Visit Ria Formosa, the original Algarve lagoon

Are you in the Algarve region of Portugal and want to discover one of its natural beauties? Go to Ria Formosa and discover our dedicated article!

Located south of Portugal, in the Algarve region, the Ria Formosa is one of these wonders of nature that you like to admire.

Natural park and protected for several decades, Ria Formosa enjoys a fabulous biodiversity, including an ideal place to observe migratory birds.

An important economic source for Algarve and Portugal, there are farms of crustaceans and seafood, which has helped to develop local cuisine. It is also a place of high tourist importance for the region, which is not a surprise in view of the beauty and landscapes of the lagoon.

The purpose of this article is to give all the information necessary to visit the Ria Formosa and original tour ideas.

Ria Formosa, a protected natural park and an important economic zone

Created in 1987, for an area of 18,400 hectares, the natural park of the Ria Formosa is a lagoon composed of six islands extending over 60 kilometres long , from Garrão to Manta Rota, south of Portugal. From west to east, there is the island of Faro which is the only artificial one, the island of Barreta, the island of Culatra, the island of Armona, the island of Tavira and the island of Cabanas.

The ecosystem of this wetland is protected and very diverse. This includes a protected and breeding nature reserve for endangered migratory birds. Among the other emblematic animals of the Ria Formosa, here are the Portuguese water dog, the only European chameleon and the sultane pupil, a black bird that is the emblem of the national park.

Ria Formosa specializes in the extraction of salt and the breeding of crustaceans (ostreiculture, conchyliculture, palourdes, knives...). Apart from tourism revenues, these specializations allowed the Ria Formosa to be the Algarve’s main economic zone .

The Ria Formosa, a discovery of Algarve’s riches

Visiting the Ria Formosa is discovering one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, some even say of Europe. View of the sky, the lagoon is separated from the sea by several dunes and an estuary, itself composed of labyrinths of canals, islands and sandy beaches. A geological complexity in which you can easily navigate, the sublime panorama and the dream beaches.

On site, we rediscover the joys of nature. Each island has its peculiarities and each one will find its account between those preferring the beach, nature, party or a quasi-desert place. It is even possible to hike by the sea.

The Ria Formosa finally showcases local specialties. You can visit a culture of oysters, discover a renowned restaurant to taste the famous fish soup of the region, walk in a traditional fishing village or pre-fill on a virgin beach of any human activity.

In summary: unforgettable moments to live for all those who will taste the happiness of the Ria Formosa! What if it was your turn?

What to see and what to do at the Ria Formosa?

Visiting the Ria Formosa is the opportunity to discover six islands quite different from each other. Let us quickly present the essentials of each island, from west to east.

The island of Faro is the lively place of the Ria Formosa. It is the ideal island to eat by discovering the region’s culinary specialties, staying and enjoying the beach. The island has the most beautiful beach of the Ria Formosa, the Quinta do Lago .

The island of Barreta is nicknamed the desert island (Deserta) by the premises. Long 8 kilometers, it’s a idyllic location , calm and conducive to rest, where only the beach, sand and ocean are on the horizon. Deserta also houses the Cabo de Santa Maria , southernmost point of all Portugal , easily recognizable to wood panels mentioning it.

If you wish to discover traditional fishing villages , destination Culatra Island Another immanquable of the Ria Formosa. It shelters Culatra , traditional fishing village the most authentic of the region, and Hangares with its important oyster culture that you can visit.

9 kilometers long, Island of Armona is the between two of Barreta the desert and Culatra the living. There are two beaches (Praia de Fuseta, Praia de Ilha de Fuseta), a campsite and accommodation for visitors.

Tavira Island is also an island not to be missed, with its tuna anchor cemetery aligned to the sand. Tavira is also the only island in Ria Formosa where you will find real trees and a small train to get around.

I mean, Island of Cabanas is made for those who want peace and time in front of them. Here, just a restaurant and amenities close to the island’s only beach for a day in peace.

How to visit the Ria Formosa?

Boat tour with dolphin observation

This excursion offers you to evade the time of a day to discover the richness of the biodiversity of the Ria Formosa.

The starting point is at the Cais da Porta Nova , located close to the old town Faro . Accompanied by a guide, you board a small motor boat to explore the surroundings for about 9 a.m. . Once you leave, you will have the joy of being, both close to the coast and in the middle of the ocean throughout this day.

The first step is the discovery of a magnificent place between the Faro and Barreta islands, where the Ria Formosa flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Then, as you walk away from a few tens of meters, you will have the chance to see some dolphins in their natural habitat ! For many, it is the unforgettable moment of the day, a dream of a child that is realized. Yet, the day is far from over.

Your skipper then takes you to the island of Faro for a short stop and a lunch of local specialities on the island of Culatra. After lunch, a visit to Hangares' oyster zone is organized. After Culatra, direction Deserta for a long stop with the possibility, if the weather is ready, to stay at the beach and practicing snorkeling !

The return is made by the same path, to enjoy once again the beauty of the places and the horizon. Back in Faro, after this long day at sea, you will remember the unforgettable moments offered by this ticket at the Ria Formosa.

Boat trip to observe birds

Migratory birds are an integral part of the Ria Formosa. This excursion allows you to go and observe them in their natural environment!

The departure is from Faro, with as a meeting place the Ginásio Clube Naval , located in the marina of Faro. For 2 hours , you go to discover the biodiversity and riches of the Ria Formosa. The first stop is on the island of Faro, an ideal place to observe birds. Then, towards a beach, the Praia de Faro Este, a deserted and idyllic beach for a swim if the envy takes you!

The adventure continues on the island of Culatra and the village of Olhão, passing between the islands to ideally observe biodiversity. Finally, the boat takes the direction of Faro through the canals, to complete your getaway while enjoying the natural beauty of the place.

Boat ride to admire the sunset

The departure is at the end of the day from Faro, with as a meeting place Ginásio Clube Naval . Your skipper takes you to the boat, which has the particularity of working with solar energy. Once on board, take care of the natural environment of the lagoon. You can then enjoy your escapade in silence to admire the magnificent panorama of the Ria Formosa, Faro and the ocean in the distance.

Your skipper passes through the natural canals between the islands, to immerse themselves in the best of the places and admire them as close as possible. The point of pride of this excursion is the chance of being able watch the sublime sunset From the best place possible. Then you'll be at the first lodges!

If you are lucky, you will also have the opportunity to observe migratory birds in a place where they are protected. Once the sun goes down, back to the Faro marina where you will have all the leisure to enjoy your evening.

How to access the Ria Formosa?

The first step to visit the Ria Formosa is to go to the Algarve region where the largest city is Faro.

By plane

Airport Faro is located just a few kilometers from the Ria Formosa. This is the ideal landing place. In addition, during the high season, there are direct flights from many French cities: Paris , which is served all year round, Lyon , Nantes , Bordeaux , Marseille , Nice and Toulouse . As much as you have the embarrassment of choice!

Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination.

By train

If the Ria Formosa is part of a longer stay in Portugal and you are already in Portugal Lisbon , getting there by train can be an excellent idea.

Faro is located in 3 hours train Lisbon, for a cost less than 25€ . The trains are quite modern, so you should not hesitate to try the rail adventure.

By boat

To visit the Ria Formosa, the boat is an option quasi-mandatory .

If you are in Faro and your visit starts with the island of Faro, it is accessible by car or by foot.

From Faro, all islands are accessible by ferry except Cabanas. From the village of Olhão, it is possible to reach the islands of Culatra and Armona. For Tavira and Cabanas, they are more easily accessible from the villages of Tavira and Cabanas! It is indeed the villages that gave their name to the two islands.

No matter where you go, there is always the ferry option and the private boat option. The first is very economic (less than 2€ per trip) and longer ; the second is more expensive but faster and accompanied by a guide.

Are there combined visits?

As described above, there are visits combined with Ria Formosa, including biodiversity observation.

The other option offered is to visit the pretty old town of Faro.

The right addresses

Loger

In terms of accommodation, there are several options available to travellers.

Ria Formosa

It is of course possible to stay directly on one of the islands, especially if you wish to stay for several days. Hotels, apartments, campsites... You have the embarrassment of choice! It will be carried mainly between a quiet place (island of Cabanas for example) or more lively (island of Faro).

Many housing Airbnb are available and you will necessarily find your happiness there! Otherwise, you can call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

Faro

Faro is the ideal place for many. It is the city of the airport and often the starting point to visit the Ria Formosa. Here are two accommodations selected by Wanderlix.

1. Family and modern apartment in the city centre

This inimitable style apartment is a real heart attack! We love the decoration of the accommodation and its small wooden staircase. Everything is sublime, well equipped, well arranged and modern. An ideal drop point for a family or group of friends.

2. Large balcony apartment in the city centre

Those looking for a luxury look can go to this apartment with closed eyes. It is indeed very bright, with a huge balcony to enjoy the sun. And this rare pearl, perfect for four people, is financially very affordable!

Restaurants

If you are in Faro, the restaurant Ria Formosa , which is part of Hotel Faro, offers quality cuisine based on fresh and refined products. The restaurant has a terrace and the view is magnificent. The service is also of quality and some staff speak French.

Restaurants O Castelo and Faz Gostos , located near the port, are also one of the most famous.

The spots

Deserta , with her Cabo de Santa Maria , is unique for its landscape where there is nothing on the horizon apart from sand and water. A magical place, perfect for meditating. In a word, the Ria Formosa spot!

Located close to the airport, on the island of Faro, the Ludo trail, called Ludo Trail , is ideal for enjoying the pleasures of hiking and observing biodiversity, including migratory birds.