Considered one of the most beautiful parks in the Algarve, the Ria Formosa Nature Park is 60 km long and covers an area of more than 18,400 hectares.
It consists of a line of dunes that runs parallel to the coast, with five sandy islands (Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas) and adjacent saltpans.
This is considered a wetland area of international importance and is a protected reserve due to the aquatic birds that live here. It is also classed as a special protection area, among other names.
You will find many pretty salt- or freshwater beaches with idyllic views on the islands formed by the Ria Formosa Nature Park; Barril and Praia do Farol are just two of them.
This park is home to more than 600 species of plants, 300 species of molluscs, 80 species of fish, 15 species of reptiles, 200 species of birds, 20 species of mammals and 8 species of arachnids. The purple swamp-hen and the chameleon are the park’s most emblematic creatures.
And there is much more to discover in this protected area. Go on a guided walk, go cycling or kayaking, or take a boat trip and become better acquainted with this paradise in the Algarve.
For more information visit the Passeios Ria Formosa website
