Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
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The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa comprises an extensive lagoon area that follows 60 km (37 miles) of coastline between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo. Made up of sand dune islands, marshland, saltpans and shimmering freshwater lakes, the habitat is sanctuary for an astonishing assortment of flora and fauna, including birds such as the rare purple gallinule. The park headquarters at Quinta de Marim, 3 km (1.5 miles) east of Olhão, has a first-class visitor centre.
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1. São Lourenço Nature Trail
1. São Lourenço Nature TrailOne of the most rewarding introductions to the reserve is to follow the 3.2 km (1.8 mile) São Lourenço nature trail. It will bring you into close contact with two different types of wetland: the salt marshes and the freshwater lagoons.
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2. Quinta do Lago Nature Trail
2. Quinta do Lago Nature TrailA partly shady trail which highlights the flora of two widely differing ecosystems: woodland and marsh. The path wends past umbrella and maritime pines.
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3. Portuguese Water Dog Kennels
These busy kennels allow visitors to see and learn about the unique, web-footed Portuguese water dog (Animals of the Ria Formosa). The dog was bred back from near-extinction here.
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4. Freshwater Lagoons and Hides
4. Freshwater Lagoons and HidesThe freshwater lagoons provide vital refuge for nesting and migrating birds, and harbour a miscellany of aquatic mammals. The view from the observation hides brings this sparkling marine oasis into sharp focus.
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5. Coastal Conifer Woods
Coastal conifer woodland is sparse in the eastern Algarve, but where it occurs it provides an efficient means of coastal protection and adds to the diverse beauty of the terrain.
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6. Recuperation Centre for Birds
This innovative hospital for sick and injured birds has an area for visitors to observe the recuperating “patients”, which often include birds of prey, via closed-circuit TV.
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7. Tide Mill
7. Tide MillA late 13th-century invention, tide mills were once very common in the lagoon and river estuaries along the Portuguese coastline. Power was obtained by utilizing the change in water levels associated with shifting tides. The example on the Ria Formosa is the last of 30 that used to operate.
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8. Roman Salting Tanks
8. Roman Salting TanksFive Roman salting tanks can be explored near the freshwater lagoons. Dating from the 2nd century AD, they were once used for salting fish prior to their distribution all over Rome’s empire.
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9. Coastal Dunes
9. Coastal DunesThe sweeping tracts of sand guarding the mouth of the estuary constitute a fragile environment, partly held together by the vegetation that has colonized them.
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10. João Lucio’s House
10. João Lucio’s HouseJoão Lucio, 19th-century poet, lawyer and former mayor of Olhão, owned much of the land on which Quinta de Marim is now situated. His former villa, near the river’s edge, is now an environmental study centre.
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