For splendid hilltop views and a taste of the eastern serras, drive to the summit of Alcaria do Cume, 525 m above sea level. Leave the A22 at the Tavira exit and follow the N 270 westwards to Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. Immediately after bypassing the village, turn right to Porto Carvalhoso, a natural amphitheatre. Continue on the surfaced road across the bridge over the ribeira de Alportel (Crag Martins & Red-rumped Swallows) to Melhada de Judeu. Beyond, parts of the road are unsurfaced but suitable for cars. Just head for the distant masts of Alcaria do Cume. The last few metres have to be climbed on foot. Common birds on these cistus-covered heights are Thekla Lark, Dartford Warbler, Black-eared Wheatear, Southern Grey Shrike, Red-legged Partridge, European Bee-eater and around the vegetable patches, Iberian Azure-winged Magpie and Spotless Starling. Birds of prey are uncommon - Short-toed Eagle and Common Buzzard are the most likely but Booted Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Griffon Vulture and even Black Vulture occasionally occur.

On the way back, turn right into the enchanting oakwoods around the ancient and now virtually deserted village of Águas de Tábuas. Here in spring, Chaffinches and Nightingales compete in song. It is not difficult to find woodland specialists like Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Common Redstart, Serin, Golden Oriole, Wryneck and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.