Casalasafor, selling property in the La Safor region of Valencia Casalasafor is an estate agency specialising in the sale of property in the Gandia area – a small and charming region on the coastline of Valencia Province comprising a range of villages and small towns, the capital of which is Gandia.

La Safor is notable for the range of properties for sale in the area – which have a variety of prices and designs, making them attractive to foreign buyers and inland Spaniards alike. This is something recognised by Casalasafor and what helps to make Casalasafor (as a local estate agency) effective in selling properties – as Casalasafor sells property not just to foreigners but also to the Spanish. This is combined with the significant Internet presence that the director of Casalasafor has, as the web master of Culture Spain (a highly regarded authority information site on Spain).

Of course, the past few years have made selling property in the Gandia area difficult. Indeed, few people would argue that the property market in Spain has been tough, nor that sellers of property in La Safor have not also suffered.

However, Casalasafor has continued to sell properties around La Safor area throughout the Spanish property crash and, as a consequence, is constantly in need of quality properties (of all prices) to sell.

In fact, over the past few months, there has been a marked increase in enquiries from Northern Europe, with buyers requesting information about townhouses in Oliva and Villalonga and properties in Rotova, Potries, Marxuquera and Ador. Meanwhile, the demand for quality villas on the estates of Monte Corona, Monte Pino, Monterrey and Tossal Botes continues. Well priced villas in a La Drova, needless to say, remain popular, with the Barx area somewhere attractive to anyone wanting great views and the convenience of living within 15 minutes of Gandia and the Blue Flagged beaches of La Safor.

As a ‘soon to be broadcast’ programme from ‘A Place in the Sun’ will show, Gandia is a largely unknown destination for many foreign buyers. However, that is set to change and now is a good time to take advantage of what may be a new foreign buyer interest in the Gandia area. This may well make properties in Gandia and its surroundings more saleable than they have been for several years, in which case having them listed with Casalasafor – may well turn out to be an inspired move!

Sellers of properties in the La Safor area can contact Casalasafor here to list their property for sale and this is normally achieved very quickly with properties usually loaded onto the site within 24 hours. So, whether you are Spanish or English speaking, if you are trying to sell your property in the Gandia area get hold of Casalasafor – and enjoy the best possible chance of selling your home quickly!

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Are you selling your property in la Safor or within the Gandia area? If so, then you need Casalasafor, the local estate agency that successfully sells property internationally.

CasaLaSafor, has a selection of superb villas for sale in Spain located in one of the last truly ‘Spanish’ areas of coastal Spain –La Safor, an area renowned for its superb beaches, vibrant nightlife, user-friendly towns and stunning countryside.

Gandia is located on the eastern side board of mainland Mediterranean Spain, almost opposite the Balearic Islands, and is 70 kms south of the city of Valencia (and its popular international airport).  It is blessed with 7 kms of Blue Flagged, golden sand beaches that have been adored by inland Spanish for generations – but that are unknown outside of Spain!

However, the Gandia area has more to offer than just beaches. 

Just inland from Gandia are extensive, ever-green citrus groves which have dramatic mountains as their gorgeous backdrop.  These provide the Gandia area with outstanding walking, climbing, cycling and horse riding.

Meanwhile around Gandia are a number of small estates with individual villas ranging from 150,000 Euros to a million Euros or more.

Casalasafor specialises in property in the Gandia area in particular the exclusive and beautiful estate of La Drova, noted for its welcoming community and proximity to a charming and well serviced village.  Only minutes away from Gandia, La Drova is located within a stunning mountain valley ideal for anyone looking for somewhere completely different

         ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

         The owner of Casalasafor is also the author of

         a number of books including:                                                     

         How to Buy Spanish Property and                                  

         Move to Spain – Safely!

         Price £14.99/€17.50

         Summertime Publishing

         ISBN 978-1-907498-80.0 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For interviews with Nick Snelling about Casalasafor, or his books contact Nick Snelling, at casalasafor@gmail.com

How to Buy Spanish Property and Move to Spain – Safely! is available via all online bookstores and for Kindle

Find your dream villa in Spain – within an area that is the best kept secret of Mediterranean Spain!

The season that lies ahead in 2012 will be our sixth full year of operation, and we are looking forward to a year of welcoming back previous guests as well as meeting new ones for the first time.  The New Year period has already been and gone and was a busy time for us, with a full house of guests, many of whom had come for the excellent rock-climbing to be found in the area.  We hope to have more rock-climbers visit us in the future, as this is an activity – along with other outdoor and nature-related interests – that we are actively promoting.  In the cooler months of the year the area is a haven for those looking for an outdoor holiday rather than one based around sunshine and beaches.  Mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, bird watching and hill walking are just some of the other activities that can be enjoyed in the immediate area around the villa, or at most within a 20 minute drive. 

Diversification has to be a positive thing, especially in the uncertain economic times that seem to face everyone at present– in whatever European country you find yourself.  In past seasons, we have directed our marketing efforts at a wide range of nationalities as well as at the local Spanish holidaymaker and house renter.  Indeed, our flexibility and the range of accommodation options that we can offer have proved to be a popular concept with our guests.  Many – particularly in the peak holiday season – still prefer to go for the traditional Bed and Breakfast type of visit and spend much of their time during the day exploring the surrounding areas and attractions.  However, even these guests (more often than not) also choose to take advantage of our evening meal service, so in fact have all the advantages of a friendly country hotel but without the constraints that are traditionally associated with that type of accommodation. 

Other guests prefer to have self-catering accommodation, and this is where our apartment comes into its own.  Although it is an integral part of the main house, it has its own entrance, two en-suite bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen and living room.  Guests staying here, however, also have full use of all the other facilities of the villa including the option of evening meals.  Sometimes, however, we are more than happy to offer “Casa Rural” type accommodation to those who are looking for that particular option.  This involves renting a room (as you would on a Bed and Breakfast basis), but without the breakfast – or indeed any other of the catering that we generally offer.  For these guests – and it is generally a Spanish concept – we are happy to allow them to ‘self-cater’ in the main kitchen, which obviously they might have to share with any other guests staying here at the same time.  However, the facilities and the space have always meant that this has never been a problem and has proved a cost-effective and convenient choice for many guests. 

Another possibility is that of Villa Rental (renting the entire house (with or without the apartment depending on numbers) ), which means that groups of up to 16 people can spend time here together, but with sufficient space that it never seems crowded or cramped.  This option has been chosen in the past for either weekend lets – usually for Spanish hen parties – or else for longer stays when an extended family wanted to holiday together.  In this case, guests have full access to the whole property, and basically rent the villa for their vacation with exclusive use of the kitchen, living areas, gardens, etc.  We are still on the property, but in our separate apartment so do not in any way intrude on our guests’ privacy, but are nevertheless on call if any help or advice is requested. 

So we anticipate that we will welcome our guests in 2012 with as wide a range of options and choices as possible, and making ourselves known to as many different types of holidaymaker as we can.  Traditional overnight Bed and Breakfast guests, apartment renters, weekend party groups, special interest holidays, or Spanish “Casa Rural” guests – we look forward to meeting them all during the coming year.  We are enlarging and improving our sun terraces around the pool so there will be even more space for our guests to relax and make the most of the gardens and the beautiful weather that we hope to see in the year ahead. 

The animal lovers amongst our guests will not be disappointed either, as we now have a third dog who has joined the household – a beautiful and placid Spanish Mastiff called Lola who is the very epitome of the expression “gentle giant”, and who we are sure will charm each and every one of our visitors.  She is joined by Aurora and Sandy, so we now have the full set – small, medium and large!  Cat lovers will also be pleased to hear that Sparkle (our Siamese looking cat) continues to thrive, and has grown from a tiny bottle-fed kitten to a healthy 18 month old beauty, so the entire Villa Florencia family is ready and looking forward to welcoming all our guests in the coming season. 

We hope that many new visitors will come for the first time, but of course it is very gratifying when previous guests come back to us again. If the weather is as good for the rest of 2012 as it has been so far, it should be a year to remember!

Penya Roja Climbing Lodge is a beautiful and spacious country home, located just minutes from two of the Costa Blanca’s best climbing rocks, Gandia Crag and El Bovedon or an easy drive to any of the Rock climbing sites on the Costa Blanca.

Your hosts , Nigel and Mark, run the Penya Roja Climbing Lodge with all of its facilities and comforts like a small country hotel and combine this with a welcoming feeling of informality and relaxation. Our aim at the Penya Roja Climbing Lodge is to provide an exceptional standard of individual service to our guests, making them feel that they are in a friendly and informal atmosphere where they can relax and unwind without the usual constraints of a conventional hotel.

Our B&B accommodation consists of 5 spacious bedrooms (three twins and two doubles) all have air-conditioning and heating, are well furnished and benefit from housekeeping services on a daily basis. Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities are provided in each room and all have modern en-suite bathrooms with power showers.

Additionally there is a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom self contained, self catering apartment for rent.

The lodge also has ample car parking facilities – we would suggest that guests hire a car in order to derive the greatest benefit from the surrounding towns and countryside.
The public rooms of the Penya Roja Climbing Lodge include a bar and lounge for the use of all our guests, where – depending on the season – you can either have a refreshing drink after a hard day’s rock climbing around the pool, or enjoy your favourite after-dinner liqueur in front of a log fire on the cooler winter evenings.
Breakfast and dinner are both served on the glass-enclosed terrace which has panoramic views of the nearby orange groves and mountains.

For those who wish to venture further afield, the Penya Roja Climbing Lodge provides an ideal base for daily excursions to Valencia, Benidorm or Alicante

Avoid the crisis, make money on-line and out-flank your business competitors

A new book, The Laptop Entrepreneur, shows you how to make a living on-line and turbo charge any existing business.  It provides a clear, accessible ‘road map’ to Internet success, illustrated in logical and easily comprehensible steps – specifically designed for the ‘person in the street’.

“A must-read…’ James Parkes   www.costa-news.com

“…superb, practical guide…”  Steve Hall www.thisisspain.info

“A really excellent piece of work.” Mike Cliffe Jones www.mikeslife.org

“Invaluable”  Expatica

“…practical and down-to-earth…”Norman Viss www.isolatedinternationals.com

Nick Snelling and Graham Hunt, assisted by 6 successful on-line business experts, have produced a book that will show you how to conduct accurate on-line market research, buy the best possible domain name, find the right search terms and keywords for your web site, create a successful Blog and undertake affiliate marketing.  They also show you how to make social media work for you and teach you how to copy write Internet articles for maximum effect.

“You can earn money on-line.  You can create your own business and you can earn a living using the Internet.  Equally, you can often outflank other much bigger businesses – if you know how to use the Internet properly” says Nick Snelling.   “Best of all you do not need to be a computer geek to learn how to make a living on-line.”

Graham Hunt agrees: “it is amazing how people do not take advantage of using the Internet properly.  The return on investment can be astonishing and making money on-line is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

However, both writers acknowledge that, for the layman, the concept of how to use the Internet to earn a living on-line can be difficult to understand, given that there is so much information about how to do this that most people are overwhelmed before they start.

“What we have done, in The Laptop Entrepreneur,” says Nick, “is to peel away the ‘mystery’ that surrounds making money on-line and to distil what you need to do into simple, clear steps that anyone can understand.”

The Laptop Entrepreneur is available now and is the answer to anyone seeking independence and a way to make money on-line for themselves or wishing to start or even maximise their existing business.   It is, as Nick states, “an anti-crisis” book and one that provides an alternative to the job uncertainty and economic hard times that are affecting everyone.

“The thing is that if you know how to use the Internet there are so many possible ways to make money online,” enthuses Nick, “ whether you earn money blogging or setting up an affiliate marketing business.  Or you can offer copy writing services to other businesses or you can set up niche web sites to drive buyers to your business or you can do market research for companies or look after their social media.  To name just a few activities – all of which are there for the ‘taking’ and some of which will suit your existing skill set, once modified to the demands of the Internet.”

It is hard not to be excited by the passion that Nick and Graham have for The Laptop Entrepreneur and their almost Messianic commitment to showing people how they can be independent, earn money on-line, create a new business or maximise an existing one.  They open up a whole new world of opportunity where there are minimum overheads, low risks and huge potential. 

Surely, few people can afford not to take advantage of The Laptop Entrepreneur the enthusiasm of the authors and the invaluable, practical knowledge they impart?

          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

         Publication date DECEMBER 10TH 2011

         Price £14.99/€17.50

         Summertime Publishing

         ISBN 978-1-904881-58-2

         240 pp, paperback 
 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For interviews with the author and to arrange review copies and excerpts of the book,
please contact the publisher at publicity@summertimepublishing.com
or author, Nick Snelling, at casalasafor@gmail.com

Laptop Entrepreneur is available via all online bookstores and for Kindle

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Many people are seeking alternatives to the seaside resort holiday that is centred around lots of sunshine and doing as little as possible except maybe reading a book on the beach or around a swimming pool.  Pleasant as that prospect may be, spending two weeks with nothing else on the agenda can become a little monotonous.  More and more holidaymakers are looking to combine some of the lazy sunshine holiday concept with a certain amount of activity, and it is here that the area around Gandía and the whole area along the Costa Blanca can really come into its own. 

The beautiful mountain scenery that lies almost immediately behind the coastal resorts along the Costa Blanca provide for a whole host of activities that are only now being fully recognised by local towns and businesses as equally valid and attractive reasons to come to this part of Spain.  An obvious recreation in the La Safor mountains near Gandía is that of hiking and walking, and there is a wide choice of routes that have been mapped out for the enthusiast, ranging from easy, gentle walks to more strenuous hikes and climbs.  Local authorities have started producing maps showing the recommended routes to follow, and these are also signposted along the way to make things even easier and more “user friendly” and less daunting for the first-time hill walker.  There is also a hiking information centre in the hills behind Gandía where many of the local routes are centred upon, set in an area designated of special interest and natural beauty.  As an extra point of interest, some of the routes also make use of disused railway lines in the area and the hiker will find themselves taking unspoilt and scenic routes between towns and villages, often even walking through former railway tunnels along the way. 

If walking and hiking does not appeal, an alternative is cycling and mountain biking.  This is a recreation that is hugely popular amongst local people, and it is not hard to see why.  Bikes can be hired locally, either as an independent daily or weekly rental, or in the company of a guide who can take the enthusiast along routes in the hills and mountains if a road trip is not what you have in mind.  Stunning mountain views are the reward for a steep climb through many of the villages and towns in the area, and then of course there is always the extra reward of the exhilarating downhill trip at the other side!  It is very easy to combine a route that takes in a mountain section, followed by a return along the coast and maybe a swim in the sea all in the same trip – the best of everything! 

Nature lovers can also indulge themselves along the Costa Blanca by visiting the areas frequented by the many species of birds in the area – both local and (depending on the time of year) migratory.  There is a large designated nature reserve of wetlands to the south of Valencia City that will be of particular interest to the bird watcher, and this is home to a great number of species as well as a stopping point for birds that are passing through on their seasonal migrations.  In addition to this specific area, the entire stretch of coast provides excellent opportunities for spotting a wide range of birds, including many birds of prey in the mountains.  Guided bird watching tours can be arranged by local experts who can take the visitor to the best starting-off points, depending on the particular types of bird that are of particular interest.  This can in fact be an excellent way of combining the different activities that the area lends itself to so well – walking through beautiful scenery whilst at the same time spotting varieties of birds and wildlife the visitor is unlikely to encounter at home. 

And all this, of course, is available along the Costa Blanca in a climate so very much milder and warmer than what the visitor would probably be used to at home.  Indeed, the long mild season that this part of Spain generally experiences makes it perfectly possible – and maybe even preferable – to take a break at a time when the mainstream holiday crowds have either not yet arrived or already returned home.  The visitor can then benefit from lower airfares (rather than having to pay the premium normally levied during school holidays), cheaper accommodation costs, and of course a less crowded environment than during the traditional peak season.  

Alternatively, if some members of a group want the more traditional high-season holiday activities of sun and sea, this can be combined with the interests of the walker and nature lover all in the same trip.  The Costa Blanca and the La Safor region in particular really does have a lot more to offer than first meets the eye.

Autumn and Winter Sunshine The weather is most definitely beginning to cool down in northern Europe now generally, but this year has seen a wonderful, long summer in Spain, and particularly along the Costa Blanca. September and October have so far been unusually warm and settled, and this weather seems here to stay for a while yet.

What better time can there possibly be to leave the grey and cold of impending winter behind and head to the Costa Blanca for what must surely be a bargain break in the sun? Hotels and self-catering accommodation throughout the region are offering great deals on holiday rates, and of course air fares are generally much lower now that the school term has resumed. All in all, a great opportunity for those who can take a holiday at this time of year – all the facilities are here and waiting for the autumn traveller – but with none of the crowds, lower prices and fabulous weather too!

The Costa Blanca has some of the best beaches in Spain – and indeed in the whole of the Mediterranean – but travellers are sometimes deterred from visiting by reports of crowded resorts and rowdy holidaymakers. These resorts and beaches are now at their best and can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet, giving visitors the impression of what they must have been like in years gone by.

The Costa Blanca has so much more to offer than just holiday resorts and stunning beaches, however, and visitors are often impressed – and surprised – by what they find if they venture away from the better known destinations. Stunning mountain scenery and fascinating castles and attractions are to be found for those that venture slightly inland, with towns such as Xátiva and Guadalest being amongst the most well-known fortifications. Inland lakes and reservoirs are also amongst the surprises that await the intrepid traveller, with a huge choice of scenic drives to choose from.

If driving is not such a preferred option, the Costa Blanca also offers a huge opportunity for the walker and hiker. Designated routes are marked out and signposted in many parts of the region, as well as an indication of estimated journey times and distance. These are to be found not only in the hills and mountains of the Costa Blanca, but interestingly some of these routes encompass old railway tracks and tunnels, which gives an unusual dimension to a walking route and takes the visitor through parts of the region that would otherwise be completely forgotten by now.

If a city break is higher up the list of priorities than a beach or a scenic break, then of course Valencia City has so much to offer the visitor – and the scorching heat of summer has abated, so exploring the city is so much more pleasant in the more gentle warmth of Autumn. Public transport to the city is reliable and inexpensive, so if you are staying in one of the holiday areas along the coast (either north or south), a quick train ride will take you straight to the centre. Valencia has an historic part that is compact and easy to get around on foot and the usual tourist bus can be used to get a quick handle on which sights should be seen in greater detail. There are two routes to ride around, and passengers can hop on and off at any of the stops, and switch between routes at points where they intersect. In stark contrast to the historic centre is the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias) – a complex that includes (amongst other facilities) a science museum, the largest aquarium in Europe and an Imax cinema, as well as being a visual delight in its own right. As well as all this, the recently refurbished beach and port areas that include the part of the city featured in the European Grand Prix route are also a recent addition to the “must see” list for the city visitor.

So – now would seem to be the perfect time to visit this beautiful region of Spain. The Costa Blanca and the Comunidad Valenciana have something for everyone, and with accommodation prices offering particularly good value at the moment, airfares past their summer peak pricing structures and a settled outlook of warm and sunny weather, what better time could there be to leave the grey of the north behind and get a last dose of sunshine and warmth, with a Costa Blanca Sunshine Holiday?

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Last week we were pleased to welcome a couple from Edinburgh who had booked to stay with us for a week of late summer sunshine. Brian and Ruth are keen hill walkers and hikers, and wanted to spend some time in nice weather preparing themselves for a walking challenge that awaited them after their return to Scotland.

During conversation, it emerged that both Brian and Ruth are doctors back home in Scotland and were both feeling the need for some well earned rest and relaxation – as well as pleasant walking in the sunshine.

This part of the Costa Blanca has some magnificent walks, and it is fast becoming a recognised destination for hikers and hill walkers as well as more serious climbers. Routes are for the most part well signposted and marked out, and lead participants through beautiful scenery and tranquil surroundings. Estimated times are displayed as well as the level of difficulty involved, so there is something suitable for everyone in the area around here.

Brian and Ruth were to be staying with us for six nights, so they had time to combine plenty of walking and exploring with some relaxation in and around the pool, as well as one day’s sightseeing in Valencia City. Typically, they would take advantage of the designated walking routes in the mornings, often have lunch in a restaurant at the end of the walk (maybe sampling the local specialities of paella and fideua), and then later in the day return to Villa Florencia for some afternoon sunshine.

The weather on the Costa Blanca has been especially good this year and remained so for the duration of their stay, without the sometimes erratic changes that can take place in September. Days have been pleasantly warm and even night time temperatures have been staying much milder than usual.

Their excursion to Valencia was planned for the Sunday of their stay, as they wanted to get a feel for the place, without necessarily visiting every tourist sight in the guidebook! They went up by train and walked around the historic area, and were able to do so without the crowds of people that might have been around on a weekday. A trip on the tourist bus completed their visit and gave them a good impression of what a lovely city Valencia is.

Brian and Ruth were delighted that their time with us was a perfect opportunity to get a late summer sunshine break and prepare themselves for the chill that would probably await them on their return to Scotland. They were more than pleased with the variety of walking routes to be found near our guest house, and feel that they would like to come back in the future to do more of the same.

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It was an absolute pleasure to have them visit us, and we would certainly hope to see them with us again in the not too distant future.

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This week marks the five year anniversary of our arrival in Gandía as the owners of Villa Florencia – also known now as Gandía Casa Rural.  We were originally attracted by the beauty of the area and the prospect of running our own guest house and bed and breakfast business on the Costa Blanca and that initial appeal still holds good today, five years on. 

Much has changed in that time, both in the way we run the business, as well as in the wider world generally, but we certainly have no regrets about making the move to Gandía and changing our lives so radically.  At the beginning of our time here, we put in a great deal of effort in improving the house and grounds, as well as constructing a new frontage to the road and an adequate guest parking area.  A reconstruction of the swimming pool was undertaken at the same time, and glass doors enclosing the upper terrace provided a spectacular dining and breakfast space. 

A steady flow of guests has followed, and we have always been pleasantly surprised by the mix of nationalities that has visited us and the different reasons for people seeking out this corner of Spain.  The initial surge of property hunters reduced in line with the general crisis and recession that hit Europe as a whole, but we were pleased that – as well as maintaining our level of northern European holidaymakers – we were being visited by an ever increasing number of Spanish guests.  They often wanted to spend their holidays in Gandía in an area of peace and tranquillity whilst at the same time being within easy striking distance of Playa de Gandía and all the facilities that are on offer there.  Even the attractions of Benidorm are within a very reasonable driving distance, as well as the sights of Valencia City itself. 

So, five years on we find ourselves now catering for a much more Spanish clientele than previously, but of course we are still keen to make everyone who arrives at our door most welcome.  We are able to be very flexible in the accommodation and service that we offer to our guests, ranging from the traditional Bed and Breakfast with the option of an evening meal service as well, to the possibility of renting the whole house on a self-catering basis – either for weekend house parties or for extended families to holiday together for a week or longer at a time.  The self-catering apartment (which can hold four people in comfort) is another option that we offer as well, and again it is available to rent either by the week or for longer periods for those that want to spend a few weeks away from the cold and grey of a northern European winter. 

We embarked on a complete change in our lives five years ago, and still feel that the life that we lead here on the outskirts of the town of Gandía is one that we are very privileged to enjoy.  The surroundings here are some of the most beautiful that you could ever wish to live amongst, and it is a constant source of surprise to see who will be our next guests, so moving here is a decision that we have no regrets about at all, and we look forward to the next five years and meeting even more interesting people who arrive at our door.

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valenciabirding.com is owned by Nature Trail Spain, a small but specialist active tourism company based in La Drova, 70km south of Valencia, Spain.

We provide guided Bird Watching Tours throughout Eastern Spain, encompassing Valencia, Alicante and Castilla de la Mancha.  This area is blessed with an incredibly diverse range of habitats and excellent birding sites, many of which are virtually unknown!  We cater for all levels of bird enthusiasts and provide a bespoke guiding service at very reasonable cost. Our local knowledge can ensure that our clients can make the absolute most of their time in Spain by depending on us to take them to the very best sites.

We offer full day and half day tours and can cater for a maximum group size of 8 people. There is no minimum group size – we can cater for families, couples or even individuals who maybe in Spain for a family holiday and wish to escape the beach for a day out birding!

The diverse habitat of our area provides fantastic opportunities for a wide range of bird watching trips. These include coastal wetlands, high steppe, lakes and lagoons, Mediterranean scrub, and mountains and crags. Therefore, the variety of species is truly incredible.

Our style is very informal and relaxed. We have a wide range of half day and full day itineraries but we place your   shes above sticking rigorously to a fixed schedule! Our priority is quality time and enjoyment rather than rushing around simply trying to maximise the tick-list!

We try to ensure that our clients get the very most from our trips by listening to their needs. Should you, as an experienced birder have specific ´target birds´that you wish to see, we will do our very best to achieve such. On the other hand, if you are new to Bird Watching and would like to see the birdlife that Spain has to offer whilst learning more in a very relaxed environment, we are equally willing and able to provide a service for you.

Binoculars

Where required, binoculars are available for hire at €5 per trip (must be requested when booking but payable on the day). Depending on the location, a telescope is usually provided by the Guide for use by all at no extra cost.

Children

Children are made very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and child-seats or booster seats must be provided by the parent or guardian. Fact sheets can be provided at no extra cost for children who would like to learn more about the key species that can be found here in our region.

Transport

Transport is usually provided in the form of our fully insured, highly maintained 9-seater minibus. This is fully equipped with seatbelts and air conditioning (and usually a coolbox full of cold drinks!).

In order to maintain effective and manageable groups our tours are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. This enables everyone a good opportunity to see the birds. We rotate seating arrangements in the bus so that everyone has a front seat at some stage. We never forget that it is your holiday and we try our best to give you a wonderful experience and some long lasting memories.
 
 

Specific Bird Watching Tours

Our style is to design bespoke trips based on our clients´wishes and therefore we have too many specific options to list here.  However, here are a few examples of our most popular trips…

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Valencian Coastal Wetlands – Full Day.

Perhaps the premium trip for those wishing to discover the huge range of Mediterranean bird species that the Valencian coastline has to offer. To make the absolute best of this trip, some walking is necessary and although the distance is approaching 7km, all of it is on good paths and the entire route is flat.

This virtually undiscovered gem of a site is worth a visit at absolutely any time of year. Breeding species include Collared Pratincole, Avocet, Glossy Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Squacco Heron plus all the Western Mediterranean species of Egrets. Marbled Teal, Red Crested Pochard and White Headed Duck are among the wildfowl on offer.

Depending on the season, other highlights include Bittern, Spoonbill, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, Bluethroat and Woodchat Shrike.

During migration periods, almost anything can show up! Join us for a trip that will provide lasting happy memories for years to come.

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Mountains & Marshes – Full Day.

This trip takes advantage of the diverse range of habitats that the Valencian region has to offer, and takes in stunning mountain valleys, reservoirs and coastal wetlands.

The morning is spent exploring the beautiful mountains and valleys around Vall de Albaida. The scenery alone makes this a worthwhile trip, but the bird life on display is simply superb. Individual species are too numerous to list, although highlights could include Sardinian Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Iberian Grey Shrike and Hoopoe. During the “summer” months we can also expect to see Golden Oriole, Nightingale, Blue Rock Thrush and Alpine Swift. Raptors are always possible, including Griffon Vulture and Golden Eagle.

The afternoon is spent exploring coastal marsh, a local hotspot that can turn up surprises at all times of year. Highlights often include Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Bittern and Purple Gallinule.

This trip can easily be adapted to the capability of the group, but can easily be enjoyed without the need for strenuous activity. The walking is short and mainly on level wide tracks. Be sure to bring a camera!

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Steppe & Lagoons – Full Day.

This trip provides a complete change in terms of habitat, and takes us up into the high plains of Albacete. One of the lesser known parts of Eastern Spain, this fascinating area comprises seemingly endless open spaces where Great Bustards proudly roam (Europe´s heaviest flying bird weighing up to 16kg!).

Black Bellied Sand Grouse, Calandra Larks, Crested Larks, Rock Sparrow and Bee Eaters can often be seen, as can many raptors including Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Merlin.

The area also includes a number of lagoons where Flamingo can often be seen in good numbers. Other regular species include Little Ringed Plovers, Black Winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Avocet and Black Necked Grebe. Wildfowl can include White Headed Duck, Shelduck, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall.

Like most of our trips, this can be adapted to suit the physical capability of the group. However, it can be enjoyed with minimal physical effort. A superb day out to an area that offers a unique habitat range.

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Mountain Bird Life – Half Day.

This half day trip visits spectacular mountain scenery, where the star species is undoubtedly the magnificent Griffon Vulture. With a wingspan of over 2 metres, they make for an unforgetable sight.

This trip can also provide the opportunity to enjoy other mountain species such as Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Crag Martin and Raven.

Some walking is required including a very short section of steep footpath. However, the distance is short and most of the time will be spent watching rather than walking!

This half day trip can be combined with other sites to form a full day trip if required.

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