If you are an independent traveller then you will always find useful information on the internet, such as when and where to go, accommodation, car hire, local guides etc.. Sometimes the hotels used by some birdwatching companies are not the best. They may be in wonderful locations, but the meals may not be in accordance with what you are charged and in some instances you may have to serve yourself, like an army mess !
In Spain you can find many reputable birdwatching guides. They have the best and most recent information about birdlife, nature evolution, ecological developments in their particular areas. Many tour leaders only know one itinerary, which they repeat and repeat, whereas local guides can take you many an unknown and stunning location. Using a local guide you will receive the benefits of his knowledge of local history and culture, adding that extra dimension and interest in his guiding.
When you travel through Spain or book a holiday with a legitimate Spanish guide your travel insurance, arranged in the United Kingdom , has the same guarantees and coverage as you would expect in the UK and other European countries.
Most Birdwatching companies based in Spain and run by foreign persons are not legal . Be careful when booking a holiday with a local guide or company and be sure that it is a legally operating business. Your travel insurance may be invalid. You can ask them for legal Spanish documents ( IAE form or invoice) to satisfy the requirements of your insurance.
When planning a trip to Spain always think about the weather. Global warming means that it can be unpredictable, but please note the following as a general guide:
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Spanish Mediterranean coasts, from the Ebro Delta, south as far as the Coto Donana are nice and mild for most of the winter and spring ‘til early summer. In autumn temperatures are pleasant too, but it can rain heavily. The Atlantic coast is always cooler and rain can be regular.
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Inland Andalucia is nice during most of March through April into May, when it begins to get hot, sometimes very hot. Autumn temperatures are variable although they use to be nice and warm.
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Extremadura can produce extremes of weather, more than anywhere else in Spain . If the sun shines then winter and spring will have warm days, but from the second half of May the temperatures can be extremely difficult.
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The Ebro Steppes have good temperatures in winter and spring, but it can be cold and chilly at dawn and before dusk. From early June it can be very hot at midday, so birdwatching is always best early in the morning in late in the afternoon.
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The pre-Pyrenees, with an important Mediterranean influence, is a good birding area all year round, except for July and August. In deep winter the early mornings can be very cold but day time temperatures usually reach 10 - 12 degrees centigrade.
- The high Pyrenees are rainy and cold in Spring , late May, June and July are very good for exploring alpine meadows also searching for alpine bird specialities.
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The Picos de Europa with elevations up to 2500m has an important Atlantic influence, so visits there are best in late June, or throughout July.
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The Canary Islands are famed for their regular and stable temperatures, but there are rainy months in autumn and winter.
Try and avoid visiting Spain in August, as that is when most Spanish people enjoy their holidays. Apart from the heat you will encounter crowds everywhere. The Donana region is one of the most famous birding areas, but do be careful not to plan a visit there at the same time as the Rocio Pilgrimage which attracts one million visitors – you will not find any accommodation. The Pilgrimage is in spring each year, but the dates vary.
The best known and most interesting birdwatching locations are in the countryside so your belongings will be safe in your car parked nearby. You should however never leave any valuables in view, at all times, especially if you are travelling in a vehicle with foreign registration plates, which in cities or towns tends to attract thieves.
Spain has an interesting cultural heritage. If possible, try to explore the possibility of visiting other towns or cities when planning a tour.
When exploring areas of Spain , such as Extremadura, you will note that many dirt tracks are fenced. Most of these are public and you have every right to enter or drive along them. You will not incur the wrath of the farmer or landowner provided you keep to these tracks – but never cross cultivated fields, do not disturb livestock and always close gates behind you. Be careful not to get stuck on minor tracks after heavy rain.
Travelling through Spain you will find a large network of petrol filling stations. They are good places for comfort stops, most have a restaurant and/or bar where you can purchase snacks or meals, but most importantly all have clean, ‘free to use' toilet facilities.
In the unfortunate event that you have a problem travelling on the roads of Spain always ask for the Guarda Civil. They are never far away and use to be very helpful, although extremely rigorous at enforcing driving offences. In any emergency just dial ‘112' and hope that they understand English !
We are pleased to give you all the information you will need on your visit to Spain. To avoid disappointment do not leave any questions or worries that you have until the last minute as in the high season our guides may be out leading tours and will not be available to answer them.
If you are booking a tour with Boletas and there are many flight choices then we suggest you always contact our representative in the UK (Andy Howes) as he will know what other members of your group will be doing. He is based in Leicester and can be contacted on 0116 2889318 or via email at ‘andyhowes@hotmail.com'.
