Top 10 Birding Destinations in Europe

Europe is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular birding locations in the world. From vast wetlands and remote islands to rugged mountain ranges, birdwatchers can find everything from migratory marvels to rare raptors. Here are the 10 best birding places in Europe that every nature enthusiast should visit.

1. Danube Delta, Romania

Imagine drifting silently through a labyrinth of reed-fringed channels, with the haunting calls of herons and the distant drumming of woodpeckers filling the air. The Danube Delta, one of the greatest wetlands in the world and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to more than 370 bird species. It is a key migration stopover for millions of birds and a breeding paradise for Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, White-tailed Eagles and Glossy Ibises. The delta’s diverse habitats, from floating reed beds to vast lakes and old oak forests, create a perfect environment for birds year-round. Spring and autumn migrations bring an explosion of life, with flocks of Spoonbills, Red-breasted Geese and Avocets making stops here.

Hotspot: The area around Letea Forest offers a mix of wetlands and ancient sand dunes, where birders can find everything from Rollers to Paddyfield Warblers. Boat trips from Mila 23 also provide excellent chances to observe pelicans up close.

2. Extremadura, Spain

A land of rolling plains and dehesa (oak savannah), Extremadura is Spain’s birding gem. This region is famous for its high densities of Spanish Imperial Eagles, Black Storks, Great Bustards, and Eurasian Black Vultures. In spring, the air vibrates with the sound of Bee-eaters and Hoopoes, while summer brings soaring eagles hunting over the golden plains. The Cáceres Plains are among the best places in Europe to see Great Bustards strutting in their elaborate mating displays.

Hotspot: Monfragüe National Park is a must-visit for raptor enthusiasts. The Salto del Gitano viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Griffon Vultures soaring over the cliffs, and night excursions may reveal the eerie calls of Eagle Owls.

3. Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK

Scotland is a raptor haven and Isle of Mull stands out as one of the best places to see White-tailed Eagles. These magnificent birds, with their huge wingspans, glide effortlessly over the rugged coastline. The island is also home to Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Red-throated Divers and Puffins. Its mix of moorlands, lochs, and cliffs supports a rich diversity of birds, while the remote feel of the island adds to the experience.

Hotspot: Take a boat trip from Tobermory to the Treshnish Isles, where thousands of seabirds nest, including adorable Puffins that allow for close encounters. Early mornings and late evenings increase the chances of spotting Otters along the shore.

4. Transylvania, Romania

Better known for its medieval castles and bear-filled forests, Transylvania is also an underrated birding destination. Vast woodlands and flower-rich meadows host Ural Owls, Lesser Spotted Eagles, Black Woodpeckers and Hazel Grouse. High-altitude habitats of the Carpathians are home to Wallcreepers and Ring Ouzels, while river valleys echo with the calls of Dippers. This region is also special for its combination of large carnivores like Brown Bears, making it one of the last truly wild places in Europe.

Hotspot: The forests around Zărnești Gorge are excellent for owls and woodpeckers, while the Făgăraș Mountains offer fantastic alpine birding, especially for high-altitude specialists.

5. Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria

The Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria offer a perfect setting for raptor enthusiasts. Here, conservation efforts have helped restore the populations of Cinereous and Griffon Vultures. At special feeding stations, you can observe these magnificent birds up close. Golden Eagles, Booted Eagles and Saker Falcons are also frequently seen soaring over the dramatic peaks. This rugged mountain range also supports elusive species such as Rock Thrushes and Alpine Accentors.

Hotspot: The Vulture Feeding Station in Kotel provides an unforgettable opportunity to watch vultures gather in large numbers. The Central Balkan National Park is excellent for spotting a mix of woodland and high-altitude species.

6. Kerkini Lake, Greece

A paradise for waterbirds, Lake Kerkini in northern Greece is an artificial lake that has become one of Europe’s best wetland birding sites. It is famous for hosting Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, and a rich variety of herons, ducks and waders. In winter, thousands of Greater Flamingos add a splash of pink to the lake’s mirror-like waters.

Hotspot: The northern shore of the lake is ideal for spotting pelicans and waders, while the surrounding hills offer chances to see raptors. Winter is particularly spectacular, with thousands of waterfowl arriving from the north.

7. Axios Delta National Park, Greece

Also known as Axios–Loudias–Aliakmonas National Park, this coastal wetland near Thessaloniki is a crucial habitat for Flamingos, Spoonbills and Slender-billed Gulls. The mosaic of lagoons, salt flats, and mudflats makes it a fantastic location for shorebirds and wintering waterfowl.

Hotspot: The Kalochori Lagoon is one of the best places to see flamingos feeding in the shallow waters, and winter months bring spectacular gatherings of ducks and waders.

8. Doñana National Park, Spain

One of Europe’s most famous birding sites, Doñana National Park in southern Spain is a vast wetland complex supporting thousands of Greater Flamingos, Purple Swamphens, Marbled Teals and Spanish Imperial Eagles. It is a key stopover for migrating birds between Europe and Africa.

Hotspot: The El Rocío marshes offer spectacular birding at dawn, with countless waders, herons, and raptors hunting over the wetlands.

9. Hortobágy National Park, Hungary

Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park is the largest steppe (puszta) in Europe and a crucial site for Great Bustards, Red-footed Falcons and Aquatic Warblers. During migration, thousands of Common Cranes gather here in spectacular numbers.

Hotspot: The fishpond systems are great for seeing herons, egrets and waterfowl, while the open plains are best for bustards and falcons.

10. Camargue, France

Located in the Rhône Delta, the Camargue is a vast wetland famous for its flocks of Greater Flamingos. The area also supports a diverse range of herons, terns and shorebirds. The mix of marshes, lagoons, and salt flats makes it a stunning and productive birdwatching destination year-round.

Hotspot: Étang de Vaccarès is a prime location to see flamingos and a variety of waders in their natural habitat.

Final Thoughts

From dramatic mountain landscapes to coastal wetlands and remote islands, Europe offers incredible birdwatching opportunities for all levels of birders. Whether you’re after raptors, waterbirds, or rare steppe species, these top 10 birding destinations should be on your bucket list!

Do you have a favorite birding spot in Europe? Let us know!