Highlights from the 2025 edition - and dates for 2026

For four days, from 2 to 5 October, Sagres was filled with life, enthusiasm and lots of birds. The Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival brought together around 1,300 people of 34 nationalities — all with the same desire to discover, learn and celebrate nature.

There were 275 activities on land and at sea, 153 of which were free and 80 of which sold out (some in just a few hours!). This success shows how much the Festival continues to inspire curious minds, families and wildlife enthusiasts.

As for birds, 148 species were recorded, despite strong winds that made observation difficult at times. Even so, there was time and luck for good sightings, notably the Eurasian Dotterel, Ortolan Bunting, Montagu's Harrier, Sooty Shearwater, Little Bustard and European Honey-Buzzard.

But the Festival is much more than just birds. There were boat trips to see dolphins and seabirds, illustration and photography workshops, activities to observe insects, plants, reptiles and bats, and even astronomy sessions, which led many to look at the Sagres sky with new eyes.

With participants from four continents, the Festival was once again a true meeting point for people who share a love of nature — whether they are experts, families or simply curious.

Organised by the Vila do Bispo Municipal Council, in partnership with SPEA and Associação Almargem, the event benefited from the tireless help of volunteers and partners, who contributed to the welcoming atmosphere and good spirits that are already a hallmark of this Festival.

‘This edition proved once again that Sagres is a destination of excellence for those who want to learn about and protect our biodiversity,’ says the organisation. ‘The involvement of the participants and the quality of the activities showed that this Festival is much more than an event: it is a movement in favour of nature.’

With our hearts full and many stories to tell, we are already looking forward to the 2026 edition, which will take place from 2 to 5 October. Until then, may we never lose the desire to observe, discover and care for nature — because in Sagres, the spirit of the Festival lives on all year round.

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