Ria Formosa Natural Park

Nature, Algarve News

The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon system stretching 60 kilometres along the coast from Faro to Cacela Velha. The park encompasses barrier islands, salt marshes, tidal flats, and channels that support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, including flamingos, spoonbills, and the rare purple gallinule. The barrier islands of Barreta, Culatra, Armona, and Tavira offer beaches accessible only by boat. The park is one of the most important wetland habitats in southern Europe and a critical stopover for migratory birds. Visitor centres at Quinta de Marim near Olhao provide walking trails and educational displays.