Catalonia, situated in N.E. Spain and boasting Barcelona as its capital, is a birding region that (because of its terrific range of habitats and geographical position with regards to migration) hosts a greater variety of bird species than anywhere on the Iberian peninsular.

And so... if birding in Catalonia is the best birding in Spain... and birding in Spain is the best birding in Europe...

There are birding holiday suggestions below - Quick Break (3 days/2 nights), Mediterranea Break (4 days/3 nights) or the Birdbox Holiday (7 days/6 nights) ...

... but customised tours are no problem; Birding holidays of a week or more, Birding short breaks of any length, dates or locations and, of course, Birding day tours - all with or without accommodation, hotel options, non-birding days off, etc.

And don't forget to check out birding special offers here:

for more information or a friendly, no-obligation quote

“I highly recommend Stephen’s bird tours - fine accommodation and full days of intense birding.  He is a very qualified bird guide who knows his area and where to find the birds. He shows the needed patience in a strong and dedicated effort to find your target species and indeed he did find them, and me some wonderful sights of Wallcreeper and Lammergeier. Beside that Stephen is reliable and very pleasant company.”

Tommy Maul, Denmark, January/February 2010

"Stephen is an A-number-one birder and ace guide. Lunch was delicious.”

Bob Lutman, U.S.A., November 2010

Again, the birding itinerary is carefully structured to cover and, to a degree on this tour, repeat all the Mediterranean region's main habitat types.

So we can afford to stimulate the birding senses fully with a whole day marvelling at the very best of what Europe's third most important wetland has to offer, such as Slender-billed and Audouin's Gull and a host of herons, crakes, shorebirds and warblers.

Early arrivals and late departures can be accommodated and I can even help find sharers if you fancy the company.

Catalonia's terrific variety of habitats all within a small area means that a greater diversity of bird life is offered in such proximity nowhere else in Spain and probably Europe.

Add to this a seasonal itinerary created over twelve years, and the flexibility to react to weather and local bird news, and you can be sure we'll encounter more secretive, localised, cryptic and rare birds than you thought possible.

Early arrivals and late departures can be accommodated and I can even help find sharers if you fancy the company.

“The price was right and included 7 days birding, very comfortable self-catering accommodation and splendid picnic lunches.

Stephen is an excellent birding guide and very popular and soon lived up to his reputation spotting a Little Bittern landing in the reeds. His great knowledge of the area and its birds combined with his keen eyesight and hearing, gave us an exceptional week of birding in mid-October.  We had a great time.

There are so many birds in Catalonia, it's a great region to visit at any time of the year. ”

Frank and Sheilah Mawby, England/Scotland, October 2010

I'm always happy to provide friendly quotes for customised bird watching short breaks and holidays without obligation or pressure so feel free to email me with potential dates, preferred locations/target species, whether accommodation is needed and how many birders are in your group.

!! Sharers !! I specialise in linking up like-minded birders to share costs, especially those travelling alone, so just let me know some rough details - e.g. time of year, length of trip or target species - and I'll see what I can do.

1. Time table/Flights:

I can provide guided birding short breaks and holidays for any number of days and at any time of year.

I can accommodate mid-week birding trips if you want to capitalise on the most cost-effective airline fares, include transfers from all the region's airports (Barcelona 'El Prat', Reus and Girona) and I can adapt the schedule to your flight times.

2. Which Birding Locations?

Choose between any of Catalonia's best birding locations shown on this website or ask me to make recommendations or design an itinerary to your species wish list.

3. Do you need accommodation?

A self-catering apartment is available for up to four people.

Click the 'accommodation' button on the right for more information, including about local restaurants and my home-cooked picnic lunches, but it is fully-equipped and comes stocked with a complimentary starter pack of basic breakfast and other supplies such as bread, milk, tea, coffee, butter, jams, oil, salt, etc.

If you prefer, or for larger groups, I can help you to find and even arrange hotel accommodation, may be in the nearby and picturesque coastal town of Sitges.

4. Group Size/ Large Groups:

I specialise in exploring deep birding country with small groups, of four or less, using a comfortable 4x4 all-terrain vehicle.

However, I also guide larger groups, such as bird clubs. As the price depends upon numbers, length of trip and whether you need me to hire transport, please email.

“I really appreciated the amount of effort you put into each day, your persistence in getting excellent views and the depth of knowledge of sites and birds you have in your region. I realise how much effort it takes to build up such an impressive site/species list.

There were quite a few highlights for me, close up views of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Little Bustard, Vultures, a Great Spotted Cuckoo close enough to touch, Little Owls and Lesser Kestrels to name but a few. Thanks for a very enjoyable three days around northern Spain. I enjoyed the birding and your company immensely.”

Stuart Dashper, Australia, July 2010