The fishermen’s quarter of old Olhão is a warren of narrow, twisting streets where it is easy to become disoriented, a succession of square-sided white houses whose windows and parapets are edged with bands of grey and blue. Close by are moored the brightly coloured boats after their return from work at sea. The morning bustle of the market by the water’s edge and the outdoor terraces where you can while away the time create a fascinating kaleidoscope of sensations for people strolling through the city, something not easily forgotten.
The Ria Formosa
The South of Portugal may be best known for the impressive rural coastline, but once you have seen the Ria Formosa in the Algarve you will immediately fall in love with it.
The Ria Formosa is a lagoon that hugs the southern coast of Portugal over a length of 60 km from Faro all the way to Tavira. It is a natural park with picturesque white sandy beaches and serves as a protected habitat for a wide array of wildlife. It is a must-visit on every Algarve itinerary.
Nature lovers and bird spotters alike will love this region. It is not for nothing that it received an award as 1 of the 7 natural wonders of the country in 2010.
Here we share everything you need to know when you are planning a visit to this wonderful area.
The unique blend of natural and manmade environments attracts many different species of wildlife. Wildlife in the park includes birds such as flamingoes and waders, mammals including foxes and badgers, reptiles such as turtles and snakes, amphibians including frogs and newts, and insects such as dragonflies and beetles.
Many birds also come to winter in the Ria Formosa national park because of its mild climate.
The lagoon itself is protected by a belt of 5 barrier islands. These islands are genuine paradises for sunseekers as they have some of the best-unspoiled islands in the Algarve
