Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ria Formosa Natural Park which includes a sunset and general coastal views
Ria Formosa Natural Park showing general coastal views and boating
Ria Formosa Natural Park showing general coastal views and a beach
Ria Formosa Natural Park showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
Ria Formosa Natural Park which includes general coastal views


Discover one of Portugal’s natural wonders by bike, boat, kayak or on foot and find barrier islands and snaking waterways that provide a haven for flora and fauna.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a large reserve on the Algarve coast that stretches between Garrão Beach and Manta Rota. With its intricate system of wetlands, canals, marshlands and beaches, the nature reserve shelters a vast diversity of coastal plants and animals. Explore this 37-mile (60-kilometer) stretch of landscape by boat or kayak. Join a guided walking tour and learn about the local fishing traditions that continue amid the resource-rich wetlands.

A good place to start your exploration of the park is by visiting the Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim (Environmental Education Center of Marim). This information center gives an insight into the park’s fascinating ecosystems and gives details on a range of hiking trails and viewing areas. Pick a trail or join a tour and begin your journey through the pristine park.

Birdwatchers will love exploring the hotspots in this protected site. You might see flamingos and purple swamp hens among the 20,000 birds that spend the winter period in this important migratory area. Join a boat tour and learn about the traditional fishing customs still practiced in this region. Mussels, oysters and razor clams are hauled in daily, with the aid of the Portuguese water dog.

If you are traveling by water, you can explore some of the park’s pristine islands. Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Tavira islands have rolling sand dunes and stunning Atlantic coastlines. Tavira Island is renowned for its lifeguard-patrolled swimming beaches.

Check out the park’s historic landmarks, such as the fortress at Cacela Velha, Forte do Rato and Forte de São João de Barra. Go to the towns, such as Faro, Olhão and Tavira, surrounding the park to find tasty local fare in waterfront restaurants.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is located on the coastline of the Algarve region. The largest nearby towns are Tavira and Faro. Visit during fall and winter for the best wildlife encounters or visit in summer to relax on the beach.

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Reviews of Ria Formosa Natural Park

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
78
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
42
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Lots of biting sand flies.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

B&B Hotel Olhao Algarve

B&B Hotel Olhao Algarve

3 out of 5
Av D Joao VI 100, Olhao, Faro District
B&B Hotel Olhao Algarve
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34, Olhao, Faro
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
Bela Ria

Bela Ria

2.5 out of 5
Avenida D Joao VI, 177, Olhao, Faro
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Real Marina Hotel & Spa

Real Marina Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Av. 5 de Outubro, 1, Olhao
Real Marina Hotel & Spa
Hotel Cidade de Olhão

Hotel Cidade de Olhão

3 out of 5
Rua General Humberto Delgado, 33, Olhao
Hotel Cidade de Olhão
Ohana

Ohana

3 out of 5
Urbanização Cale 24, Olhao, Faro
Ohana
Real Marina Residence

Real Marina Residence

4 out of 5
Avenida 5 de Outubro 2, Olhao
Real Marina Residence
Casa Rosa Villa

Casa Rosa Villa

3 out of 5
Av. da República, 27, Olhao, Faro
Casa Rosa Villa
Pension Bicuar

Pension Bicuar

3 out of 5
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Pension Bicuar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ria Formosa Natural Park offers a range of delightful activities, including scenic boat rides and relaxing spa experiences. Enjoy beautiful walks along the best trails, or explore the area on a bike ride. Additionally, nearby Albufeira provides numerous engaging activities, ensuring a memorable visit to this stunning natural park.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Olhão Municipal Market, just 4.8km from Ria Formosa Natural Park, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Similarly, Faro Municipal Market and Modelo Supermarket, both 4.8km away, provide a delightful mix of entertainment and local goods.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Algarve Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning scenery at San Lorenzo Golf Club, or relax at the Municipal Swimming Pool, which offers a family-friendly environment for a refreshing swim and leisurely day out.

Adventure

Aqua Show Park, located 19.3km from Ria Formosa Natural Park, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere. For underwater excitement, visit Hidroespaco, situated 4.8km away, where you can indulge in exhilarating underwater sports. Experience the adrenaline of Karting Almancil, 17.7km away, for a fun-filled karting adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife with a visit to A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve, where culture and romance blend beautifully. For a thrilling adventure, explore Paintarena Portugal, offering an exciting arcade experience. Don't miss the Faro Municipal Theater for enchanting performances that entertain the whole family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ria Formosa Natural Park offers a delightful mix of attractions for all types of visitors, including beautiful beaches, charming churches, and vibrant marinas. Whether you're seeking a cultural experience, a relaxing day by the sea, or an engaging city atmosphere, you'll find plenty to explore in and around this stunning park. It's a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and local heritage.

  • Faro Island Beach: Located 8.0km from Ria Formosa Natural Park, Faro Island Beach offers stunning seaside beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. With golden sands and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying beach vibes.
  • Faro Marina: Situated 4.8km away, Faro Marina is a hub of outdoor adventure. Engage in various water sports, take boat trips, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the vibrant beach vibes.
  • Old Town Square: Also 4.8km from the park, Old Town Square is rich in culture and history. Surrounded by charming architecture, it’s perfect for exploring local shops, cafes, and experiencing the city vibes.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ria Formosa Natural Park

When planning your visit to Ria Formosa Natural Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay. Utilise public transport to save on travel costs, and explore the park's free activities, such as walking trails and birdwatching. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Ria Formosa Natural Park is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Ria Formosa Natural Park are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ria Formosa Natural Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ria Formosa Natural Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Ria Formosa Natural Park is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable options and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Ria Formosa Natural Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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