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Ria Formosa, Algarve, Portugal
A humid zone of international importance, the Ria Formosa estuary is a labyrinth of canals, islands, marshland and sandy beaches that extend 60 km along the Algarve coast between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota.
This diversity of eco-systems attracts a varied range of animal life including many bird species. One of the rarest species is the purple swamphen, the symbol of their Natural 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.
The best area for walking and hiking in the Ria Formosa has to be from Ilha de Faro to Quinta do Lago where circular walks can be undertaken crossing to the island by two bridges one at either end. The walk takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on how often you stop, but it is reasonably flat although the sand on the beach can be rather soft underfoot. A bus runs from opposite Faro Bus Station No.16 (Timetables are available from the Bus Station) via the airport to Ilha de Faro and Praia de Faro. Cost 2013 was €1.95 each way. Get off at the bus stop just past the end of the airport runway and retrace the way the bus came for 100 metres to the metal gates, ignore the sign on the gate it is a public footpath which runs westward parallel to the island on a raised causeway.
A humid zone of international importance, the Ria Formosa estuary is a labyrinth of canals, islands, marshland and sandy beaches that extend 60 km along the Algarve coast between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota.
This diversity of eco-systems attracts a varied range of animal life including many bird species. One of the rarest species is the purple swamphen, the symbol of their Natural 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.
The best area for walking and hiking in the Ria Formosa has to be from Ilha de Faro to Quinta do Lago where circular walks can be undertaken crossing to the island by two bridges one at either end. The walk takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on how often you stop, but it is reasonably flat although the sand on the beach can be rather soft underfoot. A bus runs from opposite Faro Bus Station No.16 (Timetables are available from the Bus Station) via the airport to Ilha de Faro and Praia de Faro. Cost 2013 was €1.95 each way. Get off at the bus stop just past the end of the airport runway and retrace the way the bus came for 100 metres to the metal gates, ignore the sign on the gate it is a public footpath which runs westward parallel to the island on a raised causeway.
Ria Formosa Fine Art Prints
Click on any image to view a larger photograph.
Ludo Nature Reserve
Naked Lady
Seagrass Sunset
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Ilha de Faro Sunset
Quinta do Lago The Wooden Bridge
Ilha de Faro High Key
Ilha de Faro A
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Snowfields Of Faro
Red Hot Aloes
Nature Reserve
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Naked Lady (Toned)
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15th Fairway
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Atlantic Pines
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Quinto do Lago
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Ilha de Faro 2
The North Face
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Salt Pans Of Ludo
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