The Ria Formosa Natural Park stretches along about half of the eastern Algarve coast line and covers an area of over 18,000 hectares. The outer boundary is formed by a line of sand dune islands and peninsulas, which host the fabulous long golden sand beaches of the Park. These barrier islands protect a huge tidal lagoon, which is at its widest between Faro and Olhão and tapers to an end at Manta Rota. The lagoon is a system of salt marshes, tidal flats, islets and channels, which is home both to a great diversity of fauna and flora, and also to the important local industries of fishing, shellfish and fish farming, and salt production. It is cited in the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.
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The Ria Formosa with its physical diversity attracts a variety of life forms, which were able to adapt their needs to the food resources available and to the various degrees of salinity. Among the many species of birds one of the rarest is the purple swamp hen, or sultan chicken, the symbol of the Park that cannot be found in any other part of the country. Visitors who would like to admire the elegant plumage of this bird and learn everything about the protected area, should start their visit in the Marim Environmental Education Centre, that will indicate the most appropriate pedestrian trails and observatories where it is possible to spy on the day-to-day activities of the various species. The Park also organises various rides in a traditional boat that was formerly used for tuna fishing.
One of the most friendly species that can be found here is the Portuguese water dog. This is a long-haired dog, which helps fishermen in their work, by diving and catching fish caught in the nets.
Other traditional activities of the local population living in the estuary area include extraction of salt and gathering of shellfish and bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams, razor etc). These are then used with great skill and art in order to create delicious gastronomical specialities, such as fish soup or razor fish rice, that can be enjoyed calmly in the seaside restaurants.
All those who love the sun and sea, will encounter genuine paradises in the islands located in the Ria Formosa estuary. From west to east, we find the islands of Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Tavira, with extensive stretches of sand and relatively deserted. In order to round off the trip, it's well worth visiting Cacela Velha, a white town with a notable historical heritage. From the top of the fortress, there are spectacular views of the surroundings – mingling together the blue tones of the estuary, sea and sky.
The Ilha da Culatra - with the lighthouse at Farol - is one of the barrier-islands separating the sea from the estuary. Accessible only by the ferry service departing from Olhão, the beach is free of any motorised vehicles ensuring peace and tranquillity, and creating the perfect ambience for those seeking to rest on open sands bathed by a calm sea. The transparency of the waters here ensures visibility of around 15 metres, ideal for divers. In Culatra, a former fishing village, there are restaurants specialising in the famous razor clam rice or the caldeirada fish stews that so successfully combine the many types of fish that prosper in the waters here. |
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Olhão is a major port and actually the largest fishing port in the Algarve. It is full of character with Moorish-style houses, an influence from the commercial links with Africa. Although Olhão only really became a town of note in the 19th century, it was first mentioned in 1378, as a very small fishing settlement of a handful of people, living in huts on the beach. In 1679 the fortress of São Lourenço was built to defend the now much larger settlement, from pirates.The first stone building in Olhão was the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, built in 1698 with contributions from the fishermen. Olhão is still very much a working port today. It is well worth a visit, to stay for a few days or a weekend, to go to the market, the excellent fish restaurants and the riverside gardens. One can sit outside a jazz cafe watching the boats, people cycling around and local people going about their day.
Cacela is a small place located 2 km inland between Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António. Peaceful and enchanting, the town is mostly popular for its close proximity to some of the best beaches in the region. Vila Nova de Cacela's seaside extension of Praia de Alagoa is a sleepy haven of sun beds, parasols, beach bars and kiosks. Praia Verde nearby is set in an attractive wooded hillside topped by a panoramic lookout post. The adjacent beach area of Praia de Manta Rota forms part of a sweep of golden sand that arches from Vila Real de Santo António to the tip of Praia de Cabanas. The old town of Cacela, Cacela Velha, is an old fishing village perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the sea; the historic centre features a church with a fine Renaissance door and a small fort dating from 1143. Spared any modern development, Cacela Velha is one of the best-preserved seaside villages in the Algarve. |
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Tavira is a beautifully elegant town and almost surreal in aspects. This unique Algarve fishing town has a popular indoor market, selling olives, fresh fruit, nuts, fish and lots of other fresh produce. There is a beautiful stretch along the Gilão River, with gardens, cafes and restaurants, where to sit, relax and be enchanted by the bobbing fishing boats on the water. The Roman bridge spans the river with low arches and creates gentle reflections on the water.
There are around 20 churches. 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia is one of the finest with its blue and white azulejos, magnificent carvings and scenes from the life of Christ. A cobbled alley in the main square, Praça da República, leads to the Castelo, a fort dating back to the 13th century where you can see right across Tavira from the walls. Many visitors also come to Tavira to go to its island beach, Ilha de Tavira, a 14km long offshore sandspit. Ferries cross from the town centre throughout the summer.
Magnificent in its boundless sandy expanse and for the excellent temperatures of its calm waters, Barril Beach is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
In order to reach this paradise, you have to cross the little bridge over the Estuary and then take the train departing from nearby Pedras d'El Rei Tourist Village, or alternatively take the ferryboat that provides regular service from Ilha de Tavira throughout the summer.
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St Luzia is a small fishing village 3 km from Tavira famous for its saltpans, and for octopus. The octopus fishing fleet sets out to haul the thousands of pots which are used to lure the unlucky cephalopods. The main street is the waterfront, which is an ever-changing panorama of tides and boats and light, and in summer, a never ending cat walk of people. Behind the waterfront the old town of square houses sits squashed together in its narrow streets. Behind this a new area of holiday apartments has mushroomed in the last few years. From the waterfront the "Safari Boat" sails to the Teira Estreita
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