The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Portugal, Portugal

This type of wild and scenic forest landscape is fast becoming a rare sight along the Mediterranean, and Madeira is one of the few places where they still exist.

CARP FISHING HOLIDAYHideaway LakesThe only privately owned and stocked fresh water fishing venue in the Algarve.Set in 250 acres of spectacular countryside and boasting over 20 acres of pristine fishing lakes. This is a prestige carp and large mouth bass venue.

The Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre (IWRC) is a sanctuary for wolves who are unable to survive in the wild. It was started in 1987 with the objective of providing a suitable environment and safe haven for wolves. While providing its resident wolves with the best available care, the IWRC aims to create awareness of the wolf in its natural state as well as in captivity. In the visits you will have the opportunity to learn more about the iberian wolf: the biology, ecology, behaviour and pack life, and the threats that face this elusive predator. The enclosures that the wolves occupy are large and densely vegetated and therefore we cannot guarantee their observation. The IWRC is open to the public for guided visits on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. All visits are subject to booking. The visits are made on foot through the public portion of the sanctuary and take about 90 minutes. Visiting hours: Winter (October to April) visits at 3:00pm and 4:30pm Summer (May to September) visits at 4:00pm and 6:00pm Visits are held in Portuguese. Bilingual visits are possible but are subject to booking and occur at 4:30pm in the winter and 6:00pm in the summer.

The Interpretation Centre of Priolo was developed by SPEA in partnership with SRAM (Regional Secretariat of Environment and Sea) and DRRF (Regional Direction of Forestry Resources) during LIFE Priolo Project. Its mission is to raise awareness for the "Priolo" and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. "Priolo" is one of most threatened birds in Europe, existing only in the east part of the Island of São Miguel, where several actions to preserve and guarantee its survival have been carried, since 2003. Objectives: 1. Reception and information center for all visitors to the SPA ZPE Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. 2. Create an activity program, aimed to the local population, that can contribute to improve their knowledge and awareness about native species in the Açores. 3. Offer an interesting educational program for schools all over the Azores. 4. Encourage sustaintable development in the region by selling local handcraft and alimentar products, and by developing Eco-tourism. 5. Develop a group of partners and volunteers, that can contribute to the conservation of the Priolo and its habitat. 6. Develop a structure to encourage research on the SPA Pico da Vara/Ribeira do Guilherme. The centre has many activities for the visitors all year round. Visitors will have access to an interactive exhibition that will help to have a better understanding of the flora, fauna and conservation actions present in the SPA Pico da Vara /Ribeira do Guilherme. The center also has a specially designed children area in which they can do activities related to Priolo and Azorean Laurel Forest.

CARE FOR NATURE; NATURE WILL CARE FOR YOU The “Parque Ribeira Primeira” (First Creek Park) main objective is to offer a close contact with Nature. Besides fishing Rainbow Trout and tasting your catch grilled on site, it is also possible to know their life cycle and understand how they live and reproduce. The entire Park is design and thought to be as Nature wisely is and allows, working with Nature, respecting Life and the Natural succession of seasons, with a constant and beautiful change in the landscape. The open air barbecue area is not a restaurant but a place where friends can gather to taste the freshest fish in Madeira. Everything is cooked with wood and in front of everybody. We can offer you: - Normal visit or Guided visit (30 to 45 minute walk “All about Nature and how we are also part of it” - minimum 8 people) - Trout fishing (we have all that is needed) - Explanation about all the lies fisherman truly say - Explanation about what is really fresh fish - Barbecue meals (your fresh trout or traditional “Espetada (beef) on a fresh laurel stick - Sandwiches, toasts, coffee, tea, scones and home made cakes - Special events on request. You can also experience a Levada Walk along the Levada da Serra do Faial (10 minutes walk from the Park) while we prepare your meal. Please come and visit us. This a magical place where children act as children and adults become children.