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Europe Portugal Faro Do & See Ria Formosa Natural Park

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Ria Formosa Natural Park

The guide was updated: 2025-04-03

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Ria Formosa Natural Park Birdwatching Segway Tour from Faro

The Ria Formosa wetlands gained protected status in 1987, safeguarding this crucial breeding ground for wetland birds from tourism development. Thanks to this protection, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.

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Address: Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Largo do Carmo Apartado 129, Faro
Phone: +351 918 720 002
Email: info@formosamar.com

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Municipal Museum of Faro

Municipal Museum of Faro

The Faro Municipal Museum is home to the region's diverse archaeological finds. Set in a former monastery, it features gardens established in 1540 and two-storey cloisters at its center. Among the most remarkable items is a Roman floor mosaic from the 4th-century detailed with the head of the Roman god Neptune.

Faro Cathedral

Faro Cathedral

Rebuilt throughout the ages, the Faro Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria Cathedral, is now a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings. Its interior is equally rich, featuring a large organ from the 18th-century with Chinoiserie details.

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The full name of this church is a mouthful — the Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Monte do Carmo. It is the most popular of Faro's churches, not so much for its fantastically elaborate, gold-leaf laden, Baroque interior, but for its bone chapel, entirely decorated with monks' skeletons.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa wetlands gained protected status in 1987, safeguarding this crucial breeding ground for wetland birds from tourism development. Thanks to this protection, the entire coast from Faro to Cacela Velha was able to avoid any urbanisation. A boat trip to one of Faro’s islands is perhaps the best way to visit Ria Formosa.

Palace of Estoi & Roman Ruins of Milreu

Palace of Estoi & Roman Ruins of Milreu

The Palácio de Estói, situated in the town of Estói (just north of Faro) is a Rococo style private palace built in the second half of the 19th-century. This miniature version of the King’s palace in Queluz, on the outskirts of Lisbon, is surrounded by relaxing public gardens. In Milreu, just outside the palace, you will come across the Algarve Roman remains.

Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)

Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island)

At Deserta Island, also known as Ilha da Barretta, you have the rare opportunity to spend a day on an uninhabited island. Enjoy peaceful white-sand beaches with crystal blue water. Arrive either by boat or water taxi and do not forget to bring water. As there is only one restaurant on the island, it is also a good idea to bring a snack.

Algarve Stadium

Algarve Stadium

The Estádio Algarve was built for the 2004 European football championship, but that does not make it a football fanatics-only attraction. Here, you can see different sporting events year-round, so make sure to check if there is anything of interest during your visit.

Boat Trips in the Algarve

Boat Trips in the Algarve

Cruise the Ria Formosa waterways in the lovely and tranquil blue boats available to rent. It is a great way to see the area and to indulge in a bit of birdwatching. You also have the option of stopping at one of the beautiful beaches for a picnic, or just some sunbathing.

Sailing

Sailing

There are several companies offering day tours, as well as sailing lessons for adventurers wishing to master a new skill.

Kayaking

Kayaking

For many, kayaking is one of the highlights of their trip to Faro. Admire the flocks of beautiful flamingos and the stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean as you tread gentle waves. There are numerous places where you can rent kayaks along the coast.

Parque Aventura

Parque Aventura

Push your limits at Parque Aventura, an adventure park located a ten-minute walk away from Oura Beach. Jump from tree to tree with zip lines and rope bridges that vary in height and difficulty.

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade lies about an hour's drive from Faro. Its distinctive rock formations and grottos rise above clear waters, making it a popular sunset viewpoint. Several operators run boat tours for visitors wanting to explore the area from the sea.

Golf

Golf

Spectacular backdrops make for a memorable round of golf in the Algarve. Boasting an impressive number of golf courses — almost 40 — there is something for players of every skill level and taste.

Lagos Zoo

Lagos Zoo

Lagos Zoo is an extensive interactive zoo with animal species from all around the globe. It also features a recreation of the South African Boulders beach, with its own penguin population.

Vilamoura Marina

Vilamoura Marina

Stroll among the luxurious yachts in the Vilamoura Marina and enjoy the sea breeze before having a meal or a drink at one of the many cafés, pubs, or restaurants. The town of Vilamoura lies 30 minutes away from Faro, and is just perfect for a luxurious one-day escape.

Ludo Hiking Trail

Ludo Hiking Trail

Part of the natural park of Ria Formosa, Ludo offers various trails between 5 and 15 kilometres long. Ideal for walking, running or cycling, these trails take in unique views of the lagoons, marshlands, and palm trees. As well as this, wild birds are abundant — including flamingoes!

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