Parque Natural da Ria Formosa description and photos - Portugal: Algarve (Topic)

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa description and photos - Portugal: Algarve. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.

Photos and descriptions

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a nature reserve along the eastern coastline of the Algarve, a favorite destination for those who like to enjoy the picturesque natural scenery.

Ria Formosa is a series of peninsulas and sandy islands that encircle a large lagoon, 60 km long. In 1755, Portugal was hit by a strong oceanic earthquake, which formed a lagoon. Until now, the island's sand dunes are formed by the tides. In the mid-1980s, Ria Formosa became a protected area, and in 1987 Ria Formosa was given the status of a natural park.

The natural park is famous for the beautiful and secluded islands such as Barretta, Coulatra, Armona and Tavira. The sandy beaches of each island form a boundary and protect the shallow and warm waters of the lagoon from ocean invasion. Mussels and oysters are bred here. During low tide, when the water leaves, the places where the mollusks are found open up and the owners of the farms take advantage of this.

The islands can also be reached by ship, which departs regularly from the coastal cities of Tavira, Faro and Olhao. Each such coastal town has many cafes and restaurants offering seafood.

Sea salt is mined on the Ria Formosa. If desired, you can organize a tour of the dunes and salt marshes of the park.

The park has recently launched a project to breed Portuguese divers, a fairly rare breed of dog. The breed was specially bred to help fishermen in their fishing. They can swim, dive, and even jump out of the water and jump into the boat. They also helped pull the nets ashore, and their help is invaluable in rescuing drowning people.

In 2010, the estuary of the Ria Formosa and the natural park of the same name were included in the list of Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.

We also recommend reading Fortress of St. George (Castelo de S. Jorge) description and photos - Portugal: Lisbon

Topic: Parque Natural da Ria Formosa description and photos - Portugal: Algarve.