Nature Photographer Craig Rogers reveals some of his favourite spots in the Algarve where you can practice your wildlife photography skills
– April 10, 2023
I am often asked where the best locations to view and photograph wildlife in the Algarve are, and my reply is often “Anywhere!”.
Whilst some of my photography takes advanced planning, camouflage and patience, some of my favourite photographs are simply from being at the right place at the right time.
Three locations in the Algarve offer opportunities to view and photograph the great wildlife to be found here.
What makes these three locations great is that there are opportunities to change the angle of view to create artistic photography.
All three offer large open space to walk, however, always remember to stop, sit and simply wait, you’ll be surprised how close some of the wildlife will approach you, including the amazing Greater Flamingos.
Species can vary throughout the year due to migrations, but there is always opportunity to view many different species of wildlife, including the usually elusive Otter.
Eurasian Otter
“A Rocha Delicada” – Alvor Estuary
The Alvor Estuary is a great location for a walk along the boardwalk between the protected estuary and the grand beach of Alvor, however, situated to the northwest of the Alvor Estuary is a wetland area, generally, very quiet with a great circular walk around the breakwaters.
Access to this small paradise, complete with a small beach that grows as the tide retreats, is via the N125 at the Mexilhoeria Grande roundabout.
The access road is unsurfaced and can be very muddy if approached after rain.
The walking route around the wetland is flat, however, the surface is a little rough in places. This is the perfect getaway for a picnic on the beach one side of the breakwater and an opportunity to view wildlife on the other side.
Lagoa dos Salgados
Nestled between Armação de Pêra and Galé is a beautiful oasis offering a huge selection of wildlife both in and out of the water.
Otters are a frequent sight here and also the area is home to many Little Owls.
Little Owl
There is nothing better than watching the hundreds of Glossy Ibis leaving to roost at sunset. Access directly to the Lagoa is possible by using the car park for Praia Grande de Pêra which is also a fantastic beach, however, it is also possible to access via a boardwalk from the car park for Praia dos Salgados.
Glossy Ibis
Lagoa dos Salgados
Ludo
Quite possibly my favourite wetland location, Ludo has a combination of active and disused salt flats making it the perfect location for wildlife.
The area is huge and if you’re feeling energetic it’s possible to walk to the amazing lake at the São Lourenço Golf Course which has an incredible amount of birdlife.
Black-winged Stilt
The Ludo area itself offers fantastic views of wading birds. There are many ways to access the area, the easiest is to enter right at the west end of the runway of Faro Airport, by following the signs to Praia do Faro which of course includes a section of the Ria Formosa.
Craig Rogers is a Wildlife and Nature photographer from Wales now living in the Algarve offering Photography Workshops, more information, photographs and blog can be found on his website at
