Birds in Corfu

Birds in Corfu: A 3-Day Birdwatching Adventure with extension opportunities to Albania 

Corfu, an island renowned for its lush landscapes, Mediterranean charm, and rich biodiversity, offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned birding enthusiast or simply someone looking to connect with nature, our 3-day Birding in Corfu tour promises an unforgettable journey through some of the island’s most diverse habitats.

Day 1: Exploring the Ropa Valley and Angelokastro

We begin our Birds in Corfu adventure with a visit to the Ropa Valley, a premier birding site that showcases Corfu’s drier habitats. The valley is home to a range of bird species, including shrikes such as Woodchat, Red-backed, and Lesser Grey Shrike. The area also boasts various larks, including Crested, Short-toed, and Calandra Lark, which are sure to delight birdwatchers. In addition, expect to spot Yellow and White Wagtails foraging along the valley’s edges, while Spotted and Collared Flycatchers flit through the bushes.

The scrub areas around the valley offer opportunities to observe warblers like Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, and Sardinian Warbler. Raptors are also frequent in the area, and we’ll be on the lookout for Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Kestrel, and the majestic Red-Footed Falcon soaring overhead.

Besides birds, the Ropa Valley is also home to the near-endemic Epirus Water Frog (Pelophylax epiroticus) and a range of other amphibians and reptiles, making it an excellent site for nature lovers to discover more than just avian species.

From the Ropa Valley, we will head to Angelokastro, a prominent historical site perched high on Corfu’s hills. Here, we’ll enjoy the stunning landscape and observe birds such as Crag Martin and Eastern Black-Eared Wheatear. From the top of Angelokastro, you’ll have one of the most breathtaking views on the island. After exploring the area, we’ll drive through the northeastern part of Corfu, soaking in the picturesque landscapes, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant near the castle.

Day 2: Wetlands and Salt Pans in the Southern Part of Corfu

On day two of this "Birds in Corfu" tour we will head to the southern part of Corfu, where we begin our birding at the Korrision Lagoon. This wetland paradise is a haven for various species, and birdwatchers will enjoy spotting Greater Flamingo, Black-Winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, and Green Sandpiper, among other waders. The sandbar that divides the lagoon from the sea is often home to the striking Scopoli’s Shearwater, and we’ll visit both the northern and southern corners of the lagoon, as well as the seaside area, to catch sight of these magnificent seabirds.

The vegetated sand dunes along the lagoon provide a habitat for passerine species like Spotted Flycatcher, Woodchat Shrike, and Red-backed Shrike. In addition to birdwatching, this area is an excellent location for observing butterflies and dragonflies, making it a truly diverse spot for nature enthusiasts.

After spending the morning birding, we’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before heading to the Olive-tree Warbler Site. This location offers another chance to encounter unique species, including the elusive Olive-tree Warbler. We’ll then visit the Lefkimi Salt Pans, a historical birding hotspot dating back to the 15th century. The salt pans are home to a variety of water birds, including Greater Flamingo (which can be seen year-round), Avocet, Little Tern, Stone Curlew, and various waders. After birding here, we may make a brief stop at the Airport Lagoon, before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Mount Pantokrator and the Northern Landscapes

Our final day takes us to the highest point on Corfu, Mount Pantokrator. The journey to the summit offers several birding stops along the way, providing ample opportunities to observe a range of species. At the top of the mountain, we’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the island. Among the species we hope to spot are the Black-headed Bunting, Rock Nuthatch, and Blue Rock Thrush, all of which thrive in this alpine habitat.

After a morning of birding and enjoying the breathtaking views, we’ll take a break with a delicious picnic lunch on the mountain. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent exploring the area’s diverse birdlife and enjoying the natural beauty of Corfu’s northern landscapes.

Throughout the entire tour, our expert guides will provide insightful commentary on the island’s flora, fauna, and history, ensuring that you leave with a deeper understanding of Corfu’s unique biodiversity. Whether you’re a birdwatching veteran or a first-time enthusiast, this Birding in Corfu tour offers an immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a camera full of stunning wildlife photos.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Ropa Valley – Angelocastro Castle – Northern Landscapes of the Island

This day we will visit a few sites, starting with the Ropa Valley, that offers great opportunities for enjoying a host of species of drier habitats. Some water birds are also attracted to the area as there are several ponds here. This is a great place for shrikes with Woodchat, Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrike possible and larks may include Crested, Short-toed and, Calandra. Yellow and White Wagtails can be enjoyed and we may find Spotted and Collared Flycatcher in this area. In the scrub areas and low bushes warblers may be found and can include Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Sardinian Warbler. During the day we will hope to encounter some raptors with Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Common Kestrel and Red-Footed Falcon all possible.  Of course, throughout the holiday we will be enjoying everything we find and here is the place to find the near-endemic Epirus Water Frog (Pelophylax epiroticus) and it can be very good for other amphibians and reptiles. 

From the Ropa valley we will drive to Angelokastro and here we may find Crag Martin, Eastern Black-Eared Wheatear and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes that Corfu offers from a high point. After Angelokastro, we will drive to the hotel from the north-eastern site of Corfu to enjoy all the amazing landscapes that the island offers.

Lunch will be taken in a restaurant close to the Angelocastro castle.

Day 2

Korrision Lagoon – Olive Tree Warbler Site – Lefkimmi Saltpans

Today, we will go in the southern part of the Island. We will start with Korrision Lagoon, that is a very nice site for watching many wetland species such the Greater Flamingo, Black-Winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and other waders. In addition, in the sandy stripe dividing the lagoon with the sea it is possible to see Scopoli’s Shearwater. The vegetated sand dunes host a number of passerine species such as Spotted Flycatcher, Woodchat and Red-backed Shrike among others.  Korrision Lagoon Black-winged stilt This site is interesting also for butterflies and dragonflies with a variety of species occurring there.  We will spend the whole day in this area, visiting both the north and southern corners and also the sea-side for watching the shearwaters. 

After the Korrision Lagoon we will get lunch in a restaurant and move to the Olive-tree Warbler Site.

We will spend around 1.5 hours to the Olive-tree Warbler Site and then move to the Lefkimi Saltpans where we will spend another hour birding there. After Lefkimmi we will head back to the Hotel, with an optional stop at the airport Lagoon.

Lefkimmi Salt Pans was built in the 15th century and has been maintained and exploited ever since. This habitat represents one of the best birding destinations in Corfu, particularly for water birds. Here we may enjoy flocks of Greater Flamingo which can be found here year-round and other interesting species are common, such as Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Little Tern, Stone Curlew, Kentish Plover and various other species of wader.

Day 3

Mount Pantokrator

Today we will visit the highest peak of Corfu: the Mount Pantokrator. We will make several stops on the way to watch birds and go at the very top of the mountain to enjoy the open landscape of the whole Island. We apart other, we hope today to see the Black-headed Bunting, the Rock Nuthatch and Blue Rock Thrush.
Lunch today will be as a picnic.

Day 4-8

Possible extension to Albania

If you would like to extent the tour to Albania, there are excellent options for birding and other wildlife. We may suggest an itinerary for that upon request. 

• Guiding
• Transport
• Lunch 
• Water and Snacks in the field
• Entrance Tickets 

• Accommodation
• Dinner and Breakfast