimize the participants’ environmental impact, as moving between towns by rail reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. This contributes to mitigating climate change, which is directly linked to the decline of bird species and biodiversity worldwide.
BETTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Trains are incredibly energy-efficient, transporting many people at once and using significantly less energy per passenger kilometer than cars or planes. According to RENFE, a train uses five times less energy per kilometer compared to a car, and nine times less energy than an airplane. By opting for train travel instead of rental cars or domestic flights, participants in the nature tour contribute to reducing overall energy consumption and pollution, making it a more sustainable travel option.
REDUCE TRAVEL STRESS
Traveling by train is a more relaxed, stress-free and a far safer option compared to road or air travel. Passengers on RENFE trains avoid the stresses associated with airport security, traffic jams, and cramped seating on flights or buses. This lowers stress, promotes relaxation, and contributes to better sleep and overall health throughout the tour. Train travel allows ample time for rest, social interactions, and unwinding, creating a more balanced travel experience. RENFE trains are also known for being comfortable, quiet, and equipped with amenities to improve travel comfort.
HEALTHIER BODIES
Walking trails during stops offers a combination of cardiovascular exercise, muscle engagement, and low-impact endurance activities, which are crucial for maintaining heart health, reducing blood pressure, and managing weight. A 7-day walking-focused tour would promote regular physical activity, enhancing cardiovascular health and supporting mental well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular moderate-intensity activity like walking can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30% and stroke by 27%. By combining birdwatching walks with relaxed travel, participants engage in low-impact exercise that is suitable for various age groups.
BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
Additionally, many of the trails we you shall be walking, may involve an average of ≥10,000 steps per day, which research suggests (see image below) could reduce your risks of dementia by up to 50%! (Source: del Pozo Cruz et al., JAMA Neurology, 2022). By the Numbers. Sweet spots for lowering dementia risk were 10,000 steps per day (left) and 30 minutes at 112 steps per minute (right) Ref: del Pozo Cruz et al., JAMA Neurology, 2022. Additionally, birdwatching and immersion in nature are known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies show that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and improve mood, fostering a sense of peace and mental clarity. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that birdwatching and connecting with nature can significantly enhance mental well-being, with participants experiencing less mental distress and increased feelings of happiness SOURCE: LINK
HELPS PRESERVE SENSITIVE HABITATS
Train travel supports sustainable tourism by encouraging tourists to visit smaller, less crowded locations in rural or natural areas, like the birdwatching spots in southern Spain. This form of slow, eco-conscious travel alleviates the burden on highly trafficked tourist destinations, helping preserve Spain’s natural landscapes and bird habitats.Spain is home to important birding areas, such as Doñana National Park and Sierra de Grazalema, both of which are accessible by train and have long-standing conservation efforts. Promoting train travel to these regions aligns with the goals of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
Sustainable travel by train for a 'greener' and
healthier birding experience in southern Spain