The Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon system that stretches along the eastern Algarve coast, from near Faro to Cacela Velha. It’s a world of channels, salt marshes, sandbanks and barrier islands, full of birdlife, shellfish beds and empty beaches. Here’s how to explore it.

Quick answer: take a boat tour from Faro or Olhão through the channels to the islands, or a ferry to Ilha Deserta, Culatra, Armona or Ilha de Tavira. Look for flamingos, herons and spoonbills, and try local clams and oysters. See Ria Formosa tours.

Things to do

• Boat tours: birdwatching and island-hopping trips. See the best boat trips.
• Island beaches: see Ilha Deserta and Olhão’s islands.
• Birdwatching: flamingos, storks and waders, especially in autumn and winter. See wildlife in Portugal.
• Kayaking and SUP on the calm channels.
• Walking trails: marked paths around the lagoon, including near Quinta do Lago and Olhão.
• Shellfish: clams and oysters farmed in the lagoon. See the seafood guide.

Bases

• Faro: see Faro.
• Olhão: see Olhão.
• Tavira: see where to stay in Tavira.

Tips

• Tides: they shape the lagoon, so boat schedules follow them.
• Sun: little shade on the islands.
• Protected area: stay on paths and don’t disturb wildlife.

More: the eastern Algarve and east vs west Algarve.

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