Faro e a Ria Formosa: um guia de Bárbara
Parque Natural
Located in the Algarve, Ria Formosa is a Nature Park since 1987.
It’s the largest wetland in the south of Portugal and covers almost 18,400 hectares formed by a spectacular 60 km (38 miles) long system of sand-dune islands - 2 peninsulas (Ancão and Cacela), 5 barrier islands (Barreta also known as Ilha Deserta, Ilha da Culatra, Ilha da Armona, Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas) and several stretches of salt-marshes.
The Ria Formosa Nature Park covers a huge variety of habitats organized in mosaics like sand-dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats, islets, salt pans, fresh water marshes and ponds, pine woods and agriculture fields.
It is one of the most precious treasures of the Algarve's ecosystem bursting with wildlife to discover. Reflecting its importance, Ria Formosa is also classified as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and as Special Protection Area, and is included in the Site of Community Importance Ria Formosa-Castro Marim (Natura 2000 Network).
The area is vital for birds, specially for waterfowl mainly because it's a wintering ground for birds from northern and central Europe, particularly for several duck species and many waders. It's also a stop-over point in the migration routes between Europe and Africa and it provides shelter for rare species in Portugal like the purple gallinule which was chosen as the symbol of the nature park.
The importance of this area is not limited to birdlife. The sand dunes and the salt marshes display a rich a unique vegetation specially adapted to these harsh environments. The lagoon is a nursery area for many species of fish that spend their early stages of development in the shallow waters of the lagoon.
Shellfish farming occupies more than 1000 ha and is responsible for nearly 80% of the Portuguese clam exports.
A resident population of 7.500 lives inside the park boundaries, but in summer these figures can triple. The resident population works mainly in activities related to the lagoon like fishing, fish and shellfish farming and salt extraction.
Classified as a Nature Reserve in the 70s, this protection status was elevated to a Natural Park in 1987 because of the increased need of regulation of tourism and urban pressure as well as due to the need of planning the surrounding territory.
This beautiful Nature Park is a must-see during your holiday in Algarve.
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Ria Formosa
Located in the Algarve, Ria Formosa is a Nature Park since 1987.
It’s the largest wetland in the south of Portugal and covers almost 18,400 hectares formed by a spectacular 60 km (38 miles) long system of sand-dune islands - 2 peninsulas (Ancão and Cacela), 5 barrier islands (Barreta also known as Ilha Deserta, Ilha da Culatra, Ilha da Armona, Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Cabanas) and several stretches of salt-marshes.
The Ria Formosa Nature Park covers a huge variety of habitats organized in mosaics like sand-dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats, islets, salt pans, fresh water marshes and ponds, pine woods and agriculture fields.
It is one of the most precious treasures of the Algarve's ecosystem bursting with wildlife to discover. Reflecting its importance, Ria Formosa is also classified as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) and as Special Protection Area, and is included in the Site of Community Importance Ria Formosa-Castro Marim (Natura 2000 Network).
The area is vital for birds, specially for waterfowl mainly because it's a wintering ground for birds from northern and central Europe, particularly for several duck species and many waders. It's also a stop-over point in the migration routes between Europe and Africa and it provides shelter for rare species in Portugal like the purple gallinule which was chosen as the symbol of the nature park.
The importance of this area is not limited to birdlife. The sand dunes and the salt marshes display a rich a unique vegetation specially adapted to these harsh environments. The lagoon is a nursery area for many species of fish that spend their early stages of development in the shallow waters of the lagoon.
Shellfish farming occupies more than 1000 ha and is responsible for nearly 80% of the Portuguese clam exports.
A resident population of 7.500 lives inside the park boundaries, but in summer these figures can triple. The resident population works mainly in activities related to the lagoon like fishing, fish and shellfish farming and salt extraction.
Classified as a Nature Reserve in the 70s, this protection status was elevated to a Natural Park in 1987 because of the increased need of regulation of tourism and urban pressure as well as due to the need of planning the surrounding territory.
This beautiful Nature Park is a must-see during your holiday in Algarve.
View of Ria Formosa from the top of the Cathedral of Faro
The Cathedral, in the church of Santa Maria, is located in the Old Town of Faro. Make sure to climb all the steps up the bell tower for one the must-see points in Faro.
For those who are not residents, you have to pay the entrance fee, but this visit to the bell tower is a not to miss in the Algarve with a spectacular view of Faro and the Ria Formosa.
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Farų katedra
11 Largo da SéView of Ria Formosa from the top of the Cathedral of Faro
The Cathedral, in the church of Santa Maria, is located in the Old Town of Faro. Make sure to climb all the steps up the bell tower for one the must-see points in Faro.
For those who are not residents, you have to pay the entrance fee, but this visit to the bell tower is a not to miss in the Algarve with a spectacular view of Faro and the Ria Formosa.
Cacela Velha is an unspoiled village on a low cliff facing the lagoon. Located in the easternmost area of Ria Formosa, this whitewashed village is a reminder of how the Algarve must have looked half a century ago. Take your time to enjoy the exhilarating views from the clifftop of the picturesque Cacela Velha.
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Cacela Velha
Cacela Velha is an unspoiled village on a low cliff facing the lagoon. Located in the easternmost area of Ria Formosa, this whitewashed village is a reminder of how the Algarve must have looked half a century ago. Take your time to enjoy the exhilarating views from the clifftop of the picturesque Cacela Velha.
The floating platform on the dockside, designed for the mooring of boats is one of the best places in Faro to enjoy the sunset in Ria Formosa.
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Faro Marina
15 Praça Dom Francisco GomesThe floating platform on the dockside, designed for the mooring of boats is one of the best places in Faro to enjoy the sunset in Ria Formosa.
The lighthouse of Cape of St. Mary is a lighthouse with 47 meters located in Farol on the island of Culatra. The view from its top is breathtaking.
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Farol salos
119 R. das FloresThe lighthouse of Cape of St. Mary is a lighthouse with 47 meters located in Farol on the island of Culatra. The view from its top is breathtaking.
Barril is an idyllic beach in the Algarve located on the island of Tavira, known for its anchors cemetery. It was once home to a small tuna fishing community. Lining the sand dunes of the beach are the anchors that were once used by the tuna fishing fleet and this unique rusting memorial is known as the anchor cemetery.
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Praia do Barril
Barril is an idyllic beach in the Algarve located on the island of Tavira, known for its anchors cemetery. It was once home to a small tuna fishing community. Lining the sand dunes of the beach are the anchors that were once used by the tuna fishing fleet and this unique rusting memorial is known as the anchor cemetery.
Passeio turístico
Tavira is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the Algarve. From the city limits you can admire its beaches separated by the coastal lagoon of Ria Formosa and orchards covered hills.
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Tavira
Tavira is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in the Algarve. From the city limits you can admire its beaches separated by the coastal lagoon of Ria Formosa and orchards covered hills.