Joana is a local guide, gardener, and avid birdwatcher based in Loulé. Her passion for nature was instilled by her parents, who are biologists by profession. She became a specialist in the local environment through hands-on experience and personal connections. Her knowledge comes from years of living in the area and engaging with the community.
Her offerings include:
Walk through the Dryland Orchards and Quinta do Rosal
In this walk, we will experience the life of these ecosystems and understand their importance to local biodiversity during an interpretive tour that leads us to Quinta do Rosal. At this organic farm, we can participate in seasonal agricultural activities, learn about sustainable practices, and explore the technique of water transport through levadas. We conclude with a wonderful picnic featuring local products. Approximate duration: 3h30.
Birds of Loulé
From the mountains to the sea, with the Barrocal in between, Loulé encompasses various groups of avifauna. From tiny passerines to noisy waders or majestic raptors—wintering, resident, summer, or migratory—you can observe a bit of everything. Occasionally, small mammals also make an appearance. This walking tour not only highlights the ecological diversity crucial for bird populations but also offers a unique and close-up view of nature’s harmony, focusing on discovery in the heart of the Algarve’s natural beauty.
Visit to a Traditional Honey Farm
A gentle 1.5-hour walk along one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets: Rocha da Pena, a protected landscape in the municipality of Loulé. Then head towards Salir, where the heart of this experience awaits: a visit to a traditional honey farm.Here, you will be warmly welcomed by a family of beekeepers who have been producing honey for three generations with care and respect. After putting on the protective suits, learn the safety rules, and walk 500 meters to the hives — a unique chance to see the precious work of the bees up close. Back at the farm, follow the process from hive to jar… and yes, there’s honey straight from the comb tasting! Then, finish the experience with a simple, delicious tasting: Local honeys, fresh goat cheese from Salir, homemade bread from the region, and comforting tea. An experience that celebrates nature, traditional knowledge, and of course, the bees — those tiny giants of our planet’s balance.
In the Time of Wild Orchids
On this walking tour, we will discover the spectacular wild orchids that bloom in the Algarve’s Barrocal in spring. In Portugal, there are about 70 species of orchids, and the Algarve region boasts a great variety. Around 90 species of wild orchids have been identified in Portugal, with nearly 20 found in the Barrocal Algarvio! Did you know that some orchids take more than 10 years to bloom? How do they survive? Why are they at risk of disappearing?Between February and April, come and uncover the complex world of these fascinating flowers!
You can chose one of this activities after booking, send us a message!