Ria
Formosa
(map)
“Ria Formosa", a nature reserve since 1987, located between Faro and Olhão, extends about 50km to the very east in Manta Rota.
Ria Formosa is the result of the latest big seaquake of 1755. Between the rough Atlantic sea and the Ria Formosa are six outlying islands which protect the nature reserve.
The landscape is characterized by the lagoon. The tide steadily alters its extent. It is one of the best places to observe the difference between low and high tide; sometimes the “Ria Formosa" seems to be a very large lake and hours later, some tiny islands become visible and a labyrinth of many channels appears; ideal conditions for crustaceans and thousands of birds. This ecosystem of the “Ria Formosa" is unique in the Algarve, it is a paradise for ornithologists and people from all parts of the globe are visiting this region in particular. Not surprisingly, it attracts many birdwatchers with their binoculars and reference books in their hands.
Many birds and animals stay here all through the year, others only during the winter months, to breed or to pause for a little while. The lagoon is their drinking bowl before crossing the wide sea.
The tidal flat lands are very fertile; some years ago the area around “Ria Formosa" was dominated by salt production and salt farmers, today they breed oysters and clams. They do still exist, the high glittering while hills, the “gold” of the Algarve, salt and “flor de sal”. Working in the salt production is exclusively for men who don’t mind hard physical labour - it is very strenuous!
“Ria Formosa" is the best counter argument against high rise giant hotel resorts and mass tourism – it is a place to preserve and protect for its authenticity and the character of that lovely landscape!
A great place for the individual traveller who likes to visit and tread carefully and respectfully, so that nature will stay intact and say thank you!
It is a great advantage for the outlying islands of Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Ilha de Tavira that the only way to get there is via ferry boat or Ria taxi. Even during the peak season, please walk on a little further than the Portuguese would normally do; you will be almost alone, if that is what you like.
”Ilha de Faro” is busier in terms of visitors and traffic because you have to cross the bridge that connects the island with the city and airport of Faro and stop for cars.
Ferries go from: Olhão, Faro, Fuseta, Tavira or Cabanas.
For further information on the “Ria Formosa”, please click here:
“Quinta de Marim/Ecoteca”
