Once dismissed as a pastime for retirees with sturdy boots and a thermos, birdwatching has become one of the most dynamic niches in European travel. Booking platforms and tour operators are reporting double-digit growth in birding-related trips, and industry analysts now point to 2027 as the year the hobby truly takes flight.
GetYourGuide, the Berlin-based experiences platform, included birdwatching in its Hidden Trends List for 2026, noting the viral rise of #BirdTok on social media. The company's own data shows a 65% year-on-year increase in global bookings for birdwatching experiences between January and August 2026. Anne Wallin, GetYourGuide's global trends and experiences expert, said the category has "flown well beyond being a 'Hidden Trend'." She added: "It's growing in popularity every month as travellers rediscover ways to connect with nature and disconnect from the daily hustle—whether that's among a flamboyance of flamingos in southern France or spotting rare sightings in your own city."
French travel group Voyageurs du Monde goes further. In its trends report, the company declares that we are "heading into the birdwatching era" and that 2027 is "set to be the year of birdwatching." Bookings for birding holidays between July and October 2026 were 57% higher than in the first six months of the year. Tom Barber, chief brand officer, told Euronews Travel: "Rather than asking our clients where they want to go, we ask what fascinates them? And what we've increasingly found is a growing interest in birdwatching holidays." He added: "In an industry where slow travel is here to stay, and in a world where so much of life happens at speed and through a screen, there's something wonderfully simple about stepping outside with a pair of binoculars and seeing what you can spot."
Where to go birding in Europe
For those planning a 2027 birding trip, Europe offers a remarkable diversity of habitats and species. Barber recommends two destinations for beginners: the Danube Delta in eastern Romania and northeastern Greece. "The vast wetlands and waterways here constitute some of the most important wetlands in the world, home to over 300 species of birds, including huge concentrations of breeding and migrating flocks," he said of the Danube Delta. For Greece, he noted that the region "is along a key migration flyway and is home to a diverse blend of wetlands and forests." He advises travelling in the shoulder season—quieter overall, but excellent for birdwatching around the lakes.
Portugal is another standout, according to birder Cindy Brzostowski, writing on GetYourGuide's The Explorer. "With its long Atlantic coastline and position along the East Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route stretching from the Arctic to Southern Africa, Portugal is a top destination for scouting seabirds," she said. The Azores and Madeira are prime territory as well. For puffin enthusiasts, Iceland is unbeatable: the Westman Islands off the south coast host the world's largest colonies.
A recent ranking by AllClear Travel of the world's 20 best birdwatching destinations placed two European sites on the list. Falsterbo Peninsula on Sweden's southwestern tip came in 19th globally and first in Europe, described as a "hotspot for birders." England's Titchwell Marsh on the north Norfolk coast ranked 20th. The study weighed factors such as recorded species, weather, airport proximity, and daily travel costs.
Europe's top 15 birdwatching destinations, according to AllClear, include:
- Falsterbo Peninsula, Sweden
- Titchwell Marsh, England
- Fair Isle, Scotland
- Kalloni Saltpans, Lesvos, Greece
- Minsmere, England
- Lake Kerkini National Park, Greece
- Rutland Water, England
- Slimbridge Wetland Centre, England
- Bowling Green Marsh, England
- Ria Formosa Natural Park, Portugal
- Camargue, France
- Ebro Delta, Spain
- Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
- Monfragüe National Park, Spain
- Loch Gruinart, Scotland
The rise of birdwatching fits neatly into broader travel trends. As travellers increasingly choose to do less and embrace slower, more mindful holidays, birding offers a low-tech, high-reward experience. It also aligns with the growing interest in nature-first wellness, a theme highlighted in Hilton's 2027 forecast. And for those concerned about the environmental impact of travel, birdwatching is a relatively low-carbon activity that supports conservation efforts in many European wetlands and national parks.
Whether you're a seasoned lister or a curious beginner, 2027 promises to be a banner year for birding in Europe. From the flamingos of the Camargue to the puffins of Iceland, the continent's skies and shores are waiting.
